Co-op |
Internship |
|
|---|---|---|
| Time |
Full time, 3-5 sessions (fall, spring or summer) One session = 16 weeks during fall or spring term or 12 weeks during summer Students can alternate between one session of work and one session of study or complete multiple terms in sequence (i.e. summer plus fall, spring plus summer, spring plus summer plus fall) |
Generally 10-12-week, full-time work experience; time varies based on employer |
| Industry / discipline related | Aligned with student's academic field of study | Not necessarily related to student's academic field of study |
| On-the-job learning | Emphasis on establishing longevity with employer, potential work in different roles and taking on increasing responsibility as the student progresses through work sessions | Emphasis on practical work experience |
| Compensation | Paid | Can be paid or unpaid |
| Supervision | Industry representatives and faculty through required co-op course | Industry representative. Faculty supervision is possible through optional internship course. |
| University support | Driven by university and employer partnership | Varies based on experience; subject to employer requirements |
| Academic credit | Enrollment in zero-credit co-op course to retain active student status with the university and to aid in the student's professional growth, self reflection and employer evaluations | Optional enrollment in zero-credit internship course to retain active student status with the university and to aid in the student's professional growth, self reflection and employer evaluations |
| Career pathways | Deeper connection to employer; typically leads to a full-time offer | Varies |
| Employer benefits | Effective workforce development model with consistent talent pipelines, early investment and recruitment | Maximizes recruitment and training; often seeking students with experience |