Co-op and careers

Explore careers, earn money, and gain experience through North America's largest co-op (paid internship) program.

As a co-op student at Waterloo, you’ll typically alternate between four months in school and four months as a full-time employee of the organization you're working for.

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!

Why co-op at Waterloo?

7,500+ 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!

Earn while you learn

Students typically make between $9,000 and $21,500 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 work terms to explore different careers and to 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!

#1 in Canada for graduate employment rateQS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

Explore potential careers through co-op

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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, skills identification, researching careers, networking, and more
One-on-one advice for planning your career or further education, résumé feedback, preparing for interviews, and more

Support for student entrepreneurs as they form and validate ideas, build prototypes, and develop businesses
Job posting exclusively for Waterloo students and graduates

of Waterloo co-op grads earn $50,000+ two years after graduation compared to 50% of Ontario graduates

of our co-op grads employed six months after graduation find jobs related to skills they acquired at Waterloo, compared to 79% of all university graduates in Ontario.

Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey (published 2022)

How does co-op work?

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How co-op works at Waterloo →

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Co-op work/study schedules →

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What's the difference between co-op and internships? →

Is co-op right for you?

Waterloo students complete approximately 25,000 four-month work terms each year, helping them round out their learning with future-ready skills. You'll have between four and six co-op work terms depending on your program. Like every choice you make in life – whether it's coffee or tea, co-op or a regular program – there are pros and cons to both.

Advantages

Among other benefits, co-op

allows you to graduate with a solid résumé,
helps you earn money towards paying your tuition,
gives you access to opportunities you can't find anywhere else,
teaches you how to network with prospective employers,
gives you a break between school terms, and
increases your chances for employment upon graduating.

Disadvantages

While co-op can be highly rewarding and open new doors, it's a competitive program and you aren't guaranteed a job. Being in a co-op program

may add stress to your academic terms,
adds a co-op fee (almost $500) to support the cost of the running the co-op program,
may require you to move to another city for your co-op term
could limit time for other activities, and
adds an extra year to your degree.

What do students say?

"Co-op has allowed me to meet and work with so many great people. Before I started co-op, I had no relevant experience in my field. Through co-op, I've been able to create employer connections, build my résumé, and greatly improve my interview skills!"Taryn, fourth-year Therapeutic Recreation student

"Co-op has given me direction and confidence. I would have felt absolutely clueless upon graduation, but now I know what kind of career I want – and I have work experience from five co-op terms that sets me apart from other job applicants."Miila, fourth-year Planning student

"Co-op has exposed me to different fields. Last term, I used my spatial analyst skills in a GIS analyst role. Next term I’ll be working with my other passion: marketing! Co-op allows you to find your calling – in or outside the scope of your program."Martin, second-year Geomatics student

"Being in co-op has improved my time management skills as I learned to balance school, interviews, and my social life. Co-op has also helped me determine my career goals by allowing me to explore different jobs and exposing me to various industries."Renee, fourth-year Computer Science student

"My co-op jobs have allowed me to pay for school while completing my degree. I'm now able to graduate from university debt-free, giving me more freedom after graduation in choosing where I live and who I work for."Julia, fourth-year Biochemistry student

"On co-op, you get the chance to make and improve from mistakes, learn practical knowledge, and work for a variety of companies. The diversity and practical experience from co-op are undeniable competitive edges for seeking employment after graduation."Sanjeevani, fourth-year Mechatronics Engineering student

"Through co-op I’m able to apply my classroom learning during my work terms. Meanwhile, I'm building great networks and gaining valuable experience. I’m confident that the co-op program will prepare me for what is to come after my undergrad."Abby, third-year Psychology student