Co-operative Education: Career and Experiential Learning: Thompson Rivers University

Enhance your education with career-related work experience before graduation

Coming Out of Your Shell Preparing for an Interview Building Confidence & Completing Goals Measuring Your Successes Overcoming Fear to Find Success

What is the co-operative education program and how does it work?

The TRU Co-op program is an opportunity for students to integrate academic study with practical, real-world experiences in various professional sectors and to explore different career options. Employers prefer to hire students, grads and alumni with experience. Co-op helps prepare students for their dream job and career path.

The TRU Co-op model allows students to alternate between semesters of academic coursework and paid full-time employment.

At TRU, students enter Co-op at various points in their education depending on program requirements. Co-op work terms are paid, monitored, and reviewed; site visits, work term projects, and performance evaluations are included throughout a student’s work term. Students have the option to complete 4, 8, 12, or 16-month work terms usually beginning in September, January or May.

TRU Co-op opportunities can be local, national or international, extending student’s experiential learning into a global arena.

Explore Co-op Abroad Go to Career Connection

Co-op Timeline

Apply

Apply for the co-op program.
Enroll in COOP 1000

Complete the mandatory one-credit COOP 1000 course.
Search for jobs

Work with your Co-op coordinator to find the right Co-op for you across Canada and internationally.
Secure a position

Apply, interview, and accept an offer for a Co-op position.
Complete the work term

Successfully complete your work term with the accompanying Moodle course.
Return to TRU

Return to your studies at TRU. You must complete at least one full-time semester after Co-op.

Sample Co-op Timetable for Students in a Degree Program

Co-op student stories

Gurjit Kaur’s Story

Gurjit Kaur is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Data Science student from Uganda who started her TRU journey in 2020. She recently completed a co-op term as a technical services analyst contracted by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), ending in December 2023.

Mesha’s Story

Mesha, a TRU Tourism Management student, was eager to gain global experience before completing her degree. After finishing her diploma, she discovered an opportunity as a teaching assistant in Vietnam through TRU’s co-op abroad program.