Co-op
Kickstart on your science career. Through co-op, you’ll gain authentic job search experience and the opportunity to work with multiple employers in a range of roles. It’s a great way to find your passion and put real-world work experience on your resume— all before you graduate. Our co-op programs are accredited by CEWIL, (external link) (Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, Canada).
Quick Facts
Program Length: 5 years, full-time
Work Terms: 16 weeks each (working 35-40 hours per week)
Total Experience Gained: 12-20 months, over 3-5 work terms
When to Apply: Apply after your first year of study, before second year.
Benefits of Co-op
Co-op students can gain a competitive edge by:
- Applying your scientific learning in the real-world
- Gaining hands-on work experience before graduation
- Building a network with professionals in your field
- Developing soft skills such as interpersonal, communication and time management skills
- Earning a salary while you study (up to $7000 per work term)
Employers & Opportunities
Toronto is one of North America’s top hubs for human life sciences. With our downtown campus, Toronto Metropolitan students are within steps of potential employers in research institutes, clinics and industry. Check out where some of our co-op students have worked:
Biology
Sanofi Pasteur
- Analytical Research & Development Student
- Analytical Sciences - Analytical Operations & Support Student
- Bacterial Media Co-op Student
- Manufacturing Technology Co-op Student
City of Toronto
- Technical Trainee (Toronto Water Laboratory)
Nitta Gelatin
- QC Laboratory Technician
LANXESS Canada
- R&D Student
Bamford Produce
- Quality Control Co-op Student
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
- Industrial Hygiene Co-op Student
Pinchin Ltd.
- Laboratory Technologist
PSC Biotech
- Business Development Associate
Biomedical Science
Public Health Ontario
- Student Laboratory Assistant
Sanofi Pasteur
- Technologist Co-op Student
- Micro & Viro Co-op Student
- Purification/Fermentation & Analytics Student
- Research Co-op Student
University Health Network
- Genetics & Development Co-op Student
St. Michael’s Hospital
- Co-op Student
Nucro-Technics
- Microbiology Lab Co-op Student
City of Toronto
- Technical Trainee - Toronto Water Laboratory
Environment & Climate Change Canada
- Co-op Student
SQI Diagnostics
- Research and Development Student Intern
Chemistry
Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Lab Assistant
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Co-op Student, Physical Sciences
Nanotek Materials
- Chemical Analyst
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
- Research Intern
Protech Chemicals
- R&D Co-op Student
Sanofi Pasteur
- Pharmaceutical Science & Technology Co-op Student
- Washing & Sterilizing Co-op Student
CNOOC
- Chemistry Laboratory Co-op Student
LANXESS Canada
- R&D Technologist Student
Co-op Work Terms
If you’re admitted into co-op, your program will alternate between study and work terms. Work terms usually last for 16 weeks, but some students may gain approval to work for extended terms with the same employer. Here are some sample schedules.
“What attracted me to [TMU] was that I could embed hands-on work experience right into my degree, through co-op. It really helps you explore what interests you, and lets you solidify what you learn in lectures. Having work experience before graduation can really accelerate your career early on.”