Explore careers, gain experience and earn money through North America's largest co-op program.
Our students are some of the best and brightest, and our employers know it! One thing is for sure: co-op at Waterloo exists because of YOU and your talent. Now that you're here, we're committed to helping you have the most positive co-op experience possible.
So, what's co-op like?
“Creating the first Natural Disaster Standard Operating Procedure for Shoppers Drug Mart was a unique experience. Wildfires were occurring in Canada during the co-op, so it was a time sensitive project."
“My biggest piece of advice, especially for students in the Faculty of Arts, is to advertise any and all experience you have that may be applicable to the job.”
“I encourage anybody who is thinking of doing an international co-op to embark on that journey because it's so amazing. You learn so much, both academically and personally."
Find your co-op job
There are many ways to find a co-op job! Many students start their search on WaterlooWorks, but there are other options to consider to help find a job that fits your goals and meets the requirement for co-op credit.
Supports and resources
Need help navigating co-op at Waterloo? Co-op can be challenging, but we're here for you every step of the way. Check out our online supports and if you have any questions you can connect with your co-op advisor.
News
An Indigenous student’s journey of reconnection and environmental advocacy
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Ojibwe student, Samantha Terry, reflects on rediscovering her Indigenous identity, thriving in co-op roles and building community.
How co-op shaped careers: the journey of Co-op Student of the Year Award alumni
By: Co-operative and Experiential Education
As we celebrate 20 years of co-op student excellence, we chatted with past award recipients to learn more about how co-op shaped their careers.
Embracing your heritage: A student’s co-op experience in Vietnam
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Faculty of Arts student’s international co-op experience helped her connect with her culture while gaining valuable international work experience.
Blog
Co-op tips for international students
Rachita Khetan (she/her) is a Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) student in her 3A term. She is an international student and discusses her top tips for navigating co-op for other international students.
Branching out beyond your major
By: Alison Chase | 5 min read
Anne-Katherine Le (she/her) is a third-year Arts and Business student with a major in Sociology. Anne discusses her experience working in the technology industry as a Faculty of Arts student and shares tips on how she approaches applying and interviewing for co-op jobs.
Unlocking career potential: networking in diverse co-op positions
Hamisha Ramesh | 4 min read
Hamisha Ramesh (she/her) is a fourth-year Health Sciences student. In her blog, Hamisha discusses the benefits that accompany diversifying her co-op job experiences, advice for learning new tasks on the job and expanding her network through meaningful interactions.