The Engineering Co-Operative Education program provides an excellent opportunity for you to gain practical industrial experience to complement your formal engineering studies. The periods of industrial experience will extend the duration of your engineering studies by one year. This time is well spent. Among the many positive outcomes of participation in the Co-op program are that it:
- teaches you how to work effectively in the working world;
- helps you decide on your future career objectives;
- gives meaning and context to your academic studies;
- makes introductions to potential future employers;
- provides an income that helps pay for university study costs;
- creates a work record that is attractive to potential employers.
Students enroll in the Co-op program during their second year. They receive specialized training introducing them to the working world, and describing how to write an effective resume and how to give a strong interview.
During the next three years, students alternately work for one term in industry, and one term at UBC. Each summer is spent working in industry. In total, there are five industrial work terms, each of four months duration. The Co-op office maintains strong contacts with industrial companies, and helps you find appropriate and interesting work. Many opportunities exist for working overseas. Co-op students work all over the world, notably in Japan and Germany.
“The Mechanical Engineering Co-op experience is fantastic. You get experience in the workplace where you learn practical things, meet industry contacts, and get paid pretty well too. The best part is that you get try a variety of different jobs before deciding on your future.”
Dean While
3rd year Mechanical Engineering Co-op student
Learn More:
- For more information on Co-op, please see their webpage.
