Explore careers, earn money, and gain experience through North America's largest co-op (paid internship) program.
As a co-op student, you’ll typically alternate between four months in school and four months as a full-time employee of the organization you're working for.
Open to Canadian and international students, Waterloo's co-op program is an amazing way to learn to successfully interview for jobs, see how your degree relates to real-life problems, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!
8,000+ employers
- Access North America's largest selection of co-op jobs and experiences for university students.
- More employers means more choice for you.
- Make money to help pay for school – and gain experience at the same time!
- Choose to work in Canada or internationally.
Earn while you learn
- Our students typically make between $9,600 and $22,500 per four-month work term in Canada.
- You'll have between four to six co-op work terms.
- Waterloo students typically have smaller student loans and are more successful at paying them back.
Explore careers
- Use your co-op terms to try different careers. See what you're good at and what you love to do.
- Learn to ace job interviews and make contacts before you start your career!
Waterloo is Canada's leader in co-op and experiential learning
Waterloo students are 4X more likely to do an internship, co-op, field experience, or clinical placement in their first year than first-year students at other Ontario universities.
(Source: National Survey of Student Engagement 2023)
Whether you have a career in mind or you're not sure what you'd like to do, hands-on experience lets you see what you like (or dislike!) and gives you valuable skills that employers want.
Hear what students say about Waterloo's co-op program
Join us on the Hello Warrior podcast as current students share their experiences, including the various roles they’ve held and the companies they’ve worked for.
Career success
Warriors get there faster. In addition to the classroom learning, industry experience, and career support woven throughout your degree, there are many more resources.
- Workshops on résumé writing, researching careers, networking, and more
- One-on-one advice for planning your career or further education, preparing for interviews, and more
- Support for student entrepreneurs to validate ideas and launch businesses
- Job postings exclusively for Waterloo students and graduates
Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey 2022 (data is published with a two-year lag)
From the Missing Manual
For tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff, visit our Missing Manual website for articles like these.
What to expect in co-op
To co-op or not to co-op? This is an important decision you will have to make when choosing a program at the University of Waterloo.
5 tips for a successful co-op work term
What are some things you should consider before you start your first co-op work term? Read Erin's five tips for success in co-op.
Explore potential careers through co-op
Wouldn't it be great to gain experience in your field, make connections, AND earn money — all at the same time?