Top co-op questions

For more information about co-operative education programs at UVic including what is expected of co-op students, and everything from international work terms and co-op exchanges to help with housing and co-op forms, visit the main co-op website. For information about other career development opportunities, including part-time, summer and full-time work after graduation, visit the Career Services site.

• What is "co-operative education"?
• How does co-op work?
• Do you get paid for co-op? How much?
• Why is co-op mandatory in engineering?
• Can I choose what job I want?
• Are you guaranteed a job for co-op?
• Who hires co-op students?
• Where will I work as a co-op student?
• Can I work overseas?
• Will employers pay your moving expenses?
• Can international students do co-op?
• Why is there a co-op fee?
• Can I live in residence during my co-op work term?
• How will I find a place to live for my co-op work term?

What is "co-operative education"?

Co-operative education, or "co-op", is an education model that lets you learn by doing, both in the classroom and in the workplace. It can help you discover your strengths and make it easier to find a career path that fits.

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How does co-op work?

When you participate in co-op, you alternate terms in class with terms at work in your field of study. This means that when you graduate, you'll have tons of work experience, a great resume and contacts in your field.

If you are pursuing computer, electrical or mechanical engineering, you must complete the equivalent of 16 months of related work experience in order to graduate. This work experience is usually completed in four four-month work terms, which are scheduled between academic terms.

If you are pursuing software engineering, you'll complete a cumulative 16-month work experience as opposed to four distinct work terms. If you are pursuing computer science or math, you can opt to participate in co-op.

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Do you get paid for co-op? How much?

Yes, as a co-op student you'll earn a competitive wage, it's the perfect way to put away money for tuition. The average monthly undergraduate salary in 2007/2008 was $2,606, or $3,030 for engineering students. Your salary will depend on many factors, including your previous work experience, your program area and the job itself.

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Why is co-op mandatory in engineering?

Co-op is an integral part of UVic's Faculty of Engineering. The faculty has a commitment to educate students for professional careers as engineers and computer scientists with advanced technical knowledge, which is based on strong applied science fundamentals coupled with applications of engineering practice. By taking part in co-op, you'll develop the abilities needed to excel in your profession.

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Can I choose what job I want?

Yes, you can apply to the jobs that interest you. Once you complete the workshop requirements, you'll begin applying to jobs using our online job posting system. You should apply to jobs based on your interest and your level of experience. Some jobs require that students have completed a certain number or work terms or a certain number of academic years, while others are more flexible.

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Are you guaranteed a job for co-op?

There are no guarantees: students' experience, interview and resume skills, and the state of the economy are just a few factors that can affect a job search. However, our staff are available to help you through every step of the hiring process. We can help you explore opportunities in different sectors and with your companies of interest.

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Who hires co-op students?

Co-op employers are very diverse and include government ministries, private businesses, not-for-profit organizations and everything in between. Students are hired by local companies as well as by companies across Canada and around the world.

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Where will I work as a co-op student?

This depends on you. Many students work for local companies here in Victoria, as well as for employers right here on campus. Work terms are available with companies from a wide range of industries and specialties, you can speak with your co-op coordinator to find the jobs that best suit your interests.

You are encouraged to be flexible in your job choices and to consider jobs outside the Victoria area. For students who are willing to relocate, the job placement rate is usually 100 per cent. If you plan to pursue a work term with a company outside Canada, contact your co-op coordinator to discuss your plans and sort out a strategy. Many international employers regularly hire UVic Co-op students.

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Can I work overseas?

Yes! Up to ten per cent of our students work internationally each term. Please refer to our international placements information. Students going to the USA in particular should see a Coordinator to get advice about visas and border crossings.

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Will employers pay your moving expenses?

Full-time UVic co-op students can claim certain costs related to relocation for co-op work placements that are more than 40 kilometres from Victoria as income tax deductions. You must complete a T-1 M Claim for Moving Expenses form from Revenue Canada.

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Can international students do co-op?

If you are an international student, participating in co-op will enable you to work for Canadian companies while you complete your degree at UVic. You may participate in co-op as long as you have a valid study permit. You'll find detailed information about work permits and the co-op program on the main co-op website.

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Why is there a co-op fee?

Most university-run co-op programs, including the UVic program, charge a fee. This fee, called the "co-op program fee," helps to pay co-op staff salaries so that we can provide you with the best training, support and guidance through your co-op experience. Your fee also contributes to the cost of operating our web-based information system and co-op curriculum resources, which let you access and apply for jobs 24 hours a day.

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Can I live in residence during my co-op work term?

Yes, you are considered a full-time student while working in a registered work term and may live in residence.

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How will I find a place to live for my co-op work term?

UVic Co-op offers an accommodation posting board, where landlords can post rooms, apartments and other accommodations that are available for rent. Most of these housing options are available for short-term rental, which is perfect for the co-op student.

If you're heading to a Canadian city, or even if you're staying here in Victoria, you can explore the co-op housing board and search for accommodation by province. You can also search for housing options in Victoria by visiting UVic's Off-Campus Housing Listing. These listings operate like a classified ad section in a newspaper, we do not inspect units listed on these websites or interview landlords.

If you're heading abroad, talk with your co-op coordinator to see if he or she can give you any tips about finding accommodation in your new city.

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