FAQ for Current Co-op Students - Bishop's University

Yes. You need a minimum average of 70%. If your average drops below the minimum required to stay in the Co-op program, you have one semester to bring your average back up before you will be asked to withdraw from the program. You also need to remain a full time student in one of the academic programs opened to Co-op.

Your work terms can be at private businesses, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, Crown corporations, federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as high-tech companies. In addition, depending on your preference, you may complete your work term locally, nationally or even internationally. If going abroad, leave yourself plenty of time to get all the necessary work permits, required vaccinations, etc.

There are good chances. Here are some interesting statistics to support this:

Completing an internship makes you 85% more likely to obtain employment following graduation. (Monster.com)
Completing an internship can increase your job offers by 16%. (CompareCamp)
70% of employers offer full-time jobs to successful interns. (Naceweb)
Major tech companies pay their interns well. (GlassDoor)
70.4% of interns get offered a job after an internship. (NACE)

If it is not in one of the programs offering the Co-op option, you will cease to be in the Co-op program.

If your new program is included in those eligible for Co-op, the focus of your future internships will change.

Yes indeed! They count as optionals or electives.

Please consult with the Academic Advisor to ensure the Co-op courses are well aligned with your personal path towards obtaining your degree.

Yes it can.

No since it is a P/F mark which is given.

Yes. Remember that if you withdraw after doing an internship without taking BMG 191, your grade will be changed to a (F) fail.

Yes, as long as you feel capable of handling the work load.

Yes.

Other than the regular course fees for BMG or CS 391-393, there are no additional fees.

Absolutely!

The duration of most work terms typically spans 12 to 16 weeks, with a minimum requirement of 420 total hours. Alternatively, work terms that consist of 15-20 hours per week are also accepted, provided the overall minimum of 420 hours is met.

Finding a job placement is your responsibility. Our primary goal is to provide an experience that closely mirrors real-life situations. We do understand that finding a placement can be challenging and the Co-op office will assist and support you throughout your search. Job postings will be placed on the Co-op Moodle and you will be provided with many search avenues such as LinkedIn, tapping into Bishop’s alumni, etc.

Yes. Writing reflections on your work term will help you deepen your understanding of your values and beliefs and therefore, what career path will be the most rewarding for you. The work term report/final portfolio must contain a description of the company, your role, a SWOT analysis, and thoughts on how your career path has been reinforced or altered as a direct result of this experience. All details can be found on the Co-op Moodle page.

Yes! Just make sure to inform the Co-op Advisor of your status in Canada.

Yes, but only if it is approved by the Chair of Business or Computer Science.