Student Information

 

Why Join the Co-op Education Program?

Imagine this: You've just graduated with a solid GPA and unbound enthusiasm ... and perhaps a small student loan. Convinced there's a job out there for you, the search for work begins. Finally, you're ready to put your hard earned knowledge and skills to work.

Unfortunately, you soon discover that most of the jobs you're interested in require experience. No experience, no job. No job, no experience; round and round you go. Soon, you begin to feel like a dog chasing its tail. Don't despair. It doesn't have to be like this for you. You can enroll in the Co-operative Education program, and gain valuable hands-on experience in addition to your academic training.

For decades, Co-operative Education has successfully provided students with the competitive edge. Co-operative Education is an optional program available to most UNBC students which is based on the principle of integrating academic studies with related and paid work experience. It offers you many benefits. Here are a few:

  • You'll receive meaningful, study related work experience which will enrich your education and which is a prerequisite for most post-graduate employment.
  • You'll establish a valuable network of contacts.
  • You'll get a first hand look at career opportunities.
  • Your earnings through Co-op employment will help offset educational expenses.
  • You'll develop valuable workplace skills such as teamwork, business communication, writing and computer skills.
  • You'll have access to a wide range of job search and career related resources through the Co-op office.

Who Can Participate in the Co-op Program?

To be eligible for the Co-op Program, students must:

  • Be full-time undergraduate students at UNBC
  • Have completed at least 60 credits (2 years of full-time course work) before the first work term
  • Have a cumultative GPA of at least 2.75
  • Be willing to complete four work terms during the course of their degree
  • Be willing to complete work terms outside of the Prince George area

How Does Co-op Work?

Students will participate in the following process when seeking work terms through Co-op:

  • Co-op staff identify job opportunities and post job descriptions for students while at the same time training students in job search techniques. Work terms normally begin the first week of each academic semester and are normally 13 to 18 weeks in duration. Salaries are determined by the employer.
  • Students admitted into the Co-op Program may apply for the posted positions they are interested in, and are also encouraged to seek their own co-op employment opportunities independently.
  • For posted jobs, employers shortlist and have the Co-op Office arrange for interviews. Personal interviews are preferred, however, employers may interview by phone.
  • At the conclusion of the selection process, employers make their decision and notify the Co-op Office. Details regarding the work placement are coordinated through the Co-op Office in consultation with the student and employer.

What is Expected of the Student?

Students in the Co-op Program should realize they are making a commitment beyond that required of their specific academic program. Students are strongly encouraged to assist in the job search process by providing leads, making contacts, and conducting information interviews with potential employers. If a position develops primarily as a result of a particular student's efforts, this becomes their co-op job. Students who take responsibility in the job development process gain valuable life skills while in this supportive environment.

Students accepted into the Co-op Program are required to:

  1. Check the Co-op job board on a regular basis
  2. Provide the Co-op Office with a current copy of their résumé
  3. Complete a Placement Status Form, establish work term learning objectives, and register for their work term at the beginning of each term
  4. Conduct themselves appropriately on the job
  5. Complete a work term report at the end of each work term and deliver it to the Co-op Office on the date specified by the Co-op Coordinator.
  6. Participate in a work term evaluation discussion with their workterm supervisor.

How Do I Join?

Co-operative Education Information Sessions will be held during the first month of classes each semester. Students planning to enter the Co-op program should attend these sessions and complete an application at the Co-op Office before the posted deadline.

Co-operative Education Office
Admin. 1051
University of Northern British Columbia     
3333 University Way
Prince George, BC
V2N 4Z9

Tel: (250) 960-6598
Fax: (250) 960-6065
Email: coop@unbc.ca

Registration, Co-op Fees and Co-op Credit

A Co-operative Education registration fee is levied by the University for each work term. Students must register and pay their Co-op fees immediately after being placed on a work term. Administrative fees are subject to change; therefore, please contact the Registrar's Office fBor current Co-op fees.

Co-operative education work terms are non-credit work experiences. While each co-op work term is acknowledged in a student's permament academic transcript, work terms have no academic status and therefore do not affect a student's GPA nor substitute for any of the required academic courses to complete a degree. Students who successfully complete 4 work terms will upon graduation receive a degree parchment with "Co-operative Education" added to the academic credentials. The co-op designation indicates valuable related work experience and can improve job search results.