Faculty of Management

How does Co-op work?

Co-op alternates semesters of regular academic courses with semesters of paid, full-time work experience called work terms.  Each work term is a course (making you a full-time student) that is recorded on your transcript.  As with any course, there are assignments and projects to be submitted to the instiution and in cooperation with your employer during the course of the work term. 

The successful recruitment of co-operative education students is a collective effort of three parties – the interested employer, the co-op student, and the associated educational institution.  Co-op positions, whether posted on the Faculty of Management job board or on an employer's website, can only be completed by students registered in a Co-op Program.

When is the Co-op application deadline?

Allthough applications are accepted year-round, we strongly recommend you complete the application to Co-op as soon as you are eligible and early in the semester (ideallly on or before the add/drop date). 

Jobs are posted early at the beginning of each semester from four to twelve months in advance of the start date, so joining the program well in advance is a good strategy and leaves time to attend a workshop, have your resume approved, ready your documents and work on your interviewing skills.

* ACCOUNTING STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE:  All CA firm (and some energy sector and manufacturing) postings for Spring, Summer and Fall 2014 positions close by September 19, 2013.  Students interested in those positions should apply to the Co-op Program as early as possible in August/September 2013.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible to apply for and to remain in the Co-op program you must have:

• Current U of L Registration at the Lethbridge, Calgary or Edmonton campuses in a Bachelor of Management, Management Certificate, or Professional Diploma in Accounting Program.  You must have one or more courses left to complete your degree and be registered on a continuing basis (fall and spring semesters) to be accepted to and remain in the co-op program. If you have completed all your courses or have applied to graduate, you are not eligible for the co-op program.  See note regarding going on a work-term at the end of your degree.

• A 2.70/4.0 Cumulative GPA (not rounded) or higher to enter and remain in the program.  For students appllying in their first year, a 70% average is needed for direct entry from high school. Individual employers may have their own minimum GPA requirements which are higher.  See note regarding transfer, second degree or post-diploma GPA calculations for co-op entry.

How much does Co-op cost?

There is no fee for applying to and participating in the pre-work term portion of the co-op program.  Co-op tuition is only paid when a student has accepted a co-op position and is registered in a Work Experience course.  The tuition is tax deductible, maintains a student loan in interest-free status and preserves status as a full-time, continuing student for seniority, scholarships, loans, and benefits eligibilty. 

Co-op tuition is $615.95 as listed in the University Calendar for Undergraduates 2013/3014 (see Fees section).  Additional administrative fees are also applicable.

Will the Co-op office find me a co-op job?

The availability and number of co-op opportunities is dependent upon employers’ needs and labour market conditions.  Co-op is not a placement, recruitment or staffing agency.  The Co-op office does not "match" you with a job or employer. 

However, the Co-op office does assist you with all aspects of the recruitment process and does the job search and follow-up for you.  All positions are placed on a restricted Co-op job board open only to co-op students.   Some positions are only available to U of L students, other employers will hire throughout Alberta or Canada.

Am I guaranteed a work term if I join Co-op?

The co-op recruitment process mirrors that of the real-world, where applicants compete for available positions.  Employers may post opportunities at a number of post-secondary institutions.  Therefore, co-op placements cannot be guaranteed.

What if I have more questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section or contact the co-op office.

How can I apply for Co-op jobs/become a registered Co-op student?

Make sure you have read over this page first, then follow these steps:

1. Apply to the Co-op Program
   
2. Attend a Career Management Workshop
   
3. Attend an Intake Appointment.  Job Board access will be given upon  resume approval. NOTE:  International Students should Apply for a Co-op Work Permit after the Intake Appointment.  Job Board access will be given upon receipt of Co-op Work Permit AND resume approval.
   
4. Apply to Co-op Jobs!