Not all co-op programs are the same. Learn what sets Waterloo apart!
More experience
In most Waterloo programs, you'll alternate four-month school terms and four-month co-op work terms starting in second year. You'll graduate with nearly two years of experience and be able to try out up to six different jobs. At other universities, you might only have one internship or co-op experience.
Broader range of experience
With four to six work terms, you'll get a broader range of jobs and employers compared to programs with a single co-op experience or internship. You can do multiple co-op terms with the same employer or try a variety of companies. And our students accomplish pretty amazing things during their co-op terms.
There's less risk
If you're on a year-long internship or co-op experience you don't enjoy, that can be a long time. At Waterloo, if you find that a job isn't what you expected, you're done after four months and can try something different next time!
Know you're in co-op right away
You're admitted to co-op when you're admitted to Waterloo. At other schools, you may not know whether you can do co-op until after you've started your studies there.
8,000+ employers
Waterloo's co-op program is larger than the next two Canadian co-op programs combined. A bigger program means more employers and jobs to apply to.
Build your skills
Your co-op terms at Waterloo can have a compounding effect, where what you learn in one job leads to more responsibility in subsequent work terms. We also provide free professional development courses to help you build relevant workplace skills throughout your degree.
Have an edge for your career
When hiring, many companies want previous work experience – they don't want to spend the time teaching someone to be a great employee. Through co-op, you'll experience several work environments and know how to contribute right away.
Learn to adapt
In co-op, you'll likely move between school and work every four months, including finding a place to live. You'll also be balancing co-op interviews and going to class. You'll improve your adaptability and your time management skills!
Break up your studies
Many students find that after four months of school, they're ready for a break and look forward to earning money and gaining work experience during a co-op term.
Year-round opportunities
You'll have four-month co-op terms throughout the year. In the fall and winter, this means you're not competing with thousands of other students who are looking for summer jobs. Many programs also offer eight-month work terms, giving you the opportunity to gain more experience with your employer.
We've been doing co-op longer than anyone else
We know what it takes for students to succeed. You'll have the same co-op advisor throughout your time at Waterloo. You'll take courses to gain the soft skills to complement what you learn in class. And we support students through various ways to find a job, including multiple job boards managed by Waterloo.