Participation in Co-op can be very beneficial. The program provides students with employment training, access to job postings, and support throughout the job search process and work placement. Also, Co-op students have the opportunity to work outside of the competitive summer seasons, and many companies prefer to hire Co-op students. However, the program is not suited to every student. It is very important for students to understand what the obligations to the program are, and whether or not the program will help them achieve their goals.
+When do you have to apply for co-op?
Students should apply to the Co-op program at the beginning of second year, once they have been placed in an engineering discipline. Applications are due around the end of the second week of classes in September.
+What is admission into the program based upon?
Admission to the Co-op program is based primarily on the application form and the following admission interview. Members of the Co-op staff are looking for students that will conduct themselves professionally, and represent the program well to industry. It is extremely important that students take the pre-employment activities seriously; if the Co-op staff doesn’t think a student will be committed to his work, that student will not be admitted.
+Do your grades need to be above a certain average?
Students participating in the Co-op program are required to maintain an overall average of 65% or greater in their coursework.
+When do you find out if you have been accepted into the program?
Applications are evaluated in the first term of second year. Students are notified of acceptance once the decision is made, and will be expected to begin applying in January for a summer work term.
+If you’ve been accepted into the program, what are the obligations you must fulfill?
Students accepted into the program will be expected to complete pre-employment training, which will include workshops, a resume / cover letter review session, and a mock interview. In addition, students will be expected to adhere to the terms and conditions that are signed as part of the application process. It is very important for students to understand their obligations to the program, a complete list of conditions can be found here.
+When do you find out if you have a job for your work term?
Job placements are made in two rounds of applications. In the first round, the student applies and interviews for positions over a five week period. At the end of this period both students and employers rank their choices, and students are notified if they are placed. If not placed, the student enters the second round of applications. In this round, students continue to interview for positions, and are notified as soon as a suitable placement is found.
+Approximately how much does someone doing co-op make over the course of a work term? What is a person’s salary over their work term based upon?
The salary that a Co-op student will receive is determined by the employer, and is based on the position being offered as well as the number of work terms the student has completed. The average student salary in 2007/2008 (taken over all disciplines and experience levels) was $2,914 per month.
+How much does co-op cost per work term?
Each work term undertaken is counted as a three credit course in Applied Science, and has an associated tuition fee. In 2008/2009, the cost to a domestic student was $637.72 per work term. In addition, a one time pre-employment training fee is assessed once a student is accepted to the program. This fee was $204 in 2008/2009.
+Under what circumstances is an individual expelled from the co-op program?
Expulsion from the Co-op program is very rare. A student may be removed from the program if they violate the terms and conditions of the Co-op contract. This could result from being fired for unsatisfactory performance, or failing to maintain satisfactory academic standing at school. A student may also be removed before the first work term for unprofessional conduct in the resume / cover letter review and mock interview sessions. Ultimately, the decision to remove a student is made by the director of the program.
+Is an individual allowed to leave co-op if they feel that it is not working for them?
Yes, students are permitted to leave the Co-op program as long as they do so before the beginning of a job search term. Students may choose to withdraw during a job search term and receive a ‘W’ on their transcript. There are penalties for withdrawing from the program during a designated work term or while on a placement, more information can be found in the Co-op terms and conditions.
+Can an individual find work experience on their own without participating in the co-op program?
Yes, absolutely. A student can receive up to 12 months credit towards the four year E.I.T. work experience requirement for any technical work experience obtained after having completed second year and while under a licensed professional engineer. This experience can be found through summer work independent of the Co-op program.
+Where can I find more information about the Co-op program?
The Co-op website is the best source for current information about the program. If you cannot find an answer to your question, the Co-op staff members are always happy to help. The Co-op office can be reached at (604) 822–3022 or by e-mail at eng.coop@ubc.ca.