Summer Co-Op
What is a Summer Co-op?
The Faculty of Engineering offers undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in a Summer Co-op.
Summer Co-op is designed to assist students in finding quality paid engineering work placement to enhance experiential learning. By engaging in a Summer Co-op, students will acquire practical, hands-on experience that is directly applicable to the industry, fostering their professional growth and facilitating their career advancement.
Summer Co-op can be done at various summer terms while going through the BESc. degree at Western. This allows students to gain a diverse set of experiences and the opportunity to explore various industries within the engineering field including, but not limited to manufacturing, consulting and government.
What is the length of the Summer Co-op program and when does it start?
The duration of the co-op is four months, running from May to August. Students have the opportunity to engage in a summer co-op upon concluding their 1st year of studies and can continue to do so in every subsequent summer prior to their degree completion.
Why should you participate?
- Gain hands-on experience related to your academic program
- Build a professional network with employers and engineers within the field.
- Opportunity to develop new skills and build on existing ones.
- Explore different career paths and industries, which can help students make more informed decisions about their career.
- Earn a salary to help offset the cost of tuition.
- Many employers view co-op work terms as an opportunity to assess candidates for future full-time positions after graduation.
- Summer Co-op after your first or second year of your degree, may provide you with an opportunity to pursue a Long Term Co-op placement with the same employer.
Who can participate and what are the eligibility requirements to participate in the Summer Co-op program?
- Full-time undergraduate engineering students who are returning to Western Engineering (full-time) after their Summer Co-op can participate in the summer co-op program
- Students must be in good academic standing and maintain a minimum cumulative average of 60%.
- Students should have no scholastic/academic offences. Students that have an academic offence on their record should contact wecareer@uwo.ca and speak to a Career Services Officer to determine eligibility.
- NOTE: Students registered with Accessible Education are considered full-time if enrolled in 40% of a full-time course load. Please advise us by emailing wecareer@uwo.ca if you are registered with Accessible Education and have been approved for a reduced course load.
What makes a valid Summer Co-op opportunity?
These are the criteria that must be met for a position to be recognized as a formalized Summer Co-op opportunity.
It must meet the following requirements:
- Be paid (minimum wage or higher)
- Be full time hours (30 hours/ week or more)
- Position must be engineering focused (i.e., utilizing engineering skill sets related to your degree)
- Position must be a minimum of 12 weeks during the summer term (position start date should be on/after May 1; position end date must be prior to the start of classes in the following fall term)
- Student's co-op is supervised by an employer at the work location (The supervisor cannot be a conflict of interest such as a family member)
- Potential work term must be evaluated prior to the end of the student’s work term at the company
- Student must have submitted their application and been approved to participate in the program
How can undergraduate students apply to participate in a Summer Co-op?
Students are required to pay the application fee and register on Western Connect each year that they are interested in doing a summer co-op term. Click here for more detailed steps.
What are the costs to participate in the program?
- Annual application fee is $125 Dollars (payable when you apply).
- Co-op Tuition is $550 Dollars per term (payable only after co-op is secured).
What does an employer expect?
Professionalism: Employers expect co-op students to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes adhering to workplace etiquette, maintaining a positive attitude, and demonstrating respect for colleagues and superiors.
Punctuality and Reliability: Employers expect co-op students to arrive on time for work and fulfill their responsibilities reliably. Meeting deadlines and delivering quality work are crucial aspects of being a dependable co-op student.
Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: Employers appreciate co-op students who are open to new experiences and adaptable to different work environments. Being receptive to feedback, asking questions, and actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow are highly valued qualities.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Co-op students are often expected to work collaboratively with team members and contribute effectively to group projects. Employers appreciate students who demonstrate strong communication skills, actively participate in discussions, and offer valuable insights.
Initiative and Problem-Solving Skills: Employers look for co-op students who take initiative and demonstrate resourcefulness when faced with challenges. Showing a proactive attitude, taking ownership of tasks, and proposing innovative solutions to problems are highly regarded by employers.
Technical and Industry-specific Skills: Depending on the field, employers may expect co-op students to possess a certain level of technical proficiency and relevant knowledge. It is important for students to showcase their skills and continuously develop them throughout their co-op experience.
