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Experience Matters

The world is constantly changing and you need to be ready for what’s around the corner. Apply your skills, passion and education to a real-world setting through co-op. Leave a lasting impact while creating connections that lead to rewarding results.

You’ll graduate with a competitive edge and practical work experience on your resumé, and be on your way to achieving success in whatever you choose to do next.

Why Co-op?

  • Develop skills and gain real-world experience.
  • Explore your interests by working in different industries and positions.
  • Earn money to help cover your expenses.
  • Grow your professional network.

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How Co-op Works

  • Get paid while working for an employer for 12 to 16 weeks, on average.
  • Alternate school and co-op work terms, typically working two, three or four co-op work terms throughout your program.
  • Get assistance with career planning, job search and interview preparation.
  • Apply to co-op job postings and attend interviews.
  • Learn about business conduct and meeting employer expectations.
  • Reflect on your learning through performance evaluations and work term reports.

Competitive Admission

Students in the following programs apply to co-op after first year. Admission is based on grades, work experience, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and an interview with the Co-op Office.

  • Business Administration (BBA)
  • Economics
  • All programs in the Faculty of Arts (excluding International Education Studies)
  • All programs in the Faculty of Science
  • User Experience Design

Automatic Admission

Students in the following programs are automatically offered entry into co-op and register at the end of their first year.

  • Business and Computer Science (Laurier) double degree
  • Business and Financial Mathematics double degree
  • Business Technology Management

Mandatory Co-op

Students in the following programs must participate in co-op as part of their degree requirements.

  • Business and Mathematics double degree with University of Waterloo
  • Business and Computer Science double degree with University of Waterloo

Average Weekly Salary

Note: Varies based on program, industry and location.

  • Arts and Science programs: $622
  • Business and Economics programs: $718–$867

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Sample Co-op Jobs

  • eCommerce Assistant Product Manager, Staples Canada
  • Communications Assistant, Indigenous Services Canada
  • Customer Marketing Assistant, Bayer Group
  • Global Investment Banking Co-op Analyst, RBC Capital Markets
  • Historical Interpreter, Waterloo Region Museum
  • Internal Auditor, ATS Automation
  • Recreation and Leisure Support Worker, The Safehaven Project for Community Living
  • Sales Analyst, Smucker Foods of Canada
  • Staff Accountant, Deloitte
  • Software Developer, The Co-operators

60+
Programs Are Eligible for Co-op

Check your program to see if co-op is available.

Where Are Our Co-op Students Working?

Automotive and Manufacturing

  • John Deere Canada Financial Inc.
  • Linamar Corporation
  • Nissan Canada
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing
  • Yamaha Motor Canada

Community Services and Government

  • Canada Revenue Agency
  • KidsAbility
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
  • SickKids Foundation
  • YMCA Canada

Consumer Packaged Goods

  • IKEA Canada
  • Kimberly-Clark Inc.
  • Loblaw Companies Ltd.
  • PepsiCo Canada
  • SC Johnson Canada

CPA and Consulting

  • BDO Canada LLP
  • EY Canada
  • KPMG
  • Mercer Canada
  • PwC Canada

Financial Services and Insurance

  • BMO Capital Markets
  • CIBC
  • Economical Insurance
  • Manulife Financial
  • Sun Life Financial

Technology and Telecommunications

  • Axonify
  • Miovision
  • Samsung Electronics Canada
  • Shopify
  • Vidyard

5,590 
Job Postings

Laurier is home to Canada’s largest business degree co-op program. 98.3% of Business and Economics co-op students had jobs in 2020/21.

Contact Us:

Recruitment and Admissions

E: chooselaurier@wlu.ca
T: 548.889.8888
F: 519.884.0618

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