Changes to cycle management for fall 2025: Enhancing the co-op recruitment experience

Co-operative and Experiential Education

Key updates for University of Waterloo co-op employers.

Starting this September, the process for hiring students using WaterlooWorks’ Full Cycle Service job board (jobs that follow our rank/match process) is changing. These changes, driven by feedback from employers, students and staff, aim to streamline recruitment activities and enhance the overall co-op experience for all stakeholders.

Background and rationale

As the home of the top co-op program of its kind and a leader in innovation, the University of Waterloo’s co-op program is always evolving. Although Waterloo offers many pathways for employers to hire top talent, our centralized hiring platform, WaterlooWorks, remains the top choice. Employers hire their top candidate through our Full-Cycle Service job board more than 70 per cent of the time and almost 80% of jobs on the board are filled.

These changes to the hiring cycles for the Full Cycle Service job board on WaterlooWorks stem from detailed analysis and consultation sessions held with co-op employers and students. The feedback highlighted the need for a more flexible and efficient approach to recruitment cycles.  

Employers expressed that the current cycle timing felt rushed, hindering thorough decision-making. Students appreciated the predictability of cycles but requested more time for ranking decisions and expressed concerns about cycles ending too early.

Timing adjustments

To better meet the needs of employers and students, beginning in fall 2025, cycles will be merged and streamlined. Key timing changes include: 

• Three cycles each term, with matches occurring the Friday before reading week (fall and winter), in the middle of the third month, and the final Friday of the third month. 

• Continuous postings will begin the day following the Cycle 1 match. 

• Additional interview days and more in-person availability for on-campus interviews. 

• Extended time for employers to submit interview selections, due by noon two days before their interviews. 

These changes are designed to provide more time for recruitment activities and improve the overall process for both students and employers. 

Check out the detailed hiring dates for fall 2025 on our recruitment dates for employers page.  

To learn more about the several ways you can hire Waterloo co-op students, visit our how-to-hire page.