Co-operative Education
Shape Your Future
Co-operative Education at the University of Lethbridge blends real-world work experience with academic studies, earning international recognition as a premier degree completion method. This program fosters partnerships between students, the university, and employers, offering an immersive learning experience and invaluable networking opportunities.
Co-op is available to all majors in the Dhillon School of Business and Faculties of Arts & Science, Fine Arts & Health Sciences. See all majors:
- Accounting
- Post-Bachelor Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals
- Post-Bachelor Combined Certificates in Accounting
- Advanced Accounting Certificate
- NOTE: International students can ONLY do Co-op in 2 of the certificates (Post-Bachelor Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals and Post-Bachelor Combined Certificates in Accounting) but not the Advanced Accounting Certificate. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with refugee status can do Co-op in all three certificates.
- Agricultural Enterprise Management
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Finance
- General Management
- Human Resource Management and Labour Relations
- Indigenous Governance and Business Management
- International Management
- Marketing
- Political Science
- Social Responsibility
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Agricultural Biotechnology*
- Agricultural Studies*
- Anthropology*
- Applied Statistics
- Archaeology and Geography*
- Biochemistry*
- Biological Sciences*
- Canadian Studies*
- Chemistry*
- Computer Science*
- Computer Science/GIS*
- Economics*
- English*
- Environmental Science*
- French*
- French/Spanish*
- General Major: Humanities
- General Major: Science
- General Major: Social Science
- Geography*
- GIS
- History*
- Japanese
- Kinesiology* & Physical Education
- Linguistics
- Mathematics*
- Indigenous Studies*
- Neuroscience*
- Philosophy*
- Physics*
- Political Science*
- Psychology*
- Religious Studies*
- Remote Sensing
- Sociology*
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Urban & Regional Studies*
- Women & Gender Studies*
Note: Programs with * are accredited through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL)
- Art*
- Dramatic Arts*
- Music*
- New Media
Note: Programs with * are accredited through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL)
- Aboriginal Health
- Addictions Counselling
- Public Health
- Therapeutic Recreation
Benefits
Transformative Learning
- Make connections between classroom learning and practical experience in a real-world setting.
- Connect classroom learning with real-world experience.
Career Exploration
- Explore a variety of employment sectors and gain perspective on various industries.
- Discover your career options to make informed career choices.
Employment Skills
- Develop valuable workplace skills to increase your marketability.
- Enhance research skills for future work experience or graduate studies.
- Gain job and life skills to assist in the transition from university to your career.
Networking
- Build a network with industry professionals.
Career Readiness Support
- Gain job search guidance.
- Tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview skills for success.
Post-Secondary Benefits
- Earn competitive wages.
- Access exclusive Co-op job postings.
- Maintain full-time student status while working.
- Co-operative Education Designation.
Start Planning
1. Apply
Open to registered students of any year. Join early, ideally in your second semester, to prepare for the recruitment process which starts 4-8 months before the job start date. You need at least 3 courses remaining in your degree to start a co-op.
GPA Requirements: Entry is based on cumulative GPA. Review the requirements below to find out the minimum requirement for your program.
| Degree Type | GPA Requirement |
| BA, BFA, BTR & BHSc | Minimum 2.5 |
| BSc | Minimum 2.3 |
| BMgt | Minimum 2.7 |
| MA, MSc & MSc Health Sciences | Minimum 3.0 |
| MSc (Mgt) | Minimum 3.7 |
NOTE: If you do not meet the cumulative GPA, you can still qualify by contacting the Co-op Office if you have met the GPA requirement in the last 2 consecutive semesters. If you are transferring from another post-secondary institution, your transfer GPA will be considered for admission to the program. If you do not meet the GPA requirements for admission, utilize the following resources to get support in improving your GPA:
- Academic Advising Get personalized advice on course selection and academic planning.
- Tutoring Services Access one-on-one or group tutoring for challenging subjects.
- Writing Centre Improve your writing skills for better performance in assignments and exams.
- Study Skills Workshops Learn effective study strategies and time management techniques.
- Student Success Centre For more information about the Student Success Centre and how to book an appointment.
For personalized career guidance, schedule an additional conversation with a Career Coach or Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Instructor to discuss strategies for your future.
Additional Programs/Support Services
Fees
There are no fees to access Career Bridge resources. However, a co-op work term is registered as a course and appears on your transcript, and is therefore assessed a course fee. For more information
2. Attend
- Attending the Co-op Admission Course is a requirement for entering the program.
- Dates to sign up will be found in the Co-op Application form on MyExperience and will be available from September to March to attend.
- The course will take approximately 3.5 hours and you will need to be present for the entire session.
- Calgary based students will have an online option available.
- To prepare for the course go to:
If you need support with selecting a date contact the Co-op Office.
3. Sign Co-op Agreements
Every student is required to review and sign the Co-op Agreement to participate in the program. This agreement will outline the full requirements of the Co-op program and expectations.
Co-op Agreement & Release Form
All forms signed prior to attending the Co-op Admissions Course will be considered void. Please wait until you have completed the Co-op Admissions Course before signing any forms.
Additional Agreements
International and Graduate students have additional forms to complete during the Co-op admission process. Both will be discussed in the Co-op Admissions Course, but more information can be found below:
Graduate Supervisor Approval Form Request
International Co-op Agreement Form
NOTE: International students can find more about the process of entering Co-op and visas at: International Students Co-op Process
4. Application Documents Approved
You are required to create a successful set of Co-op application documents (resume and cover letter) based on a sample job posting. This exercise is designed to demonstrate your ability to analyze job requirements and tailor your application materials accordingly. The job posting used for this task does not need to be live but should reflect the types of positions typically available through the Co-op program.
For support in creating these documents:
Application documents must be submitted for review by the end of the month following your attendance at the Co-op Admissions Course. Failure to meet this deadline may result in your application expiring. If you are unable to meet the deadline, please contact the Co-op Office to discuss possible accommodations.
5. Co-op Job Board Access
Once you have been approved and completed all other requirements, you will have access to the Co-op Job Board (which is different from the general Student Job Board). Ensure that you engage with the MyExperience platform, and the Co-op Office to find support as you apply and interview for positions.
Please be advised that even in job applications through MyExperience, your documents will be monitored to ensure that they meet the Co-op program standards and employer needs.
Application Resources
Current Co-op Opportunities
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
- Blue Sky Analytical Labs Ltd.
- KPMG | Deloitte | PwC | EY
- Teck
- University of Lethbridge
6. Secure your Co-op Job
As a Co-op student, you have the flexibility to choose where and when you complete your work term. While it's important to make choices that align with your career goals, keeping your options open will maximize the number of opportunities available to you.
Co-op Sequence OptionsJob Application ToolkitSelf-Initiated Co-op
Global Opportunities
University of Lethbridge Co-op students have successfully completed work terms in various countries, including England, Mexico, Germany, Israel, and the United States. International work terms must be chosen in accordance with the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories. International experience can significantly enhance your resume and broaden your professional network.
Tips for Success
- Stay Open-Minded: Be flexible with your location and industry preferences to increase your chances of finding a suitable position.
- Leverage Resources: Use all available resources, including job boards, networking events, and one-on-one meetings with your Co-op Coordinator.
- Proactive Approach: Don’t hesitate to reach out to potential employers and explore opportunities that might not be listed on traditional job boards.
- Network Actively: Attend industry events, career fairs, and networking sessions to connect with potential employers and professionals in your field. Review MyExperience Events & Workshops for opportunities.
- Customize Your Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and develop strong responses to demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm.
- Follow-Up: After applying or interviewing, send thank-you emails and follow-up messages to express your continued interest and appreciation.
- Seek Feedback: If you’re not getting the results you want, book an appointment with your Co-op Coordinator to discuss your application materials or interview performance to make improvements.
- Be Persistent: The job search process can be competitive, so stay motivated and persistent even if you face challenges along the way.
Next Steps: Navigate Your Co-op
Secure your co-op job? Visit our Navigate Your Co-op page for essential next steps and guidance.