Co-op and careers

Two students in the co-op program at Waterloo shake hands.

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!


7,500+ 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 $9,000 and $21,500 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!
 

#2 in Canada for graduate employment rateQS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

Explore potential careers through co-op


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
 

of Waterloo co-op grads earn $50,000+ two years after graduation compared to 50% of Ontario graduates
of our co-op grads employed six months after graduation find jobs related to skills they acquired at Waterloo, compared to 79% of all university graduates in Ontario.

Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey (published 2022)


How does co-op work?

 


What do students say?

megaphone icon"Co-op has allowed me to meet and work with so many great people. 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
megaphone icon"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 from other job applicants."Miila, fourth-year Planning student
megaphone icon"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! Co-op allows you to find your calling – in or outside the scope of your program."Martin, second-year Geomatics student
megaphone icon"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
megaphone icon"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
megaphone icon"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
megaphone icon"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