CEWIL Resource Hub: Co-operative Education at Brandon University

Students complete a 10-hour workshop series to prepare for the co-op process before embarking on their first work term. The workshops cover topics like résumé and cover letter writing, teamwork, and self-management. During their first co-op term, students complete an online course with weekly assignments on various aspects of the experience. The course also helps students write their work term report.

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Key success factors

  • The Co-operative Program Coordinator works closely with the Career Services office to find co-op job opportunities for students.
  • Building relationships across campus has resulted in faculty members providing leads on job opportunities stemming from their research.  

Unique characteristics

  • The university is using a centralized co-op model, whereas other schools in Manitoba house their co-op programs within individual faculties or academic programs.  
  • After completing their work terms, students deliver a presentation to their faculty about their experience. 

Challenges

  • Because the program is brand new, staff are working to develop a shared understanding of what co-op is, its purpose, and the opportunities it can create for both students and faculty.  
  • Launching any new program means handling unforeseen circumstances. Things will happen that haven’t been thought about before, and there may not be policies in place to address these issues.

Resources

Key characteristics

  • Type: Co-operative Education
  • Year program was established: 2018
  • Number of students per year: 18 (first year registration)
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 10
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: Ten programs in Arts and Science (eight more being added)
  • Duration of experience: 12-16 weeks full time (420 hours) 
  • Submitted by: Cora Dupuis