Your co-op questions answered webinar recap

What is the difference between co-op and an internship?

Internships tend to be longer and just one during your degree. Co-op tends to be shorter and more frequent and normally paid. Learn more about the differences between co-ops and internships.

Does co-op start in first year or later?

It depends on which program you’re registered in! See all our sequences/schedules for co-op.

Are all programs that offer co-op already integrated into the program or would you still need to apply for it?

You don’t need to reapply to co-op. You will need to apply to and interview for jobs once your work terms start.

Would the co-op program add another year to my undergraduate program, making it five years instead of four?

Yes, co-op extends your degree beyond the typical four years but nearly all students graduate with 20 to 24 months of paid work experience. 

Do we need to maintain certain GPA to still qualify for co-op even if we are already in a program with co-op?

Most programs require a certain GPA to stay in the program, for example 65%. As long as you have the appropriate average, you’ll continue in co-op.

For the Architecture program, which is only available with co-op, it is also not guaranteed? I still have to apply for it?

You’re correct. Architecture is co-op only. You still need to apply to co-op jobs based on your interests and goals. The employment rate for Architecture is consistently above 98%. There’s additional info at uwaterloo.ca/architecture/future-undergraduate-students/co-op

What’s the advantage of Stream 4 versus Stream 8 in Engineering?

Both stream 4 and stream 8 have different advantages: In stream 4 you will start earning an income sooner. In stream 8 you have more time to settle in at university before applying for your first co-op job.

Is each co-op term a different job?

It certainly can be, but you could also do the same job for multiple terms if you’d like.

Is it possible to take courses while on co-op?

It is possible, but you have to connect with your co-op supervisor on the job to get approval. If the course is scheduled during work hours, you’ll need permission to leave work to attend your class.

Do you have to apply for a professional development course or will you automatically get those classes while taking co-op?

You’ll be automatically enrolled in your first one. Then you can choose which ones to do after that depending on which ones are most relevant.

Do we apply ourselves on job websites or does Waterloo have their own system where we can apply from there?

Waterloo has our own job board with thousands of jobs listed, but you can also arrange your own job if you find one from a different source!

When applying through WaterlooWorks, do we need to submit cover letters as well? Or do they generally only focus on résumés?

It’s up to the employer. Sometimes they request them and sometimes they don’t!

Do co-op employers see your university grades from whichever terms you have completed, or if they just look at your résumé?

It depends on the employer. Some will ask that grades be included when you apply to jobs. Other employers will be interested more in your work experience.

Are first-year students competing with second, third, fourth, and grad students or only other first-year students for those co-op positions?

There are different levels of jobs, e.g. junior, intermediate, senior. So, you would typically be competing with other students at your level.

Can you get your own job that's not on WaterlooWorks?

Absolutely! You’ll just need to check with the co-op department that it meets requirements, i.e. you’ll be learning something and getting paid.

Can you choose your co-op schedule?

Co-op schedules are determined based on your program, and some programs have more flexibility than others. For instance, you may have five co-op terms built into your schedule but only need to complete four to graduate with co-op. Talking to your advisor is always best — they are there to help you out with these types of things!

What happens if you don't get a co-op job?

If you don’t get a co-op job, there are different options depending on your program, year, etc., but the main thing to know is that you have access to so many resources to support you through this, including your co-op advisor.

If it’s your first work term, you can choose to participate in the WeAccelerate program, where an employer will work with a group of students on a real-world project to gain experience.

Can you do WeAccelerate at the same time as doing a co-op job? Is WeAccelerate only for students who cannot find a co-op job?

WeAccelerate is only for students who have not successfully found a first work term. You can’t do this at the same time as a co-op term.

Are there ways to meet the co-op requirements through independent projects or research?

Yes! Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) allows students to pursue an entrepreneurial co-op option in which students start their own business while earning a standard co-op credit of 16 weeks. Over your term, you’ll receive ongoing mentoring and feedback on your business development.

For students entering above first year, are there any unique advantages or challenges in the co-op system?

Not necessarily. As an upper year student, you may have more experience than some first-year students which could be a potential advantage. No matter your year, you’ll be supported throughout your co-op journey and have access to lots of resources to help you be successful.

If your co-op was set to start after your first two terms of school, when in the school year would you suggest starting applications for co-op jobs?

Typically, students are applying for jobs in the term immediately before their work term, so in this example, in your second term (winter term — i.e., starting in January).

How does co-op work with academics, as you’re going between work and school? Have you found that there are any negative impacts?

I think this largely depends on the student. For me when I was studying, I actually liked going back and forth to keep me fresh! I only had to study for four months at a time starting in year 2 and then I got a break and got to work full-time instead. The variety was excellent.

Another student may wish for more stability and less moving around or change. We haven’t observed any measurable negative relationship between co-op participation and academic performance.

Does my high school work experience affect my co-op jobs in any way?

In a positive way for sure! Any prior work experience will be a nice addition to your resume and help you standout when you’re applying to jobs.

What might impact the very first co-op employment? High school grades? Math contest? Work experience?

It can be a mix of things, such as any previous work experience, volunteer work, hobbies … Employers won’t see your high school grades or whether you have done math contests (unless you include the contests on your résumé).

Finding a co-op job in your first term can be competitive, but you’re not on your own. Before your first work term, you'll take an online course that guides you though the co-op process. You’ll also have access to career advisors that are here to help you with job search strategies, creating a résumé, practising for interviews, and figuring out your career interests. Plus, you’ll get your own personal co-op advisor who can support you through the process and offer support during your work terms.

I do not have any job experience, what should be my highlights when competing with other undergrads for a co-op?

Anything like volunteering, sports, student council, etc. can show employers that you have transferable skills that are valuable.

How can you differentiate yourself from your peers when it comes to apply to a job?

Tailoring your résumé and cover letter to the job and the company can be great ways to stand out. Sharing your experiences that are unique to you are also helpful — e.g., think outside just your studies, what experiences do you have that aren’t very common? Like Riya shared, her marketing experience was something that made her stand out as an Engineering student!

Is it helpful or common practice to include projects/labs/assignments done in class on your résumé?

It can depend on the job you’re applying for. If your projects are related, you could include those on your résumé. It can be helpful to tailor your résumé to the job you’re applying for… so highlighting projects for some jobs and work experience etc. for others.

When applying to jobs that require skills developed during our degree, are specific curriculum content/skills available to show employers when they ask for qualifications?

You’re invited to craft and update your résumé to reflect specific projects and coursework you’ve completed to stand out in specific job applications. It’s definitely a viable and encouraged strategy!

Are there any differences in the co-op opportunities between international and domestic students?

Most co-op opportunities are available to all Waterloo students! You may find some jobs that require you to be a Canadian citizen, but the vast majority are available to all students.

Are there international opportunities through co-op?

We do have international co-op jobs on our job board! Our employer network of 8,500 employers spans the globe across 80 countries. On our co-op web page, you can see where Waterloo co-op students worked last year (under where will you work).

Are international jobs posted on WaterlooWorks? How would you go about applying for a job in a different country if that is what you were interested in?

Yes, international jobs are posted on WaterlooWorks. We have employers from more than 80 countries that post jobs!

I heard overseas co-ops are a thing, is that often plausible for first year students?

Totally plausible! It’s best you apply to what you’re interested in and keep your options open.

Are the co-op work hours 9-5?

It would depend on the job, but most jobs are 9 to 5 or something similar (8:30 - 4:30, etc.). The job postings will list if the hours aren’t standard.

Do co-op jobs later on in the degree have to be approved to be "relevant" to the degree being pursued?

Nope, you can apply to any job you’re interested in!

How do co-ops work with university research opportunities?

Waterloo professors do hire students for co-op terms! You would apply through WaterlooWorks (our job board for students), but it also may be helpful to speak with professors directly if you are interested in supporting their research.

Are most people successful at getting a co-op job in their first year?

Yes! Our current data shows us that the most recent available employment rate is 97% overall. I don’t have a specific breakdown for first term vs successive ones, but it would be in this range as well.

Does co-op give a good idea about what working in your field would be like? Are co-op students treated differently in their jobs or is it the same thing as being full-time?

As someone who did co-op themselves, I would say absolutely! It really helped inform my decision on which career focus to invest more into (and which to steer away from).

In my experience I was treated like a new full-time team member. Obviously, I was younger and learning but you’re not hired to get the team coffee, for example. You will be doing meaningful work. Our co-op advising team makes sure of that!

Are there supports available for housing and living in places outside of Ontario with your co-ops?

Often the employer who hires you is used to students moving for work and will provide guidance on how to secure housing for jobs where you’re required to relocate.

Can you live in residence during the summer if you are not on your co-op work term? Or do you need to find a place to live off campus?

Yes, you can live in residence in any term!