Co-op: A Pathway to Success

Acadia University’s Co-op Program is nationally accredited and has been recognized as one of the best in the country! It integrates study terms with paid, discipline-related work terms allowing students the opportunity to enhance their skills, create contacts in industry, and gain a better understanding of their strengths and interests while exploring different work environments and potential careers.

Employers from across Canada hire Co-op students to work on special projects and assist during peak periods while often evaluating them for future hire. Many Co-op students have full-time job offers upon graduation because of their Co-op experiences.

Acadia’s Career and Experiential Learning office is committed to supporting the needs of Co-op students by encouraging an accessible and inclusive environment and experience.

 

Testimonials

"Through the Acadia Co-op program, I was able to acquire the technical and social skills that I would want in a place of work. I was able to explore potential job alternatives such as cyber security and software development. I would recommend this program because it allows you to get experience and knowledge that you would not otherwise be able to obtain in a classroom setting."



Angela Deaguiar

Bachelor of Computer Science
(Co-op Option)

"Acadia's Co-op program was helpful in preparing me for my post-university life. While on work terms, I was able to develop my soft skills while also gaining valuable experience related to my degree and areas of interest. I am appreciative of my time in the program and would recommend it to anyone looking to gain relevant work experience before graduating."




Quincy Cochrane

Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours)
(Co-op Option)

"As a student who was unsure of the career I wanted to pursue after getting my degree, the Acadia Co-op program provided me the opportunity to explore different career paths, to gain experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom, and to get a sense of the different options available to me. The transferrable, real-world skills I gained from my work-term experiences will prove absolutely invaluable as I move forwards into other programs and career options."


Lydia Houck

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
(Co-op Option)

"The Acadia co-op program provided an optimal platform for me to discover my full potential; both personally and professionally. The most valuable ‘gifts’ I obtained from the co-op program are self-confidence and the opportunity to develop relationships with employers, colleagues, and the broader community.  I feel honoured to have been a part of the Acadia co-op program!"

 

Kaiyue Wen

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
(Co-op Option)

"I gained several skills and improved my confidence through Acadia’s co-op program. I completed three work terms with different organizations, giving me insight into the workforce. Prior to enrolling in Acadia’s co-op program, I thought it would be hard to seek employment after graduation. Co-op changed that for me, as the networks and connections I made have set me up for full-time work opportunities. I recommend Acadia’s co-op program to every student."


Adelaide Klassen

Bachelor of Community Development
(Co-op Option)

"Taking the co-op option with my degree was one of the best decisions I made during my time at Acadia. It not only enhanced my education but also my career opportunities. The experience provided through co-op is invaluable and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to explore their field of study."




Fraser Macnab
Bachelor of Arts, Environmental and Sustainability Studies
(Co-op Option)


“Acadia’s co-op program gave me the opportunity to discover skills I never knew I had, meet great people I never knew existed, and graduate with hands-on knowledge of what my future holds.”

 



Benjamin Kelln

Bachelor of Computer Science
(Co-op Option)

“Acadia’s co-op program allowed me the invaluable opportunity to work full time at veterinary clinics before applying to veterinary school. My experiences with this program have been very positive, and I would highly recommend it to any student that would like work experience in their chosen field, a chance to explore possible career options, or to confirm if their career goal is the right fit for them. I truly am so happy I decided to make co-op part of my Acadia experience!”


Grace Munro

Bachelor of Science, Biology
(Co-op Option)

"Acadia's co-op program has given me the opportunity to not only learn how to be a professional, but to also learn more about myself on a personal level. I have noticed significant changes in my level of confidence. I feel incredibly qualified to pursue job opportunities and create an incredible future for myself. If you are wanting to set yourself apart from other students and new graduates, the Acadia co-op program is the best way to do so!"


Kate Hubley

Bachelor of Business Administration
(Co-op Option)

"Through my experience in co-op, I was able to solidify my interest in the food science and research & development fields, while improving my research, analytical, and professional development abilities. For all three work terms, my employers were fantastic, and the experience was invaluable. Acadia' co-op program really gives you opportunities you may not otherwise have, and I would recommend it to anyone who is eligible to apply!"


Sophie Barker

Bachelor of Science, Nutrition
(Co-op Option)

"Acadia’s Co-op program was an absolutely incredible opportunity that I would recommend to any student able to take advantage of it. Not only was I able to develop key skills and perspectives relating to jobs in my area of study, but I was also able to make valuable connections with people doing incredible work in areas I didn't know existed! Co-op opened my eyes to many possible directions I could go after university and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it."

Nick Mason
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (Honours)
(Co-op Option)

“Participating in the Co-op program is something that I will continue to treasure. As an international student, I had the opportunity to be introduced to the Canadian professional environment and gain valuable transferrable skills. I grew professionally and personally. I have had the pleasure of meeting new people, whom I still connect with today. I am also grateful that I was able to secure a new grad job opportunity.”



Lourdes Strachan
Bachelor of Science, Psychology & Biology
(Co-op Option)