What is Co-operative Education?
Co-operative education (co-op) gives you the opportunity to complete three, 4-month work terms. Before graduation, you will gain a full year of related experience in your field of study. Co-op work terms are paid and help you gain practical experience in the non-profit, corporate and/or government sectors.
In preparation for your co-op work term, we will help you with resume development, writing cover letters and interview prep. We host a student conference in January to talk about the co-op process and navigating the workplace to help you succeed while on the job. A member of the Co-op Team will complete a work site visit during your work term, to ensure you are achieving your learning goals.
How does Co-op Work?
Your co-op term experience will be unique. We will post jobs and you can also look for your own position while going through this program. MSVU co-op students are encouraged to gain a broad range of experience and you will set personal learning goals while on your co-op term.
During a co-op term, you will work for a minimum of 13 weeks / 35 hours per week. You will alternate work terms with academic courses. Co-op terms enable you to apply the theoretical concepts you learned in class to practical career-related situations…and get paid for it!
The co-operative education degree is a 23-unit degree. Tuition applies to all academic credits, therefore there is a cost to co-op. Click here for tuition information.
Co-op positions are paid work terms, so tuition fees can be offset by co-operative education income. In addition to the co-op income, studies have shown that co-op students graduate with 32% lower debt loads, and earn a higher salary in the first year of work.
Many co-op opportunities are located outside of the Halifax-metro area, so you should be prepared to think about relocating to another part of Canada to get the most out of the co-op experience. Employers post co-op positions with the understanding that you need opportunities to learn in the workplace and with the hope that you will bring your skills and energy to their organization.
Benefits of Completing Co-operative Education
- One year of relevant work experience
- Excellent job-search, resume and interviewing skills
- Industry contact with potential employers
- Personal and professional confidence
- A competitive edge when looking for a full-time job
- Career options
- The opportunity to travel to other provinces
