How Co-op Works
Work terms are paid and generally start in January, May and September and last for approximately four to eight months.Below is an example of a typical co-op hiring process. Contact your institution’s co-op office to review specific guidelines and processes.
Step 1: Job Postings Accepted students will have access to view employer co-op job postings the semester before they choose to work.
Step 2: Students Apply Students apply for co-op opportunities through their institution. The co-op office sends packages of student applications to the employer to review.
Step 3: Interview Process Employers screen the student’s resumes and potential candidates are selected for the interview process. The Co-op office will arrange interview times for the employers and the candidates. Usually interviews take place on campus or at the place of employment; however, telephone interviews can be arranged for non-local employers or, where available, video-conferencing can be arranged.
Step 4: The Placement Process Once employers have selected their preferred candidate, the Co-op coordinators will make the offer to the student and confirm with both parties when the offer is accepted.
Step 5: During the Work Term *During the work term, the institution's faculty or Co-op staff conducts a work site visit and the employer evaluates the student's performance.
*Check with your individual institution to review work term requirements.
Step 6: End of the Work Term *Employers are requested to provide a written evaluation of the student’s performance at the end of the work term. Students are required to submit a work report or reflection on their work term.
*Check with your individual institution to review work term requirements.
