Hire a Waterloo Arts co-op student

Waterloo co-op students working in a creative team, looking at a laptop and writing on a whiteboard.

Waterloo Arts students are intelligent, professional and well-positioned to introduce new ideas into the workplace. Drawing on their diverse experience, they look at challenges through a unique lens, and they’re motivated to share solutions that will make a difference in your organization.

Their approach and attitude can inspire a culture of innovation, encouraging new and existing employees alike to find innovative ways to tackle existing problems. The knowledge and fresh perspective these students bring to their roles provide organizations with a competitive edge, along with a direct line to future-ready talent.

Why hire our co-op students?

Illustration of a student walking up stairs to represent experiential learning
#1 for hands on experiential learning

As Canada's leader in experiential learning, our students are equipped with the academic and technical skills needed for the workplace (Maclean's Student Voices Survey 2022). 
Illustration of a gear and lightbulb representing innovation
29 years being ranked as Canada's most innovative university

Hiring our co-op students connects you with top talent from Canada’s most innovative university (Maclean’s Magazine).
Illustration of an students standing behind a handshake
International award winner for employer-student connections

We are internationally recognized as the best institution in the world in helping organizations leverage student talent (QS Reimagine Education Awards 2023).
View on YouTube

Who hires Waterloo Arts co-op students? 

Arts students are adaptable and well-suited to work in a variety of industries and roles. The following is a small sample of organizations that have hired Waterloo Arts co-op students. 

  • ApplyBoard
  • BlackBerry
  • CGI Group Inc
  • Clearpath Robotics
  • D2L
  • Deloitte
  • Flipp
  • Manulife Financial
  • National Research Council Canada
  • Nissan Canada
  • Ontario Ministry of Finance
  • Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
  • Peel Regional Police
  • RBC Financial Group
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Scotiabank
  • Sheridan College
  • The New Quarterly
  • Toronto District School Board
  • Treasury Board Secretariat
  • United Way
  • Waterloo Region Museum

What kind of work can Arts co-op students do?

Arts students are equipped to support many areas of your organization. Learn more about the talents they can bring to a few of the most common job categories below, including sample job titles, skills that students bring and more.

Digital marketing and communications
Sample jobs Sample job responsibilities
Communications associate Crafts and disseminates compelling content across various channels to effectively convey the organization's message and engage its target audience.
Web designer Designs visually appealing and user-friendly websites that meet client specifications and enhance user experience.
Marketing specialist Develops and implements strategic marketing initiatives to promote products or services and achieve business objectives.
Digital communications assistant Supports digital communication efforts through content creation, social media management and online engagement to enhance brand visibility and audience interaction.
UX designer Designs intuitive and engaging user experiences for digital products to optimize usability and enhance customer satisfaction.
Social media manager Creates and executes social media strategies to increase brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty across various platforms.
Technical writer Creates clear and concise technical documentation to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
Sales communications specialist Develops persuasive sales collateral and communication materials to support sales efforts and drive revenue growth.

Research and analysis
Sample jobs Sample job responsibilities
Research analyst Conducts in-depth research and analysis to provide valuable insights and support decision-making processes.
Business analyst Analyzes data and processes to provide insights and recommendations for improving business performance and decision-making.
Macroeconomic analyst Analyzes macroeconomic trends and indicators to provide insights into economic conditions and their impact on businesses or markets.
Financial analyst Evaluates financial data to provide insights and recommendations for investment decisions and financial planning.
Junior policy analyst Assists in policy research and analysis to support developing and implementing organizational policies and strategies.
Legal assistant Provides administrative support to legal professionals and assists in legal research and document preparation.
Project control officer Ensures efficient project management through monitoring, reporting and controlling project schedules, budgets and risks.
Sales communications specialist Crafts persuasive sales messaging and collateral to enhance communication effectiveness and drive revenue growth.

Business development and finance

Sample jobs Sample job responsibilities
Account specialist Provides personalized support and solutions to client accounts to ensure satisfaction and retention.
Accountants Manages financial records and provides analysis to support decision-making and ensure compliance.
Actuarial analyst Analyzes statistical data to assess and mitigate financial risks for insurance or financial organizations.
Business developer  Identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive growth and revenue for the organization.
Financial and investment analyst Evaluates financial data and market trends to provide insights for investment decisions and portfolio management.
Macroeconomic analyst Analyzes macroeconomic trends to provide insights into economic conditions and inform strategic decision-making.
Financial auditor Examines financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance and integrity within an organization.
Sales and marketing associate Supports sales and marketing efforts to drive business growth and enhance customer engagement.

Administration and support services

Sample jobs:

  • Account support specialist
  • Customer experience associate
  • Project manager
  • Customer support specialist
  • Human resources assistant
  • Guest services specialist
  • Administrative assistant
  • Office administrator
  • Operations specialist
  • Research assistant
  • Marketing associate

Programs to consider when hiring:

  • Economics
  • Psychology
  • English
  • Legal Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Political Science
  • Sociology

Top skills:

  • Communicate clearly and effectively
  • Identify solutions to problems
  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Think critically
  • Speak two or more languages
  • Understand diversity, culture and ethics
  • Provide support to others
  • Manage deadlines
  • Gather, analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources into meaningful information
  • Collaborate effectively 
  • Manage conflict 
  • Identify concrete steps to complete work
  • Develop knowledge of others and adjust cultural assumptions

Arts students often know how to read people and tailor their communication approach to whomever they are speaking with.

Policy and government services and relations
Sample jobs Sample job responsibilities
Assistant policy analyst Supports policy research and analysis to contribute to developing and implementing organizational policies.
Federal public service intern Assists in various governmental tasks and projects to gain practical experience and contribute to public service initiatives.
International trade advisor Provides strategic guidance on international trade policies and regulations to support business expansion and compliance.
Legislative learner Observes and participates in governmental activities while learning legislative processes and procedures.
Parliamentary protocol and public relations assistant Manages parliamentary protocols and fosters positive public relations to support effective communication and engagement with stakeholders.
Policy analyst Conducts research and analysis to inform policy development and decision-making processes.
Public affairs specialist Manages communications and relationships with the public to advance organizational goals and reputation.

Business development and sales

Sample jobs:

  • Account specialist
  • Assistant brand manager
  • Brand associate
  • Business developer
  • Guest services specialist
  • Product marketing associate
  • Sales analyst 
  • Sales and marketing associate
  • Sales communications specialist
  • Sales productivity intern
  • Sales training associate

Programs to consider when hiring:

  • Communications Studies
  • Economics
  • English
  • Fine Arts
  • Legal Studies
  • Psychology

Top skills:

  • Communicate clearly and effectively
  • Proactively seek to build good relationships
  • Identify and evaluate relevant data
  • Write and convey complex ideas
  • Think creatively and critically
  • Motivate and persuade others
  • Make evidence-based decisions
  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources into meaningful information
  • Fulfill responsibilities

Arts students really thrive with ambiguity and embrace the unknown. That’s where they learn to use their curiosity and critical thinking, they come in and think outside the box and bring those perspectives we may not otherwise have.

Education and training

Sample jobs:

  • Camp assistant
  • Customer relations
  • Guest services
  • Learning associate
  • Museum/gallery interpreter
  • Teaching assistant
  • Training and documentation specialist

Programs to consider when hiring:

  • Classical Studies
  • Communications Studies
  • English
  • Fine Arts
  • History
  • Languages: French, German, Spanish
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Top skills:

  • Communicate ideas effectively using clear and concise language
  • Listen attentively to others
  • Integrate ideas from across contexts
  • Grasp new technologies with ease
  • Demonstrate integrity and ethics
  • Communicate using online meeting platforms
  • Proactively seek to build good relationships
  • Adapt to culturally diverse situations
  • Manage projects
  • Identify solutions to problems
  • Demonstrate curiosity
  • Manage deadlines

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Sample jobs

Sample job responsibilities

Accessibility co-ordinator

Ensures compliance with accessibility standards and coordinating efforts to make products and services accessible to all users.

Disability services worker

Provides support and assistance to individuals with disabilities to enhance their independence and quality of life.

Diversity and community support

Fosters inclusivity and provides community support to promote diversity and equity initiatives.

Human rights, equity and inclusion support and engagement co-ordinator

Co-ordinates initiatives to promote human rights, equity, and inclusion within the organization and engages stakeholders in these efforts.

Inclusion program facilitator

Facilitates programs and initiatives to promote inclusion and diversity within the organization or community.

Community development specialist

Implements strategies to support the growth and well-being of communities through collaboration and resource allocation.

Community services organizer

Organizes and coordinates community services and programs to meet the needs of residents and enhance community well-being.

Find out why employers hire Waterloo Arts co-op students

View on YouTube

Hear about Art student Sharanya's remote work experience with Calix Inc.

View on YouTube

See more employer stories →

 How does co-op work?

1) Register and post Affordable way to fill your talent needs

Access 25,000+ students available for full-time positions.
interview icon
2) Interview and hire Talent from 120+ accredited programs

Hire a student for 12 to 16 weeks.
repeat icon
3) Repeat Students are available year round

Easily repost your job for the next work term on WaterlooWorks.

Join our Co-op Fundamentals Info Session

Gain insights on recruiting co-op talent, navigating Waterloo's hiring process, applying for funding opportunities and how we can support you.

Top wage subsidies and tax incentives for hiring co-op

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) Receive up to $5,000 per co-op student

Through SWPP, organizations in Canada that offer full-time employment opportunities for full-time Canadian post-secondary students can receive wage subsidies. There are several partners that deliver this funding.

How much is this funding? Funding will cover up to 50% in wage subsidies (to a max. of $5,000) per co-op student you hire for each 12-16 week work term.

Students hired from under-represented groups may be eligible to have up to 70% of their wages subsidized. This is determined on a case-by-case basis at the end of each work term.
Am I eligible?
  • There is SWPP funding available to employers in all industries
  • Employers can hire students in any program (i.e.: Arts, Business, Science...etc.)
  • Students must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of employment to qualify for funding from SWPP
  • Provincial and territorial governments are NOT eligible for SWPP funding
How can I apply? You apply directly to each funding partner. We've put together a helpful list of details for all of the funding partners. Take a look for more details!
What's the application deadline? Applications are open! Deadlines vary by funding partner.

Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit $3,000 tax credit per co-op student
How much is the tax credit?

Large corporations can claim 25% of expenditures, up to $3,000, while small businesses can claim 30% of expenditures up to $3,000, per eligible work placement. This tax credit is available for each work placement. Each work placement needs to be a minimum of 10 weeks and maximum of 4 months with no cap on the amount of eligible work placements an employer submits.

Employers may have multiple work placements which take place at the same time and throughout the year (I.e. iIf an organization decides to hire for an eight-month work term, or two students for four-month work terms, both would be considered as two work placements and would be eligible for a total tax credit of up to $6,000).

Am I eligible? Any Ontario employer hiring students from a post-secondary co-op program
How can I apply?

Corporations claim the tax credit on Schedule 550 of their T2 corporation income tax return. Unincorporated businesses claim the credit on Form ON479 in their personal tax return.

Learn more about the forms you need to submit on the government website.

What's the application deadline? Tax season each year

A tip to maximize your funding

Student Work Placement Program funding can be combined with the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit. This mean that you might be eligible to receive both types of funding.

For example: for each student you hire, you could receive up to $5,000 in SWPP funding plus an Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit of up to $3,000 in expenditures not covered by SWPP! 

I want to learn more. Send me hiring info!

* indicates required

Employer and student stories

Employer Impact Award diamond shaped glass trophy and the Dundas Life logo
Thursday, October 5, 2023

Waterloo co-op students key to innovation-first approach at startup Dundas Life

By: Namish Modi (he/him)

As a fast-growing fintech startup on the rise in Canada, Dundas Life is looking to make the process of purchasing insurance easier for Canadians.