How Co-op Works
What you need to know about co-op
Co-op at UBC-O helps students develop essential skills in job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and professional networking. Once in the workplace, students gain hands-on experience and continue learning through reflection and coaching, all while receiving ongoing support from the Co-op Program Office.
Want to learn more about the co-op experience? Watch our recorded Co-op Information Session and explore the slide deck to discover program benefits, application steps, key dates, and what to expect throughout your co-op journey.
Tip: These are essentially helpful if you’re just getting started or missed a live info session!
Who can participate?
The Program is open to undergraduate students from select degree programs, with eligibility criteria including academic standing and enrollment status. See the Apply to Co-op page for full eligibility requirements.
What to Expect in the Co-op Program
The Co-op Program is designed to support your personal, academic and professional growth. Here’s what to expect:
Each year, students can apply to the Co-op Education program during the admissions period (August 1–September 15). This first step helps you begin thinking intentionally about your goals and how work-integrated learning can help shape your future.
Once admitted, students take part in mandatory pre-employment training between October and December. The CRC combines online modules with live sessions to help you build key career skills, including resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, professional communication and more. This foundational training sets you up for success in your job search and on the job.
Students then begin applying to co-op jobs approximately four months before their targeted start date. During this phase, you’ll receive coaching, engage in goal setting, and reflect on your personal and professional development. You’ll also build industry research skills and develop greater confidence in your job search strategies.
Once employed in a co-op position, you’ll begin applying your classroom learning in a professional setting. You’ll gain practical experience, explore career pathways, and develop key competencies. The Co-op Program Office stays closely connected to support your growth through check-ins, professional development opportunities, and structured reflection.
After a work term, you’ll return to campus for at least one academic term to continue your studies and reflect on your experience. Steps 4 and 5 repeat as needed until the three work term requirements are met.
After completing your final academic term, you’ll graduate with a Co-op designation on your degree – a powerful reflection of your applied experience, career readiness, and professional growth.
How You Earn the Co-op Designation
To graduate with the Co-op Education designation on your degree, you must successfully complete three co-op work terms.
Each co-op work term is typically four months in length and must include a minimum of 420 hours over at least 12 weeks. Some employers may offer extended work experiences lasting eight or twelve months, which count as multiple work terms.
Co-op work terms are recorded on your official academic transcript as additive credit – they do not replace required or elective courses in your undergraduate degree program. This means you gain relevant work experience and professional growth in addition to your academic studies, making your degree even more competitive and career-ready.
Planning Your Work/Study Sequence
Every student’s academic path is unique, but these guidelines can help you plan your co-op work terms alongside your studies:
Work/Study Sequence Guidelines:
- Complete three required co-op work terms to earn the co-op designation. Additional terms will be considered.
- At least one work term must be completed during the Fall or Winter; all work terms cannot be completed in Summer only.
- You may complete up to three consecutive co-op work terms; further requests will be reviewed individually.
- Your degree must finish with an academic term, not a work term.
- Ideally, complete your first co-op work term within one year of joining the program – preferably in Summer or Fall.
- If you plan to participate in study abroad exchange (Go Global), try to complete at least one co-op work term before going on exchange.
If you have course planning challenges, personal commitments, or require flexibility, please contact the Co-op Program Office early for support and guidance.
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