Co-op Overview and Hiring Process

Experiential learning plays a key role in the training of future pharmacists. At the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, our students must complete three pharmacy co-op work terms. Co-op is a well-established educational model that promotes continuous learning through the integration of classroom and applied work-based learning. It is a learner-centred model where the onus is on the student to direct their own learning and make a valuable contribution. With the support of our employers, we intend to offer the students a diverse selection of work term opportunities.

We have students available to meet your co-op needs all year.

• Relevant co-op position (job description to be reviewed and approved if suitable)
• 16 weeks in duration
• 35-40 hours per week (full-time hours)
• Paid position (see co-op earnings for salary information)
• Student must have a supervisor or access to a mentor for duration of the work term
• Employers must complete required student evaluations

To begin the hiring process, employers will need to post a job. From the disciplines available, select “Theme: Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals, and SCI-Pharmacy”. You will need to include the following information in your job description:

• Organization information
• Job location (i.e. in-person, remote, hybrid)
• Job title and responsibilities (e.g. technical, clinical, projects, etc.)
• Required skills
• Compensation and benefits

Two cycles of interviews usually occur each recruiting term. Employers are strongly encouraged to participate in the first cycle interviews as there will be more students available. If a position remains unfilled after first cycle interviews, we will automatically re-post the position for second cycle interviews for remaining students. Any jobs submitted after the first cycle posting deadline will be posted for the second cycle.

Employers review applications submitted by students and select which students to interview. After the interview has occurred, the employer will rank the students and then students will rank the jobs. Employers and students are matched based on our matching algorithm system.

Last Update: November 1, 2024