Co-op and careers

Three students in shirts and suit jackets work at a low table

Explore careers, earn money, and gain experience through North America's largest co-op (paid internship) program.

As a co-op student, you’ll typically alternate between four months in school and four months as a full-time employee of the organization you're working for.

Open to Canadian and international students, Waterloo's co-op program is an amazing way to learn to successfully interview for jobs, see how your degree relates to real-life problems, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!

8,000+ employers

  • Access North America's largest selection of co-op jobs and experiences for university students.
  • More employers means more choice for you.
  • Make money to help pay for school – and gain experience at the same time!

Earn while you learn

  • Our students typically make between $9,600 and $22,500 per four-month work term in Canada.
  • You'll have between four to six co-op work terms.
  • Waterloo students typically have smaller student loans and are more successful at paying them back.

Explore careers

  • Use your co-op terms to try different careers. See what you're good at and what you love to do.
  • Learn to ace job interviews and make contacts before you start your career!

Explore potential careers through co-op

View on YouTube
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How co-op works →

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Co-op work-study sequences →

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Co-op vs. internships →

Is co-op right for you?

Waterloo students complete approximately 25,000 four-month work terms each year, helping them round out their learning with future-ready skills. You'll have between four and six co-op work terms depending on your program. Like every choice you make in life – whether it's coffee or tea, co-op or a regular program – there are pros and cons to both.

Advantages

Among other benefits, co-op

  • allows you to graduate with proven work experience,
  • helps you earn money for tuition,
  • teaches you how to network with prospective employers,
  • can let you live in different cities or countries,
  • gives you a break between school terms, and
  • increases your chances for employment upon graduating.

Disadvantages

While co-op can be highly rewarding, it's a competitive program and you aren't guaranteed a job. Being in a co-op program

  • may add stress to your school terms,
  • adds a co-op fee (over $785) to support the cost of the running the co-op program,
  • may require you to move to another city for your co-op term,
  • could limit time for other activities, and
  • takes a year longer to complete your degree.

Check out these student-written articles to learn more.

Waterloo is Canada's leader in co-op and experiential learning

Waterloo students are 4X more likely to do an internship, co-op, field experience, or clinical placement in their first year than first-year students at other Ontario universities.

(Source: National Survey of Student Engagement 2023)

Whether you have a career in mind or you're not sure what you'd like to do, hands-on experience lets you see what you like (or dislike!) and gives you valuable skills that employers want.

Co-op has given me direction and confidence. I would have felt absolutely clueless upon graduation, but now I know what kind of career I want – and I have work experience from five co-op terms that sets me apart. Miila, fourth-year Planning student
Before I started co-op, I had no relevant experience in my field. Through co-op, I've been able to create employer connections, build my résumé, and greatly improve my interview skills! Taryn, fourth-year Therapeutic Recreation student
Co-op has exposed me to different fields. Last term, I used my spatial analyst skills in a GIS analyst role. Next term I’ll be working with my other passion: marketing! Martin, second-year Geomatics student
Being in co-op has improved my time management skills as I learned to balance school, interviews, and my social life. Co-op has also helped me determine my career goals by allowing me to explore different jobs and exposing me to various industries. Renee, fourth-year Computer Science student
My co-op jobs have allowed me to pay for school while completing my degree. I'm now able to graduate from university debt-free, giving me more freedom after graduation in choosing where I live and who I work for. Julia, fourth-year Biochemistry student
On co-op, you get the chance to make and improve from mistakes, learn practical knowledge, and work for a variety of companies. The diversity and practical experience from co-op are undeniable competitive edges for seeking employment after graduation. Sanjeevani, fourth-year Mechatronics Engineering student
Through co-op I’m able to apply my classroom learning during my work terms. Meanwhile, I'm building great networks and gaining valuable experience. I’m confident that the co-op program will prepare me for what is to come after my undergrad. Abby, third-year Psychology student

Hear what students say about Waterloo's co-op program

Join us on the Hello Warrior podcast as current students share their experiences, including the various roles they’ve held and the companies they’ve worked for.

Career success

Warriors get there faster. In addition to the classroom learning, industry experience, and career support woven throughout your degree, there are many more resources.

  • Workshops on résumé writing, researching careers, networking, and more
  • One-on-one advice for planning your career or further education, preparing for interviews, and more
  • Support for student entrepreneurs to validate ideas and launch businesses
  • Job postings exclusively for Waterloo students and graduates

How Waterloo can prepare you for your career →

81% of Waterloo co-op grads earn $60,000+ two years after graduation compared to 44% of Ontario graduates
96% of our co-op grads employed six months after graduation find jobs related to skills they acquired at Waterloo, compared to 83% of all university graduates in Ontario

Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey 2022 (data is published with a two-year lag)

From the Missing Manual

Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff. Topics include

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What to expect in co-op

To co-op or not to co-op? This is an important decision you will have to make when choosing a program at the University of Waterloo.

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5 tips for a successful co-op work term

What are some things you should consider before you start your first co-op work term? Read Erin's five tips for success in co-op.

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How co-op can help you explore potential careers

Wouldn't it be great to gain experience in your field, make connections, AND earn money — all at the same time?