Co-op, Internships and Practicums...So Many Options, Here’s Where to Start!

With the increasing costs to attend university and college, students are looking at ways to help fund their education. With proper planning, you can get an education, gain valuable work experience and even make some money along the way.

There are many programs available to help you accomplish this. Co-op (co-operative education) alternates classroom experiences with work experience. Co-op positions are paid with students earning $8,000 to $13,000 per four month term. At the University of Regina, co-op placements are available in the Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering and Science. Co-op positions will help you gain valuable work experience, help you build your resume and networks and apply the knowledge as you learn it – earn while you learn!

Internships provide a similar experience to co-op; however, you only have one placement with one employer that is longer in duration (12 – 16 months). Typically internships are open to third and fourth year students.

Practicums provide work experience for academic credit. Programs such as education, social work and nursing have mandatory practicums that you must complete as part of your degree program. Other programs such as Kinesiology and Fine Arts have optional programs.

Where to start! Whether you are thinking about attending the University of Regina or already a student, you can connect with the career centre any time. At the University of Regina, Career Counsellors can answer your questions about summer jobs, co-op, internships and more. Whether it’s determining which program may be best suited for your needs, putting a resume together or preparing for a job interview, they are here to help you.

Quick Facts:

• Saskatchewan’s strong economy has benefitted our students. The University of Regina has experienced a 26% increase in career-related placements over the last five years
• $8.3 million in co-op wages were earned by University of Regina students in 2011 to finance their education
• The U of R offered the first co-op program in Western Canada (est. 1969)
• U of R co-op programs are accredited by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE)
• Our students have a solid work ethic and sought by companies across Canada and across the globe

Visit us online at www.uregina.ca/futurestudents or www.uregina.ca/careercentre/coop/future-students.