Co-op FAQs (Public Relations, Business Administration and Tourism & Hospitality Management)

Does co-op make a difference?
Since 2010, the Co-op Office has conducted a co-op grad survey to learn about grad success in the workplace and how co-op contributed to their current level of success. 97% of co-op grads said that they were satisfied with the Mount’s co-op program. More than 90% of co-op grads secured employment in their field of study within six months of graduation and nearly 100% secured employment in their field of study within one year of graduation.

In addition to the success of our co-op graduates, professors have said that co-operative education helps students to develop a more thorough understanding of the theory taught in the classrooms. Co-op education makes a difference in both the short term by improving your academic success while in school, and in the long term by improving your success in finding employment after graduation.

How do I apply for co-operative education?
When you are accepted into the Public Relations or Tourism & Hospitality Management degree program, you are automatically enrolled in co-operative education. Business Administration students typically apply for the co-op education program in their second year of study.

How does the co-op job application process work?
Co-op positions are vetted by our Employer Liaison and posted on Career Connects, which is an online information system that students use to review and apply to jobs. Most employers require a cover letter, resume and reference list and will indicate a deadline for students to apply by. You will receive a user guide from the Co-op Office which outlines how to review and apply for jobs on Career Connects.

Am I guaranteed a position?
There are typically more co-op positions posted compared to the number of students seeking a work term. With that said, we cannot guarantee that every student will secure a position. If you are actively participating in the application process and seeking support from co-op staff when needed, you will likely be successful in securing a co-op position.

Would I be able to take a course while on work term?
You can register for one-half unit of credit while on a co-op work term. The registered course must not conflict with the co-op work hours. Students who complete a course, often do so via distance learning.

Can I look for my own position?
Yes, you are encouraged to complete your own job search while continuing to apply for positions posted through the Co-op Office. Completing your own job search will maximize opportunities and develop useful job search skills while having the opportunity to apply to the jobs posted through the Co-op Office. If you would like to complete your own job search, make an appointment to speak with a Co-op Coordinator. The Coordinator will provide you with some helpful marketing materials, and will also ensure that it is not an employer the Co-op Office is already working with to avoid duplication in communication. The Co-op Coordinator may also be able to help you in identifying potential leads in specific areas based on previous work terms.

What happens if I get a co-op job offer, but I don’t want to accept it?
Students have 24 business hours after they receive a job offer to accept or to decline. Students may decline two opportunities (job offers or interviews). If a student declines more than two job opportunities, they are required to do a self-directed job search and can no longer access job postings through the Co-op Office.

How do I get a Co-op Work Permit?
If you are an international student, you will need a Co-op Work Permit in order to complete a work term in Canada. Visit the Mount’s International Education Centre to apply for the Co-op Work Permit.

Will co-op delay my graduation date?
Co-operative education extends your degree program by four months. These four months are more than offset by the one year of career-related work experience you gain – you are still ahead of students who don’t complete co-op in jump-starting your career.

How much does co-operative education cost?
The co-operative education degree is a 23-unit degree. Tuition applies to all academic credits, and a co-op term is equivalent to one full unit of credit. Your tuition fees are partially offset by your co-operative education earnings. Click here for tuition fees.

Will I get paid on a co-op term?
Co-op work terms are paid. Salaries range depending on location, type of organization, work term level and academic program. Visit our employer page to view last year’s average co-op salaries.

What do co-op tuition fees cover?
Your co-op tuition fees cover the administration of the co-op process including, but not limited to the following:

  • Professional development sessions prior to your first co-op work term
  • Personalized job search assistance (cover letter support, one-on-one resume reviews, interview preparation, mock interviews, and coaching to complete your own job search)
  • Work site visits and ongoing mediation of unsatisfactory work term situations
  • Post co-op work term debriefing and grading with co-op faculty advisor
  • Development of job opportunities
  • Access to online job postings website and job posting administration
  • Interview space and interview coordination
  • Facilitation of job offers
  • Tracking of student eligibility, participation level, and job search activity
  • Recognition programs (MSVU Co-op Student of the Year and Co-op Employer of the Year Awards)
  • Networking opportunities with employers and co-op students (special events and optional professional development/information sessions)

Internship FAQs (Arts and Science)

How much will the internship cost?
The cost of the internship is equivalent to one full unit of undergraduate tuition for non-lab component courses. Click here for tuition fees.

Am I guaranteed an internship position?
We cannot guarantee that every student will secure a position. If you are actively participating in the application process, completing your own job search and seeking support from co-op staff when needed, you will likely be successful in securing a co-op position.

Will my internship be related to my declared major?
There is no guarantee that the internship work term will be related to your major. All positions will be approved by the Co-op Office and will provide direct and/or transferrable skills appropriate for interns.

Where are the internship positions located?
Internship opportunities can be with organizations outside the Halifax area, therefore you must be prepared to relocate to accept an internship position. You will be responsible for travel expenses to re-locate when the employer does not subsidize these expenses.

Would I be able to take a course while on work term?
You can register for one-half unit of credit while on an internship work term. The registered course must not conflict with the internship work hours. Students who complete a course, often do so via distance learning.

Will I get paid on an internship term?
Yes, all employers pay internship students. Salaries range depending on location and the type of organization.

Will the internship work term replace my regular course work?
Students in the internship program will complete a 21-unit degree. Interns complete a one-unit internship work term plus the regular degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program.

Will the internship work term appear on my transcript?
Yes, the internship work term will appear on your transcript and you will receive a grade (Pass/Fail/Withdrawal). Completion of the internship work term will not alter your degree name; you will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

How does the job application process work?
Co-op positions are vetted by our Employer Liaison and posted on Career Connects, which is an online information system that students use to review and apply to jobs. Most employers require a cover letter, resume and reference list and will indicate a deadline for students to apply by. You will receive a user guide from the Co-op Office which outlines how to review and apply for jobs on Career Connects.

How do I get a Co-op Work Permit?
If you are an international student, you will need a Co-op Work Permit in order to complete a work experience term in Canada. Visit the Mount’s International Education Centre to apply for a Co-op Work Permit.

What happens if I get an internship job offer, but I don’t want to accept it?
Students have 24 business hours after they receive a job offer to accept or to decline. Students may decline two opportunities (job offers or interviews). If a student declines more than two job opportunities, they are required to do a self-directed job search and can no longer access job postings through the Co-op Office.

What do my internship tuition fees cover?
Your internship tuition fees cover the administration of the internship process including, but not limited to:

  • Professional development sessions prior to your internship
  • Personalized job search assistance (cover letter support, one-on-one resume reviews, interview preparation, mock interviews, and coaching to complete your own job search)
  • Work site visit
  • Post internship debriefing and grading with internship faculty advisor
  • Development of job opportunities
  • Access to online job postings website and job posting administration
  • Interview space and interview coordination (including telephone and Skype interviews)
  • Facilitation of job offers
  • Tracking of student eligibility, participation level, and job search activity
  • Networking opportunities with employers and students (special events and optional professional development/information sessions)

Can I find my own internship work term?
Yes, you are encouraged to complete your own job search while continuing to apply for positions posted through the Co-op Office. Completing your own job search will maximize opportunities and develop useful job search skills while having the opportunity to apply to the jobs posted through the Co-op Office. If you would like to complete your own job search, make an appointment to speak with a Co-op Coordinator. The Coordinator will provide you with some helpful marketing materials, and will also ensure that it is not an employer the Co-op Office is already working with to avoid duplication in communication.

Public Relations Work Experience FAQs

When do I complete my work experience terms?
Work experience terms are completed during the summer semesters. Refer to the work experience sequencing and eligibility section.  Students typically complete their first work term at the end of their second year, and their final work term at the end of their third year. In February prior to completing each work term, the Co-op Team will contact you to attend an information session.

How long do I have to finish the work experience requirements?
Students must complete a work term that is at least 13 consecutive weeks/35 hours per week. The work term is completed in the spring/summer semester (May – August).

How do I find a work term?
It is your responsibility to secure a position for your minimum 13 week work term. You should begin your job search early so you’re ready to begin working in May. Some recommended sites where you can begin your job search are:

How much does each work experience term cost?
Each work experience term costs ½ unit of tuition and is payable to Financial Services. Click here for tuition fees.

How do I get a Co-op Work Permit?
If you are an international student, you will need a Co-op Work Permit in order to complete a work experience term in Canada. Visit the Mount’s International Education Centre to apply for a Co-op Work Permit.

How do I find out more information about the work experience program?
Contact the Mount’s Co-op Team at co-op@msvu.ca.

Tourism & Hospitality Management Work Experience FAQs

When do I complete my work experience terms?
Work experience terms are completed during the summer semesters due to demands in the tourism industry. You will complete your first work experience term in the summer after you have finished 9-11 units of study. Your second work experience term will be completed after finishing 14-16 units of study. In February prior to completing each work term, the Co-op Team will contact you to attend an information session.

How long do I have to finish the work experience requirements?
You will have four months (May – August) to complete 455 hours of career-related work and submit your final report.

What if I cannot complete the 455 hour requirement in four months?
If you cannot complete 455 hours of work within four months, an additional four month extension will be provided. You will receive a grade of IP (In Progress) after the first four month period until you have completed the work experience requirements. Extensions will not be approved for the purpose of completing the work term report.

How do I find a work term?
It is your responsibility to secure a job or a volunteer opportunity to earn your 455 hours. You should begin your job search early so you’re ready to begin working in May. Some recommended sites where you can begin your job search are:

How much does each work experience term cost?
Each work experience term costs ½ unit of tuition and is payable to Financial Services. Click here for tuition fees.

How do I get a Co-op Work Permit?
If you are an international student, you will need a Co-op Work Permit in order to complete a work experience term in Canada. Visit the Mount’s International Education Centre to apply for a Co-op Work Permit.

How do I find out more information about the work experience program?
Contact the Mount’s Co-op Team at co-op@msvu.ca.