Co-op and careers
Working as a Weed Science Research Assistant on the Saanich Peninsula during a co-op placement.
Changing the cameras that monitor wildlife while on a co-op placement in Kootenay National Park.
Working as an Emergency Management Geo-Technician in Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre during a co-op placement.
Studying volcanic debris in the Nazko Cone during a co-op placement as a Soil Scientist Research Assistant.
Co-op and Career Services
At UVic Geography, learning extends beyond the classroom. Through the Co-operative Education Program (co-op) and Career Services, you can develop skills for a successful and fulfilling career.
Co-operative Education
Co-operative Education (co-op) allows you to alternate your academic studies with paid, relevant work experience in your field of study. Co-op integrates 4-month work experience terms within your degree program. Work terms can take place in public and private sectors, with many opportunities based in local, provincial, or federal government departments. Co-op is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Geography co-op is the largest discipline within the Social Sciences Co-op Program and has great relationships with organizations such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the BC Ministry of Community Development, and other BC ministries, local governments, private organizations, and non-profit organizations in Greater Victoria, across Canada, and beyond.
Geography students love co-op because it provides them the opportunity to use classroom skills such as research, analysis, communication, and team building in a professional setting. Students can get a head start on their desired careers before they finish their degrees. It also allows them to experience a variety of workplaces and earn while they learn!
Learn more about how geography students can benefit from co-op.
Contact the Faculty of Social Sciences co-op office at sscoop@uvic.ca or at 250-721-8689.
Career Services
UVic Career Services offers support to all current students and alumni. Through them, students and alumni can access assistance with résumés, support with job searches, advice about interviews, one-on-one career support, and more.
Geography explores the relationship between human and biophysical systems and deals with some of the most critical issues of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainability of resource management systems, international development, and community and urban planning.
Our graduates work in fields like resource management, environmental consulting, urban planning, international development, and geographic information systems.
Graduates of geography are equipped with the set of skills necessary to become critical thinkers and doers, and to make an impact in their chosen career field.
See what a degree in geography can do for your career.
Learn about professional designations related to a geography degree. (coming soon!)
What is co-op?
Co-operative education (co-op) is a learning strategy that lets you:
- Alternate your academic studies with paid, relevant work experience in your field of study
- Enrich your academic studies by drawing on practical, real-world experience from your work terms
- Develop competencies to excel in the workplace
Career-related support
Career Services can support you in every stage of your career development, through:
Employer Resources
Our co-op students can provide you and your business with a wide range of employment options. They can take on short-term tasks with enthusiasm and energy, contribute their skills to ongoing projects or assist your regular staff during peak periods.
Hiring and working with a co-op student is easy and we provide much support along the way! Co-op terms typically begin at the start of January, May, and September and usually last 4 or 8 months.
If you would like to find a student volunteer, hire a graduate, or hire for a casual position, please contact Career Services at careers@uvic.ca.