Hire a Waterloo Arts co-op student

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.

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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.

Marketing and communications

Sample jobs:

Communications associate
Web designer
Marketing specialist
Digital communications assistant
Social media manager
Graphic designer
Sales communications specialist
Technical writer
Corporate communications specialist
Digital marketing assistant
Business analyst
UX designer

Programs to consider when hiring:

English
Communications Studies
Fine Arts
Psychology
Legal Studies
Economics

Top skills:

Write and convey complex ideas
Research, analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources into meaningful information
Edit technical publications
Lead others in the completion of projects and events
Grasp new technologies with ease
Communicate ideas effectively using clear and concise language
Understand and manage change
Work effectively with others
Innovate and remain flexible to changing business needs
Apply knowledge to think creatively and solve problems
Value diversity and inclusion

"They're successful in many different areas — they are diverse and bring a diverse skill set to the table. That’s what sets Arts students apart." Read more

Maddie whibbs, Talent Aquisition Lead, BlackBerry

Research and analysis

Sample jobs:

Research analyst
Business analyst
Macroeconomic analyst
Financial analyst
Junior policy analyst
Legal assistant
Project control officer

Programs to consider when hiring:

Economics
Legal Studies
Political Science
Psychology

Top skills:

Analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources into meaningful information
Perform research, collect statistics and make mathematical calculations
Develop and deliver effective presentations
Identify solutions to problems and opportunities for improvement
Identify and evaluate relevant data
Predict and forecast
Communicate complex ideas clearly
Analyze information to make evidence-based decisions
Think critically

Human services

Sample jobs:

Community services organizer
Research associate
Disability services worker
Marketing assistant
Community development specialist
Youth worker
Human resources specialist
Fundraising assistant
Customer service associate
Project manager
Social policy research
Office administrator
Social services worker
Operations specialist
Volunteer co-ordination specialist

Programs to consider when hiring:

Psychology
Sociology
Social Development Studies
Sexuality, Marriage and Family
Religious Studies

Top skills:

Communicate ideas effectively using clear and concise language
Proactively seek to build good relationships
Adapt to culturally diverse situations
Identify and analyze relevant data
Manage deadlines
Make evidence-based decisions
Manage conflict and motivate others
Value diversity and inclusion
Fundraise
Listen attentively to others
Demonstrate curiosity
Work effectively with others
Demonstrate integrity and ethics

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."" Read more

KIRA thomson, Talent Recruiter, Applyboard

Policy and government services and relations

Sample jobs:

Assistant policy analyst
Federal public service intern
International trade advisor
Junior policy analyst
Legislative learner
Parliamentary protocol and public relations assistant
Policy analyst
Program analyst
Public affairs specialist

Programs to consider when hiring:

Communications Studies
Economics
English
Legal Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology

Top skills:

Actively integrate ideas from across contexts
Identify and evaluate relevant data
Analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources into meaningful information
Observe and investigate
Apply technology for efficiency and better results
Demonstrate integrity and ethics
Take initiative
Proactively seek to build good relationships
Adapt to culturally diverse situations
Predict and forecast
Make evidence-based decisions
Anticipate problems and identify solutions
Manage deadlines

“What [arts students] say has value and you can see they have the educational foundation to be able to develop those thoughts. I think Waterloo has prepared them for that, not only through the standard of education, but through the co-op program.”

- Sonal Patel | Senior Analyst, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

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.” Read more

- Nermina Lika | Talent Program Manager, PointClickCare

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:

Accessibility coordinator
Community inclusion and leisure collaborator
Community services organizer
Community development specialist
Disability services worker
Diversity and community support
Health promotion and diversity coordinator
Human rights, equity and inclusion support and engagement coordinator
Inclusion program facilitator
Research associate (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
Social policy research (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
Social services worker
Student engagement and retention specialist
Volunteer co-ordination specialist

Programs to consider when hiring:

Gender and Social Justice
Psychology
Sociology
Social Development Studies
Sexuality, Marriage and Family
Religious Studies

Top skills:

Communicate ideas effectively using clear and concise language
Proactively seek to build good relationships
Adapt to culturally diverse situations
Value diversity, equity, inclusion and ethics
Manage deadlines
Make evidence-based decisions
Manage conflict and motivate others
Maintain a positive attitude
Listen attentively to others
Demonstrate curiosity
Work effectively with others
Demonstrate integrity

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 rankedas 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 winnerfor 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).

Find out why employers hire Waterloo Arts co-op students

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

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How does co-op work?

1) Register and postAffordable way to fill your talent needs

Access 25,000+ students available for full-time positions.

2) Interview and hireTalent from 120+ accredited programs

Hire a student for 12 to 16 weeks.

3) RepeatStudents 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.

Co-op Fundamentals Info Session
See upcoming dates and register now

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!