Co-operative Education

Canadian Studies   ~   Communications Studies   ~   Development Studies   ~   Film Studies
Law and Society   ~   Science, Technology and Society   ~   Women's Studies

What is Co-op?

Co-op is an academic program that integrates university study with relevant work experience.  In Co-op, students alternate academic terms with up to four paid work terms.  Each work term is approximately four months in duration and is counted for academic credit on your transcripts.   By graduation, a Co-op student will have 12-16 months of paid, degree-related work experience and a Co-op designation on their degree.  This is very attractive to potential employers.

Co-op is available to all Communication and Culture students with a declared major including Canadian Studies; Communications Studies; Development Studies; Film Studies; Law and Society; Science, Technology and Society; Women's Studies

Benefits of Co-op

• Get a head start on your career and develop valuable marketable skills.
• Complement your education by applying real world knowledge to the classroom.
• Build confidence and contribute to worthwhile projects.
• Explore and clarify your career goals through different jobs and work environments.
• Network and establish important employer and business contacts.
• Learn job search strategies including interviewing and resume writing.
• Earn money and reduce or eliminate student loans.
• Aligns with University goal of experiential learning.
• Listed as one of the top ten experiences employers look for when hiring new graduate.

What kinds of jobs do students get?

Co-op opportunities are varied and diverse.  Examples of positions or job areas are:

Canadian Studies                                              Law and Society

Conservation/Restoration                                                    Advocacy                            
Historical Research/Writing                                                Program Development
Government Relations                                                         Law Enforcement / Corrections
Urban Development                                                             Politics
Multiculturalism/Immigration                                              Mediation
Foreign Services                                                                   Arbitration

Communications Studies                                  Science, Technology and Society

Internal/External Communications                                    Information Technology
Technical Writing                                                                   Research
Event Planning                                                                       Pharmaceutical Innovation
Public Relations                                                                    Public Policy
Marketing/Promotions                                                          Medicine / Health Care
Facilitation/Teaching                                                            Communications

Development Studies                                        Women's Studies

Community Outreach                                                            Human Rights / Advocacy
Fundraising/Fund Development                                         Policy and Planning
Policy/Planning                                                                      Program Development
Literacy/Education                                                                 Health Services
Immigration                                                                            Victim Services
Economic Development                                                      Volunteer Coordinator

Film Studies

Art/Design and Media
Communications
Tourism/Marketing
Graphic Design
Arts & Culture
Film & TV

Integrating work and study

Work terms can be four or eight months in length.  To graduate with Co-op, a minimum of 3 work terms must be completed.  The following is an example of a Co-op sequence:

At least one work term needs to be completed in a fall or winter semester.  The sequence of works terms with academic terms is a flexible.  While on academic terms, students must be enrolled full time and be taking a minimum of 3 course credits.

What are the prerequisites?

 Required courses for Co-op Application (2009-10 Calendar)

 To apply, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0 over the most recent five full-course equivalents.

 Before you start your first work term, you must

• complete GNST 300 with a minimum grade of C
• complete at least 8 full-course equivalents overall
• complete several subject-specific courses with a minimum grade of B-

Major-specific courses:

Note:  Regardless of your major, it is highly advantageous to include COMS 363 (Professional and Technical Communication) and one course in research methods (COMS 451 or GNST 313) in your  program.

How to apply

Application deadlines are December 1 and May 1.  Ideally students apply in their second year of University but later sequences can be accommodated.

1. Enter the Faculty of Communication and Culture and declare a Major
2. Review the GPA and course requirements specific for each major.          
3. Meet with your Co-op Coordinator or Faculty Representative if needed
4. Complete the Communication and Culture Co-Op application form (click to retrieve) and hand deliver the form to the Co-op Office in ST 068 or fax to: 403-282-8606.  

What happens next?

Your application will be reviewed by the Faculty and successful applicants will be advised of their admission into the program.  Acceptance letters will be emailed to students.

1. Pay a $50 Co-op Admission Fee
2. Attend Career Development Workshops
3. Meet with Co-op Coordinator to review resume and cover letter
4. Gain access to job postings, begin applying for jobs
5. Maintain contact with your Co-op Coordinator

Student responsibilities

Co-op work terms are registered as academic courses and students are required to pay a course fee for them.  Course fees are applied to the first three work terms only.  There is no fee for subsequent work terms (see Calendar for Co-op fees).  Co-op students compete with others for jobs.  The most successful students are those who are active and flexible in their job search.  Students are encouraged to develop their own opportunities.  Work placements are not guaranteed.

Testimonials

"I joined the Co-op program late in my degree with only two academic semesters left to complete. 
I didn't know exactly what to expect - all I knew was that I was really unsure of both my career path
and my skill set.  So far - I've loved it!  I go to work every day with real, experienced professionals who
have years of knowledge to pass on.  I work in different areas of each company I'm with, gaining a great variety of industry experience while honing my skills in specific fields.  I've already been able to nail down what I'm good at, and where I want to end up.  I recommend the Co-op program for anyone who needs a boost in their degree.  Whether you're trying to figure out where your future is headed, or you want to get one step closer to getting there, work experience is always worth the time."   

~Sarah Stone, BA Communications Studies, Co-op Graduate.

"The Co-op program is one of the best components to my degree. Not only have I gained valuable work experience in the areas of my studies, but I get to utilize things I have learned from my classes in a practical setting. The different work terms are a great way to help me narrow down the areas of work I would like to focus on with my degree. Furthermore, the program has given me very useful career management skills and it is something that will put me one step a head of other job seekers."

~ Gladys Loo, Development Studies major

Student Forms for Co-op

• Learning Objectives Form
• Work Term Report Guidelines
• Supervisor General Consent Form
• Informative Interview Consent Form Edited for Employer (for details please see Work Term Report Guidelines)
• Supervisor Acknowledgement Form

Employers for Co-op

Thank you for supporting the Co-op Program.  Below are the documents related to a Co-op student's work term:

• Supervisor General Consent Form (due in first week of student's work term, to be completed by employer)
• Performance Evaluation Form (due first business day of following term, to be completed by employer)
• Supervisor Acknowledgement Form
• Work Term Report Guidelines (due first business day of following term) 

Contact information

Dr. Doug Brent, Associate Dean
Faculty of Communication and Culture
403.220.5458; dabrent@ucalgary.ca

Carllie Necker
Co-op Coordinator, Social Sciences and Communication and Culture
Location ST 068
Phone:  403.210-8509

Angela Judge
Co-op Coordinator, Social Sciences and Communication and Culture
Location ST 068
Phone:  403.220-8636