Co-operative education (co-op) is an education model that alternates a student's academic learning with paid work terms in fields relevant to their academic and personal goals.

Why Laurier?

• Program selection and variety: More than 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in arts, business, economics and science programs. We have the largest business degree co-op program in Canada and the first of its kind in Ontario.
• Year-round availability: Students begin work in January, May or September for 4, 8, 12, or 16 months.
• Bright and talented students: Most co-op programs are limited in enrolment and students have been pre-screened through a competitive admissions process.
• Engaged and committed students: Our students participate in national case competitions, lead student clubs and organizations, volunteer and participate in entrepreneurial endeavours.
• Location: Our Waterloo and Brantford campuses are located within the Toronto/Waterloo technology corridor.
• Responsive service: For more than 45 years, we have been meeting employer needs by providing the best personal service.
• Accredited co-op programs: Most of Laurier’s co-op programs are accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) and are eligible for the Ontario Co-op Tax Credit.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity

We encourage all employers recruiting at Laurier to express their commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and Indigeneity by welcoming applications from all qualified candidates, including those who identify as Indigenous, racialized, or having disabilities, persons of any minority sexual and gender identities, and those from other equity-deserving groups.

What Employers Say

Employer Video

Co-op employer and Lazaridis School BBA alumnus Bill Webb, Partner at Waypoint Investment Partners, recently spoke about his career in finance and the impact of rugby on his career. At minute 3.28 he speaks about his co-op experience and at minute 11 he speaks about the reasons he hired 135 co-op students while at Gluskin Sheff + Associates. Watch the interview with Bill Webb here. 

Employer Testimonials

“Students from Laurier’s co-op program have consistently demonstrated enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn and grow. They have quickly become valuable team members, contributing to projects and initiatives with creativity and skill.”

George Chalmers, Manager of Marketing & Corporate Development, CORA Group

“We have had our best success in hiring co-op students from Laurier. I recommend Laurier to associates who are recruiting staff and to friends whose children are looking for a business program.

Kevin Callahan, CEO, Pioneering Technology Corp.”