The Co-operative (Co-op) Education program alternates semesters of classroom studies with paid, full-time work related to your studies. Co-op Work Terms – the times when you are working full-time and not taking classes – are usually four or eight months and usually take place in the fourth or fifth semester of your academic program.
How does the Co-op program work?
Before you get to the Co-op Work Term there are two terms of preparatory work required. These are referred to as the Co-op Prep and Co-op Seeking Terms. These terms take place during your second and third semester of studies and require a commitment of your time. Here’s a general overview of the process:
1. Co-op Prep Term
Develop your career management skills (and apply for work permits if you are an international student).
2. Co-op Seeking Term
Polish your interview skills and start applying for jobs within your field with the support of a Co-op coach.
3. Co-op Work Term
Put a pause on studying and start working full-time.
Applying to Co-op – start early to avoid disappointment
The preparation required for the Co-op Work Term means that you need to apply for Co-op six weeks before the start of the semester. Review the complete Co-op Education Program: Detailed Steps so you understand what to do.
- Accounting - Diploma
- Bachelor of Arts – Criminology
- Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Financial Services
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, all concentrations
- Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching
- Computing Science - Diploma
- Computing Studies and Information Systems - Diploma
- Commerce and Business Administration - Diploma
- Criminology - Diploma
- Engineering and Fabrication Technologies
- Financial Services - Diploma
- Geological Resources - Diploma
- General Business - Diploma
- Legal Studies -Diploma
- Management - Diploma
- Marketing Management - Diploma
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting and Finance
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Advanced Human Resources Management
- Post Baccalaureate Diploma Advanced Supply Chain Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Computer and Information Systems
- Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Finance
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Health Information Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in International Supply Chain Management
- Sport Science - Diploma
- All Associate of Arts Degrees
- All Associate of Science Degrees
- Veterinary Technology
Questions? Five ways to find out more
- Attend a Co-op information session within the first two weeks of a new semester so you can get started right away. If you miss the initial information session, we hold another session in the third month of each term so that you can plan for the following term. Register through the Events & Workshops calendar on CareerHUB.
- Download the Student Co-operative Education handbook.
- Chat online with a Co-op specialist at our “Co-op Education - Earn While You Learn: Co-op Questions Answered” events. They are offered every at Thursdays at 10:30am. Register through the Events & Workshops calendar on CareerHUB.
- Email us: Co-op@douglascollege.ca
- Call the Program Assistant : James Lee at 236 428-4841 or 604 218-3431