Female student with glasses beside lockers

Co-op Education and Career Success

Georgian is a recognized leader in student work experience

100 per cent of our programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning and most offer a formal work-integrated opportunity, ranging from paid co-op terms to internships and field placements.

 

Experience co-operative education and work integrated learning (WIL) at Georgian!

Georgian is a recognized leader in student work experience

  • In addition to traditional co-op, students can apply for an Entrepreneurial Co-op (eCo-op) where they can start a business, or an Innovation Co-op (iCo-op) where they’ll work with peers from various disciplines to create products or services that meet community needs
  • 6,200 employers partner with Georgian to offer student work experiences
  • 5,000 Georgian students are enrolled in co-op programs
  • We have several programs accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada); This represents the highest standard of achievement for co-op programs in Canada
  • Be your own boss and start a business as part of Georgian’s eCo-op program
  • Collaborate with students from various disciplines to innovate together on products or services for industry partners or community needs through Georgian’s iCo-op program
  • Co-op work terms can lead to full-time positions after graduation
  • Onsite and remote co-op consultants ready to support your co-op job search

Georgian grads get jobs

  • Georgian is a leader in graduate employment
  • Key performance indicators
    • Georgian’s graduate employment rate – 90.3% – continues to be above the provincial average, which we’ve exceeded for 25 years.
    • This means 90.3% of our alumni found work within six months of graduation.

What best describes you?

Information for future students

Career success services

Are you considering applying to Georgian College? Our career success team is here to help.

We’re here to help you find the answers to some common questions:

  • When should I start planning my career?
  • Which careers match my interests?
  • What can I do with a diploma or degree?
  • What are the advantages of a co-op or internship program?
  • Where do I find information on careers?
  • Should I go to school or consider apprenticeship training?
  • Where can I get help making a career change?
Our career servicesGeorgian College Chevron
  • Book a 30-minute consultation with a career consultant to explore your career planning options and how Georgian can help you reach your career goals
  • Consider taking the free Career Match quiz to find the career that’s right for you, and the Georgian program that will take you there.
  • Visit us at an upcoming event like Open House or Get Help to Go Back.
Additional service optionsGeorgian College Chevron

To book an appointment or for more information, contact us toll free at 1.877.722.1523 or email us here: careerandcoop@georgiancollege.ca


Co-op and internship services

What is co-op?Georgian College Chevron

Co-operative education is a formal program that integrates academic studies with work experience with employers. What that means is that students will have academic terms and work terms.

Co-op is a great opportunity to use your learning on the job and confirm if the career is the right fit for you. It’s also a great way to build your employer network.

At Georgian, we work within the CEWIL definition and guidelines of co-op:

  • Each work situation is developed and/or approved by the Co-operative Educational institution as a suitable learning experience
  • The student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing
  • The student receives remuneration for the work performed
  • Student performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the employer
  • Total work experience is normally 50 per cent of the time spent in academic student – in no circumstances less than 30 per cent
What is an internship?Georgian College Chevron

Internship is an extended period of work experience that is an integral part of a program of postsecondary study. Students are employed in settings which provide work experience directly related to their academic programs and career objectives.

Students in co-op and internship programs have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to the real world of work.

Co-op work terms at Georgian College are not placements, as students are not placed or matched with a company. Work terms are earned through a traditional job search, interview and selection process.

Students in our co-op and internship programs have a whole team working with them to assist them in developing their career path and job search strategies for successful co-op, internship and graduate employment.

Our team

As a Georgian College student you will work with our team including Co-op Consultants and Employer Relations Consultants, International Experience Consultants, Career Consultants, Employment Resource Officer, Job Search Coaches and Data Resource Specialists


Information for future international students

Many international students choose to study here at Georgian College because we have a long history of delivering work-integrated learning. All of Georgian’s co-op programs require students – including international students – to complete successful co-op work terms in order to graduate. This means a student in a three year co-op program actually will have completed two years of academic study, along with one year work experience, when they graduate. Having the opportunity to gain industry-related work experience often leads to better opportunities upon completion of the program.

Mohammed, a young male student working on a project in the shop

FAQs for future students

Domestic students

Will I get paid for my co-op?Georgian College Chevron

The idea behind co-op is to give students the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in their industry. We expect students to be treated like any other employee at the company. So yes, co-op work terms are paid. Students will typically start at $16.55 per hour (minimum wage), depending on the industry, the company, the location, and the qualifications of the student – there is no maximum wage limit.

Students are encouraged to consider far more than just the wage they will be earning. When applying to jobs, think about the type of company, the experience you’ll gain, your long-term career goals, and how you will get to and from work each day or where you’re going to live. All of these are factors when conducting a realistic job search.

I have friends/family in another province in Canada. Can I work outside of my campus community?Georgian College Chevron

Yes. Georgian College works with employers to create opportunities for Georgian students and graduates across the province, nationally and internationally. While we do post some jobs that are local to the Barrie Campus, you should be prepared to relocate for your co-op job, as employers can be located anywhere. While many of the opportunities we promote are local, some students find work in places like Barrie, Orillia, Midhurst, Innisfil, Muskoka, Midland, Borden, Newmarket, Bradford, Collingwood, Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener, Sudbury, North Bay, London or in other provinces or even in other countries for a work abroad experience. Some international students may choose to return home for a co-op work term.

Am I guaranteed a co-op job?Georgian College Chevron

No. No student is guaranteed a co-op job, but as long as you remain in good standing and are eligible for a co-op work term, you will have access to all the resources needed to be successful in a co-op program. Students need to actively engage in the process of finding work; students are not placed or matched with a company. Jobs are earned through a traditional job search, interview and selection process.

Georgian’s employer relations consultants work hard building and maintaining relationships with employers who hire co-ops, interns, graduates and students for a variety of types of work. We expect students to go to their co-op classes and use the services available to compete and interview for positions with employers that post with Georgian College. Students are also strongly encouraged to conduct independent job searches. Be sure to take advantage of the many services available to you through Co-op Education and Career Success.

What companies will hire me?Georgian College Chevron

Georgian College works with thousands of employers to provide opportunities to thousands of students. You may end up working for a major corporation, a small business or you may even consider starting a company of your own as an entrepreneur. The possibilities are endless.

Do I need to complete a work term if I have previous experience in the field?Georgian College Chevron

Students in a co-op program with more than one co-op work term and who have worked in their field of student may apply for a PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) for one of their work terms. Your Consultant will provide you with the necessary forms. Students must demonstrate that the work is equivalent to the quality and depth of Georgian’s work experience, and reflects its learning outcomes. Please note that there is a fee for processing a PLAR. Completion of one work term is required.

I have a business idea and I am interested in starting my own business for my co-op. Is that an option?Georgian College Chevron

Yes. For applicable programs, our team supports the facilitation of entrepreneurial co-op experiences (eCo-op).

International students

I’m an international student and would like to apply to a co-op program. Do I need a work permit to complete my work term?Georgian College Chevron

Yes, all international students are required to have the appropriate work authorization in order to work in Canada. It is a good idea to apply for the co-op work permit at least six months before your co-op or internship work term. There is no additional fee for this work permit since co-op is a mandatory component of the program. Staff in Georgian’s International Centre can guide you through the process. The co-op work permit allows students to work co-op/internship jobs only and cannot be used for any other type of work. For further information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. You will also need to apply for a social insurance number (SIN) in order to legally work in Canada.

I don’t have any work experience, in my country or in Canada. Will employers still hire me?Georgian College Chevron

Everyone has to start somewhere! While some employers may prefer to hire candidates with experience, many employers realize that not everyone comes with industry-related experience. There are other ways to gain experience and build a resumé. Co-op Education and Career Success staff can help you with your resumé and cover letters.

What kind of help is there for international students to secure a co-op job?Georgian College Chevron

The international experience consultants are here to provide extra supports to international students in any job search related activity. These supports include:

  • extra assistance in understanding employment in Canada
  • understanding employer expectations
  • Canadian resumés, cover letters and interviews
  • one-to-one job search assistance
  • specialized workshops
  • personal coaching

All students in a co-op program will work very closely with the co-op consultant for their program area and will have access to our online system for co-op job postings and to our services in Co-op Education and Career Success.

Students are expected to manage their time and commitments and ask for help. So be proactive and get connected – use the services and plan ahead!

The international experience consultants are located at the Barrie Campus. However, students at all campuses are welcome to book an appointment. Appointments can be booked on GeorgianConnects or by calling 705.722.1523 or toll free 1.877.722.1523.

I’m not in a co-op or internship program, but I am an international student and want to work in Canada. Is this possible?Georgian College Chevron

Yes, international students in a postsecondary program are permitted to work on-campus or part-time off-campus up to 20 hours per week. Your study permit should allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.

To qualify, you must:

  • have a valid study permit with work authorized documentation
  • be enrolled at a designated learning institution at the postsecondary level
  • be a full-time student
  • be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration

For additional information regarding off-campus work please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada: off-campus work. Services are available through Co-op Education and Career Success for students who are looking for part-time employment.

What can I do before I come to Canada to prepare for my co-op work term?Georgian College Chevron

Before you arrive in Canada, here are some ways you can prepare for your co-op work term:

  • Build a resumé and be open to making changes to it once you get here and start your job search.
  • If you have previous work experience, consider contacting your employer(s) and asking them to write a reference letter for you. It should include information about the type of work you did in your position and how the employer felt about your performance. This letter should be typed on company letterhead and signed by a manager, supervisor or someone in a senior level role.
  • You may also want to build a portfolio (a collection of achievements and job search-related things to demonstrate your career to a prospective employer). This may be a binder, folder or other package and contain things such as awards, certificates, copies of other diplomas, certificates, reference letters, examples of your work or things that you have created or achieved
  • Another suggestion is to be prepared to obtain an Ontario driver’s licence. While it isn’t mandatory, employers will often request that students have a valid Ontario driver’s licence. Ontario operates under a graduated licensing system which lets new drivers get driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete. For more information, visit the Ministry of Transportation
If I have questions or need help, who do I contact?Georgian College Chevron

If you are an international student and have questions about co-op, internships, graduate work or simply employment in Canada, please email  Mariana Rakiteansky, International Experience Consultant, or contact Co-op Education and Career Success.

Check out the survey results from Ontario’s Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology – obtain feedback from college students, graduates and their employers; future students can decide if college is the right choice and, if so, which program.

Not sure about your next career move? Our career assessment tool will help find the best fit for your personality type!

Information for graduates

Graduate job postings

Looking for a job? Are you about to graduate or already a graduate? Georgian College’s job portal is for students and alumni. Check out job postings for Graduates | Volunteer opportunities | On-campus | Part-time | Seasonal

Georgian students automatically have an account until they graduate; after that, you will need to register for an account.

To register, follow these steps:

  • Go to https://careerandcoop.georgiancollege.ca and click Alumni
  • Click Register for an Account – fill in the required information on the registration page
  • Click SUBMIT REGISTRATION you will receive an email within one to two business days confirming your registration

To search for jobs:

  • Select the Alumni button and login
  • Click Career on the left side
  • Choose one of many options provided to search jobs (see screenshot below)

Use the Notify Me feature:

  • Click Search Job Postings
  • Choose your criteria under the Advanced Search screen and select Search Job Postings
  • On the Search Results page, a list of jobs will appear. Select the Save My Search Results button
  • Give your search results a title and the underneath there will be a box to click in to turn on the notify email feature

Please email careerandcoop@georgiancollege.ca if you require assistance.

Make sure you use the notify me feature or check on a regular basis so you don’t miss out on some great jobs!


Graduate services

Services available to Georgian graduates

  • Resumé check-up: Make your resumé the marketing tool it needs to be – we will assist you in creating a professional, updated resumé that’s ready for the job market; see what your competition is doing to be successful in their job search.
  • Portfolio development: Need to update your existing one or create a new one? Portfolios are quickly becoming an essential self marketing tool – they add to your credibility and build confidence. As you advance in your career or change it, your portfolio needs to reflect your accomplishments and successes.
  • Job search strategies: We can show you how to take advantage of all the different techniques to find a job. Be in the know when it comes to the hidden job market and labour market information – set up a mock interview to practice and build confidence in you interview skills.
  • Career planning: Rethinking your career goals? We can administer a variety of career assessments and help you work with the results to explore career choices that match your interests, personality type, abilities and values. One-on-one career planning utilizes career assessments including: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), COPS and TypeFocus.
  • Services are available for up to two years after graduation.

Career and employment support is available both virtually and in person.

Services are brought to you by:

  • Co-op Education and Career Success
  • Career and Employment Community Services

Contact Co-op Education and Career Success

  • Barrie, Orillia, Owen Sound 1.877.722.1523 or email us

Additional services are available through our Career and Employment Community Services

Instructor helps student sitting at computer plan out her program

Contact us

Our team includes co-op consultants and employer relations consultants, international experience consultants, career consultants, employment resource officer, job search coaches and data resource specialists.