Students

Co-op information for students

Within Economics, the co-op program is available to undergraduate (BA, BSc) and graduate (MA, PhD) students.

Co-op terms normally alternate with academic terms after the first year of study. Prior to the first scheduled co-op term, all students complete a series of seminars designed to prepare them for the work term. Sessions cover such topics as skills assessment, resume and cover letter preparation, interview skills and succeeding in the professional workplace.

Application for available co-op positions is competitive and requires a commitment of time and effort on the part of students. Most co-op positions are posted on Learning in Motion, a password-protected website used by students to create resumes and cover letters and to apply for jobs. Students create applications for positions that interest them, then proceed to interview. The final step in the placement process is acceptance of a job offer.

While on the co-op term, students are supported by the Co-op Coordinator and receive direct supervision from an assigned workplace supervisor.

Who hires Economics co-op students?

Economics students are employed in the public and private sectors.

Some recent employers include Environment Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, BC Ministry of Forests, BC Ministry of Health, Microsoft Canada, RA Malatest and Associates, the Fraser Institute, and BC Hydro.

What type of work do Economics co-op students do on their co-op terms?

Most work undertaken by Economics students involves some form of research, analysis and writing related to a particular substantive area.

More specifically, Economics co-op students may conduct literature reviews, collect, format and analyze data, create models, and write reports, letters and briefing notes, individually or as part of a work team.

Contact Social Sciences co-op: sscoop@uvic.ca