Is a Co-op Program For You?

Before you enroll, learn about the pros and cons of a co-op program.

Choosing a co-op program at university is a great way to explore possible careers — and to earn money while completing your degree. Co-ops provide work experience related to your field of study, like an internship — except that you're paid! For example, in Waterloo's co-op program, students alternate between 4-month school and co-op terms. Co-op has many benefits, but it isn't for everyone. If you're considering co-op, read this first.

Benefits

1. Try out different careers

If you aren't sure what you want to do after graduation, a co-op program can help you figure that out. By trying out different types of jobs, you can quickly learn what you like and what you don't like. With most co-op programs, you choose which jobs you apply to, which means you can choose the jobs you want.

2. Develop new skills

The more jobs you try, the more skills you can learn. Co-op is a great way to get hands-on experience and start to really develop your skills. You can develop your soft skills like communication and teamwork while on co-op and also start to hone your hard skills by learning from your colleagues.

3. Make connections

Whether you meet fellow co-op students or get a good reference from your boss, the connections you'll make from co-op will be beneficial for your future. Co-op helps you start building your professional network.

4. See different parts of the world

If travelling is something you're interested in, this can be another benefit of a co-op program! At Waterloo, we have over 7,000 co-op employers around the world, making it easy to travel for your co-op term. If not, there's plenty of local job opportunities, too!

5. Graduate with experience

Waterloo co-op students can graduate with up to two years of professional work experience. Having this experience puts you ahead in the job search after graduation. Some co-op terms may even turn into a job offer for when you graduate! Companies are always looking for people who have professional work experience, and co-op provides that.

6. Graduate with less debt

Experience is great! But getting paid for it is even better! Paid co-op terms mean that you can make money while earning your degree. So, you graduate with less debt! Waterloo co-op students earn between $42,000 and $90,000 over the course of their undergraduate degree.

Drawbacks

1. Moving

With most co-op programs, you'll likely have to relocate for your work term. If you like the change of scenery, great! But moving frequently isn't for everyone.

2. Applying for jobs

When deciding if a co-op program is for you, keep in mind that applying for jobs isn't always easy. You'll have to manage your time well, as you'll be submitting applications and attending interviews, on top of keeping up with your classes.

3. An extra year of school

Choosing a co-op program means it may take longer to complete your degree. At Waterloo, students have between 4 and 6 co-op terms, which adds approximately a year to the length of a degree — but you can graduate with nearly 2 years of paid work experience.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect from a co-op program. If you're interested in learning more about co-op at Waterloo, check out our student-written articles.