Co-op and Internship for Students

Co-op and internship work terms formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. By participating in a work term you are joining a rapidly growing number of students who are choosing to participate in this enriched form of post-secondary education.

What is a co-op or internship work term?

Co-op or internship work terms provides transformative learning experiences in which students expand their horizons and explore potential career paths. Integrating their academic knowledge and skills in workplace or practice settings, students engage in work experience in a three-way partnership: student, college, and employer.

Students learn through both direct instruction and experiential learning. Mentorship and coaching by faculty, staff, and workplace supervisors ensure students are well supported before, during, and after their work-integrated learning experience(s).

Students deepen their professionalism and career agency as they assume workplace roles and responsibilities while applying discipline-specific knowledge and skills. Through critical reflection and practice, students develop the capacity, confidence, and initiative to direct their own learning, make informed career decisions and support their continuous professional growth. They articulate meaningful career plans that align their academic learning and work experience with their career goals and aspirations. Students who complete the program will have learned how to conduct effective job searches, identify work that aligns with their values, skills, and experience, and develop fulfilling careers in their industry/field.

Note: To prepare for workplace learning, you must first complete the prerequisite course, Career Development-Workplace Preparation Skills (CDEV-WPS). .

BBA Accounting Student, Annie

In their own words

I highly recommend fellow students to do a co-op as it is beneficial to enhance your own experience and your career choices.

I was originally decided not to do a co-op, but I changed my mind at the end of my study as I am unsure whether I could find an entry level job in the field without any prior experience and I had doubts about my career choice. However, after this co-op, I was offered the opportunity to return to my employer in the future or choose something else.

- Annie, BBA Accounting

Earn a designation on your graduation credential

You may earn either the "Co-operative Education" or the "Internship" designation on your graduation credential, depending on your program of study and the details of your work experience.

For complete details on requirements for the co-op and internship designations, contact us.