Here's what students are saying about their experience with the Co-op program and why they recommend it to other students!
"I believe that the co-op program/experience is an amazing way to both grow professionally and to obtain skills that can be applied to many future life experiences – not only restricted to jobs. Co-op provides an entryway to an otherwise difficult job market for students and definitely gives them an edge over students who have not done it."
"I would recommend co-op to other students because it is a great experience. Even though I already have many years of work experience, I feel that students who have little to no work experience would benefit greatly. I also feel that it enhances their education in a way that normal work experience could not. To be able to apply what was learned in the classroom to practical work experience is invaluable. Meeting new people and gaining friendships is also a bonus."
"I undeniably would suggest any student who is planning to gain experience in their field to take co-op and use it to explore their options and make great connections. There are several reasons why others should take a co-op program, to name a few, you get to experience working in your field while also getting paid, you meet new people and make professional connections (networking is a big part of getting into the work force), you’re not necessarily obligated to work permanently if you aren’t fond of the job, and with co-op you have that option to stick it out for the four months and still be able to experience something that interests you more afterwards."
Joining the Co-op Program
Step 1: Attend a Co-op Information Session (Optional)
During the application period, a series of information sessions will be available for you to attend. These sessions provide an overview of the Co-op program, including its benefits, the application process, and requirements.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility and Declare Your Program
Review the programs that have a Co-op option and familiarize yourself with the Entrance Requirements of your chosen program. If uncertain about the Entrance Requirements to join Co-op, review the general guidelines below or reach out to us at co-op@kpu.ca.
- If you are already declared in a program that has a Co-op option, proceed to the next step and apply to Co-op.
- If you are not yet declared, make sure to declare your major before applying. This can be done at kpu.ca/declaration or book an appointment with an advisor in your faculty.
- If you're a Diploma student in Marketing (MRKT), Computer Information Systems (CISY)*, or Public Relations (PR), you can apply for Co-op as an intended student, before formally declaring your major. Computer Information Systems Diploma students should refer to Credit Limits and Timing in next section.
General Guidelines when Joining the Co-op Program
1. Academic Requirements
- Good academic standing is crucial for Co-op. Make sure to maintain the minimum GPA specified by your program.
2. Credit Limits and Timing
Program credits that are completed, are in-progress, or pre-registered for will be considered during the application review. Please keep this in mind when planning when to apply for the co-op program as the application period is up to 4.5 months long.
Degree Programs: Consider applying for the Co-op program after accumulating 30 credits to ensure sufficient time to complete your required 3 work terms. You may apply at a later time however, be mindful of the maximum credit threshold set by your program when applying.
If you're approaching the 90-credit mark, remember that you must complete COOP 1101 prior to earning 90 credits as part of the continuance requirements. Applications from students who've exceeded the 90-credit threshold may result in your application being declined.
- Specific Diploma Programs (Marketing Management, Computer Information Systems*, Public Relations): It's recommended to declare and apply for Co-op in your 1st year of studies prior to completing 30 credits. This gives you enough time to complete your required 2 work terms.
- *Important updates for Diploma students in Computer Information Systems (CISY):
- 'Intended' students are encouraged to declare their program as soon as possible. Complete a Program Declaration Form and send it to businessadvising@kpu.ca.
- Students interested in this program should refer to the University Calendar for admission changes or speak with an academic advisor.
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Students (Accounting, Human Resources Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management): Due to the short nature of the programs in Post-Bacc studies, it is highly recommended to apply as soon as you are accepted to the program.
3. COOP 1101 Registration
- Degree Program Students: Consider registering for COOP 1101 at least two semesters before you wish to secure a work term. If you're nearing the 90-credit limit when joining Co-op, you must enroll in COOP 1101 during the intake term that you have been accepted to ensure there's enough time to complete all necessary work terms.
- Specific Diploma Programs (Marketing, CISY, Public Relations): You must take COOP 1101 in your first year of studies, before completing 30 credits.
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Students (Accounting, Human Resources Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management): You must take COOP 1101 before reaching 15 credits (ACCT and HRMT) or 12 credits (OSCM).
Step 3: Submit the Co-op Application Form
Submit your Co-op Application Form through Career Connection.
Sign in to Career Connection using your KPU student number and Online Self-Service (OSS) password. If this is your first time logging in, you will need to update your profile first.
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- From the homepage, go to the Co-operative Education button under the heading banner, or go to your profile and select My Experiential Learning. Complete the necessary fields of the application form.
- Once the form is complete, click Submit Application. Note: you will not receive a confirmation that your application has gone through. If your information is locked into the form, then the application has successfully been completed.
The Co-op application window follows the Course Declaration schedule for the upcoming semester. Please check the Co-op dates and deadlines page for the next application window.
Step 4: Receive confirmation from the Co-op office
Review the application deadlines for each intake here: kpu.ca/co-op/dates
After the application period ends, the Co-op office reviews and approves eligible students for the program. They then guide approved students to add the Co-op Option to their program.
You will receive an email from the Co-op office notifying you of the result. The email will either confirm your approval to join the program or explain why you were not approved.
- Your Application is Approved: The Co-op option will be added to your declared program. You're also now eligible to register for COOP 1101: Introduction to Professional and Career Readiness on or after your designated registration date. In case all seats are taken for the upcoming semester, it's critical to place yourself on the waitlist. This is the only way for us to determine if there's a need to add more sections for the term. If unsuccessful this time, you can try again in the next semester.
- Your Application is Declined: You'll receive an email detailing the reason(s) for this outcome. If you're unsure about the reasons, refer to the Entrance Requirements for your program for clarity. Once you meet these requirements, feel free to reapply.
For questions or problems using the system, please contact us at co-op@kpu.ca
