Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• What's the difference between a co-op and a co-op internship?

  Co-op allows students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their undergraduate degree.  It is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace.

  A Co-op work term is a duration of 4 months. A 4-month co-op is often served in the summer period between years of undergraduate study; however, a Co-op can occur in any academic term. In a Co-op term, a student will acquire an appreciation of company culture and management structure and have the chance to apply academic theory in a practical setting.

  A Co-op Internship consists of several co-op work terms back-to-back.  A Co-op Internship can be 8, 12, or 16 months in length. The extended work term provides an opportunity to take on long-term projects and become fully integrated as a contributing member of the team.

• What year of study do I need to be in to participate in a Co-op?

  Students must have competed second year and the Professional Competencies for Engineers course (ENGR 1000W) to participate in a Co-op position.

• How long can I participate in a co-op?

  Work terms can be a duration of 4, 8, 12, or 16-months. The maximum duration is 16 months.  A 16-month co-op can only begin in May. If students start a co-op in September or January, the maximum duration of a co-op is 12 months.  Students must return to full-time studies after completing the maximum co-op duration.

• How can I get the Co-op designation on my degree parchment?

  Students must successfully complete three co-op work terms (12 months) to graduate with the co-op designation on their degree parchment.

• What GPA level must I have to participate in a co-op?

  Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3. 

• As an international student, am I eligible for co-op?

  Yes! You will need a social insurance card to accept co-op employment and a co-op work permit. Discuss participation with the International Office to ensure you have all the paperwork in place. 

• Can I apply to positions that I see advertised outside of Ontario Tech co-op/internship portal?

  Yes! You are encouraged to seek your own opportunities that best suit your employment interests. The Engineering Co-Op Office is available to assist you with contacting new employers to promote the Ontario Tech program. New co-op opportunities will need to be reviewed/approved by the Faculty to ensure the skills reflect engineering skill development and meet accreditation guidelines.

• What if I have accepted an offer and find a position that is more preferable or has a higher salary? Can I accept that position?

  No. Once you have accepted one Co-Op or Internship position, you can no longer apply or interview for other positions for that term(s). If an employer enquires about your eligibility, we will inform them that you have already taken employment elsewhere. It is unprofessional and can ruin your reputation with a company if you accept an offer and later reject it for another opportunity. It can also affect the reputation of the Ontario Tech Engineering Co-Op and Internship program and the University.

• Can I take courses while in a co-op?

  Students can request to take ONE course while on a co-op work term. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 to request to take a course and cannot take the capstone. Approval must be obtained from your co-op employer and the Faculty by completing a Co-op Course Approval Form.

• How do I find my unofficial transcript?

  Many companies will ask for an unofficial transcript during the recruitment process. This can be found on your MyOntarioTech account. Click on “Current Students”, scroll down to “Student Records” and click on Unofficial Academic Transcript .

• What if I am stressed and have difficulty performing in the position?

  The Engineering Co-Op and Internship Office is available to discuss any concerns you may have during your co-op or internship. You are still able to access support services at Ontario Tech such as Student Mental Health Services while you are out on your co-op or internship placement.

  We’re here to guide you along the way. Please take advantage of the support provided by the Engineering Co-op Office.  Visit the office in ACE 2010 or book an appointment through the student life portal to discuss where you would like to gain valuable work experience.

• If I begin a work term and it is extended by the employer?
  If your employer requests an extension, and you agree, we require your new offer letter to be submitted to document your new end date. The new end date must be provided in the revised offer letter for future creation of the tax credit letter.
• What if I’m fired by my employer?
  If you are terminated from your position for any reason, you would meet with the Engineering Co-Op and Internship Officer to discuss the situation, learn from the experience, and receive necessary support and resources so that a future work experience will be successful. The Engineering Co-Op and Internship Office would connect with the employer as well.
• Does a co-op/internship factor into my GPA?
  Each co-op work term is assigned a pass/fail grade. PAS/FAL appears on the transcript and does not factor into the GPA. If a professor assigns a fail grade for your submitted report, the student has an opportunity to make corrections and resubmit. 

Co-Op Documents

• What is the In-Progress Report and Evaluation?

  As part of the co-op program, all students completing an 8, 12 or 16 month co-op are required to complete an In-Progress Report and Evaluation for each term, except the final work term - refer to chart below. This report and evaluation will assist you with developing your skills and analyzing your future career choice upon graduation. 

  Co-op Placement Length	# of In-Progress Report Submissions	Final Work Report
  4 months	NONE	Submitted at end of term
  8 months	1 Submitted - at end of first term (first four months)	Submitted at end of second work term (end of the 8-month placement)
  12 months	2 Submitted total - 1 at end of first term, 1 end of second term (first four months and second four months)	Submitted at the end of third work term (end of the 12-month placement)
  16 months	3 Submitted total - 1 at end of first term, 1 end of second term, 1 end of third term	Submitted at the end of fourth work term (end of 16-month placement)

• Do I have to write an In-Progress Report and Evaluation

  Yes! The In-Progress Report and Employer Evaluation are mandatory components of the co-op program. An In-Progress Report and Evaluation is due at the end of each semester when your work term is continuing into the next semester and must be submitted to continue into the next co-op term. 

  If a student does not submit, Supervisors at the co-op workplace will first be notified that their co-op student has not submitted an In-Progress Report and Employer Evaluation. If a student does not submit after this point, they will receive a FAIL grade and be removed from the co-op program. 

• What is the Final Work Report?