What to Expect in Co-op

Students enrolled in the Engineering Co-op Program must fulfill the expectations and requirements listed below to complete the program and receive the Co-operative Program designation on their degree.

Upon completing the common first year and being accepted into co-op, students will be placed into a co-op stream that will determine their academic and work term sequences for the remainder of their degree. Students are expected to complete five four-month work terms. All incoming co-op students take in the Fall semester. This introductory course helps students learn about available resources and prepares them for their upcoming work terms. 

Before a Work Term

Students will start looking for a co-op placement one semester (4 months) prior to their work term start date. After accepting the terms and conditions on campusBRIDGE (the engineering co-op job board), students will gain access to campusBRIDGE job postings. At the start of each work term, students will accept the terms and conditions, prepare and upload an updated resume, obtain their most recent academic transcript, and update their contact information as required.

Students are expected to actively participate in the job search process until they find a job that is suitable for their work term.The co-op staff provides resources and support throughout the entire recruitment process and are available to meet with co-op students for any questions they may have. 

Whether a student finds a job through campusBRIDGE or through their own job search, they must notify the co-op office immediately to ensure it qualifies for the program. The ultimate responsibility for obtaining suitable employment for each work term rests with the student.

During a Work Term

During a co-op work term, students work full-time and do not take academic courses. However, students are registered in a non-credit WKEXP course to maintain full-time student status. Students are registered in a different WKEXP course for each 4-month work term. For example, students will be registered in one WKEXP course of the first 4 months and a different WKEXP course for the second 4 months of an 8 month work term.

There is tuition associated with WKEXP courses (see How Much Does Co-op Cost for more information). WKEXP courses are taken in addition to academic courses and are graded on a pass-fail basis. 

The following is required to complete a WKEXP course: 

  • Minimum 12 weeks of full-time work 
  • Work term assignment
  • Evaluations
    • A midterm site visit meeting with your supervisor and a co-op staff member
    • Receive a satisfactory end-of-term evaluation from your supervisor

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the above requirements are met. Students must also monitor their UºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ emails while on a work term so they do not miss important communications from the co-op office. Students are expected to conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism at all times. Engineering Co-op students are obligated to uphold the:

The co-op office will provide instructions and reminders for students throughout the semester, but it is important that students keep track of their responsibilities regarding the co-op program. Students must complete the job search and go through the recruitment process themselves, but co-op staff members are available to support students if required. 

If you have any additional questions, please email us at engineering.co-op@ualberta.ca.