Co-operative Education and Career Success
Experience co-operative education and work integrated learning (WIL) at Georgian!
Georgian is Ontario’s #1 college in co-op education
- We have the highest percentage of student body enrolled in programs with mandatory co-op
- 6,200 employers partner with Georgian to offer student work experiences
- 5,000 Georgian students are enrolled in co-op programs
- We have several programs accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL); This represents the highest standard of achievement for co-op programs in Canada
- Be your own boss and start a business as part of Georgian’s eCo-op program
- Collaborate with students from various disciplines to innovate together on products or services for industry partners or community needs through Georgian’s iCo-op program
- Co-op work terms can lead to full-time positions after graduation
Georgian grads get jobs
- Georgian is a leader in graduate employment
- According to Ontario Colleges Key Performance Indicators, Georgian has one of the highest graduate employment rates among Ontario colleges; 85.8% of our alumni found work within six months of graduation, well above the provincial average – which we’ve exceeded for more than 20 years
Information for future students
Career success services
Are you considering applying to Georgian College? Our career success team is here to help.
We’re here to help you find the answers to some common questions:
- When should I start planning my career?
- Which careers match my interests?
- What can I do with a diploma or degree?
- What are the advantages of a co-op or internship program?
- Where do I find information on careers?
- Should I go to school or consider apprenticeship training?
- Where can I get help making a career change?
Career services:
- Free 30-minute consultation with a career consultant to explore your career planning options
- Fee-for-service to community clients
- One-on-one career planning
- Career assessments: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), interest assessments, skills, abilities and values
Additional service options:
Consider taking the free Career Match quiz to find the career that’s right for you, and the Georgian program that will take you there.
Visit us at an upcoming event like Open House or Get Help to Go Back.
To book an appointment or for more information, contact us toll free at 1.877.722.1523 or see below:
- Barrie Campus: 705.728.1968, ext. 1340 or [email protected]
- Orillia Campus: 705.325.2740, ext. 3113 or [email protected]
- Owen Sound Campus: 519.376.0840, ext. 2014 or [email protected]
- Midland, Muskoka (Bracebridge), Orangeville or South Georgian Bay (Collingwood) campuses: 705.728.1968, ext. 1340 or [email protected]
Co-op and internship services
What is co-op or internship?
Co-operative education is a formal program that integrates academic studies with work experience with employers. What that means is that students will have academic terms and work terms.
Co-op is a great opportunity to use your learning on the job and confirm if the career is the right fit for you. It’s also a great way to build your employer network.
At Georgian, we work within the CEWIL definition and guidelines of co-op:
- Each work situation is developed and/or approved by the Co-operative Educational institution as a suitable learning experience
- The student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing
- The student receives remuneration for the work performed
- Student performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the employer
- Total work experience is normally 50 per cent of the time spent in academic student – in no circumstances less than 30 per cent
Internship is an extended period of work experience that is an integral part of a program of postsecondary study. Students are employed in settings which provide work experience directly related to their academic programs and career objectives.
Students in co-op and internship programs have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to the real world of work.
Co-op work terms at Georgian College are not placements, as students are not placed or matched with a company. Work terms are earned through a traditional job search, interview and selection process.
Students in our co-op and internship programs have a whole team working with them to assist them in developing their career path and job search strategies for successful co-op, internship and graduate employment.
Our team
As a Georgian College student you will work with our team including Co-op Consultants and Employer Relations Consultants, International Experience Consultants, Career Consultants, Employment Resource Officer, Job Search Coaches and Data Resource Specialists
- Visit our program pages for the most up-to-date list of co-op and internship programs at Georgian College.
Future international students
Many international students choose to study here at Georgian College because we have a long history of delivering work-integrated learning. All of Georgian’s co-op programs require students – including international students – to complete successful co-op work terms in order to graduate. This means a student in a three year co-op program actually will have completed two years of academic study, along with one year work experience, when they graduate. Having the opportunity to gain industry-related work experience often leads to better opportunities upon completion of the program.
FAQs for future students
Will I get paid for my co-op?
The idea behind co-op is to give students the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in their industry. We expect students to be treated like any other employee at the company. So yes, co-op work terms are paid. Students will typically start at $14.25 per hour (minimum wage), depending on the industry, the company, the location, and the qualifications of the student – there is no maximum wage limit.
Students are encouraged to consider far more than just the wage they will be earning. When applying to jobs, think about the type of company, the experience you’ll gain, your long-term career goals, and how you will get to and from work each day or where you’re going to live. All of these are factors when conducting a realistic job search.
I have friends/family in another province in Canada. Can I work outside of my campus community?
Yes. Georgian College works with employers to create opportunities for Georgian students and graduates across the province, nationally and internationally. While we do post some jobs that are local to the Barrie Campus, you should be prepared to relocate for your co-op job, as employers can be located anywhere. While many of the opportunities we promote are local, some students find work in places like Barrie, Orillia, Midhurst, Innisfil, Muskoka, Midland, Borden, Newmarket, Bradford, Collingwood, Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener, Sudbury, North Bay, London or in other provinces or even in other countries for a work abroad experience. Some international students may choose to return home for a co-op work term.
Am I guaranteed a co-op job?
No. No student is guaranteed a co-op job, but as long as you remain in good standing and are eligible for a co-op work term, you will have access to all the resources needed to be successful in a co-op program. Students need to actively engage in the process of finding work; students are not placed or matched with a company. Jobs are earned through a traditional job search, interview and selection process.
Georgian’s employer relations consultants work hard building and maintaining relationships with employers who hire co-ops, interns, graduates and students for a variety of types of work. We expect students to go to their co-op classes and use the services available to compete and interview for positions with employers that post with Georgian College. Students are also strongly encouraged to conduct independent job searches. Be sure to take advantage of the many services available to you through Co-operative Education and Career Success.
What companies will hire me?
Georgian College works with thousands of employers to provide opportunities to thousands of students. You may end up working for a major corporation, a small business or you may even consider starting a company of your own as an entrepreneur. The possibilities are endless.
Do I need to complete a work term if I have previous experience in the field?
Students in a co-op program with more than one co-op work term and who have worked in their field of student may apply for a PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) for one of their work terms. Your Consultant will provide you with the necessary forms. Students must demonstrate that the work is equivalent to the quality and depth of Georgian’s work experience, and reflects its learning outcomes. Please note that there is a fee for processing a PLAR. Completion of one work term is required.
I have a business idea and I am interested in starting my own business for my co-op. Is that an option?
Yes. For applicable programs, our team supports the facilitation of entrepreneurial co-op experiences (eCo-op).
FAQs for future international students
I’m an international student and would like to apply to a co-op program. Do I need a work permit to complete my work term?
Yes, all international students are required to have the appropriate work authorization in order to work in Canada. It is a good idea to apply for the co-op work permit at least six months before your co-op or internship work term. There is no additional fee for this work permit since co-op is a mandatory component of the program. Staff in Georgian’s International Centre can guide you through the process. The co-op work permit allows students to work co-op/internship jobs only and cannot be used for any other type of work. For further information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. You will also need to apply for a social insurance number (SIN) in order to legally work in Canada.
I don’t have any work experience, in my country or in Canada. Will employers still hire me?
Everyone has to start somewhere! While some employers may prefer to hire candidates with experience, many employers realize that not everyone comes with industry-related experience. There are other ways to gain experience and build a resumé. Co-operative Education and Career Success staff can help you with your resumé and cover letters.
What kind of help is there for international students to secure a co-op job?
The international experience consultants are here to provide extra supports to international students in any job search related activity. These supports include:
- extra assistance in understanding employment in Canada
- understanding employer expectations
- Canadian resumés, cover letters and interviews
- one-to-one job search assistance
- specialized workshops
- personal coaching
All students in a co-op program will work very closely with the co-op consultant for their program area and will have access to our online system for co-op job postings and to our services in Co-operative Education and Career Success.
Students are expected to manage their time and commitments and ask for help. So be proactive and get connected – use the services and plan ahead!
The international experience consultants are located at the Barrie Campus. However, students at all campuses are welcome to book an appointment. Appointments can be booked on GeorgianConnect or by calling 705.722.1523 or toll free 1.877.722.1523.
I’m not in a co-op or internship program, but I am an international student and want to work in Canada. Is this possible?
Yes, international students in a postsecondary program are permitted to work on-campus or part-time off-campus up to 20 hours per week. Your study permit should allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.
To qualify, you must:
- have a valid study permit with work authorized documentation
- be enrolled at a designated learning institution at the postsecondary level
- be a full-time student
- be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration
For additional information regarding off-campus work please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada: off-campus work. Services are available through Co-operative Education and Career Success for students who are looking for part-time employment.
What can I do before I come to Canada to prepare for my co-op work term?
Before you arrive in Canada, here are some ways you can prepare for your co-op work term:
- Build a resumé and be open to making changes to it once you get here and start your job search.
- If you have previous work experience, consider contacting your employer(s) and asking them to write a reference letter for you. It should include information about the type of work you did in your position and how the employer felt about your performance. This letter should be typed on company letterhead and signed by a manager, supervisor or someone in a senior level role.
- You may also want to build a portfolio (a collection of achievements and job search-related things to demonstrate your career to a prospective employer). This may be a binder, folder or other package and contain things such as awards, certificates, copies of other diplomas, certificates, reference letters, examples of your work or things that you have created or achieved
- Another suggestion is to be prepared to obtain an Ontario driver’s licence. While it isn’t mandatory, employers will often request that students have a valid Ontario driver’s licence. Ontario operates under a graduated licensing system which lets new drivers get driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete. For more information, visit the Ministry of Transportation
If I have questions or need help, who do I contact?
If you are an international student and have questions about co-op, internships, graduate work or simply employment in Canada, please email Joanne Foxton or Nicole Cesaroni, International Experience Consultants, or contact Co-operative Education and Career Success.
Check out the survey results from Ontario’s Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology – obtain feedback from college students, graduates and their employers; future students can decide if college is the right choice and, if so, which program.
Not sure about your next career move? Our career assessment tool will help find the best fit for your personality type!
We’re redirecting you to the new Co-op for employers page. If it doesn’t redirect, please click the co-op for employers link.
Graduate job postings
Looking for a job? Are you about to graduate or already a graduate? Georgian College’s job portal is for students and alumni. Check out job postings for Graduates | Volunteer opportunities | On-campus | Part-time | Seasonal
Georgian students automatically have an account until they graduate; after that you will need to register for an account.
To register, follow these steps:
- Go to https://careerandcoop.georgiancollege.ca and click Alumni
- Click Register for an Account – fill in the required information on the registration page
- Click SUBMIT REGISTRATION – you will receive an email within one to two business days confirming your registration
To search for jobs:
- Select the Alumni button and login
- Click Career on the left side
- Choose one of many options provided to search jobs (see screenshot below)
Use the Notify Me feature:
- Click Search Job Postings
- Choose your criteria under the Advanced Search screen and select Search Job Postings
- On the Search Results page, a list of jobs will appear. Select the Save My Search Results button
- Give your search results a title and the underneath there will be a box to click in to turn on the notify email feature
Please email [email protected] if you require assistance.
Make sure you use the notify me feature or check on a regular basis so you don’t miss out on some great jobs.
Graduate services
Services available to Georgian graduates
- Resumé check-up: Make your resumé the marketing tool it needs to be – we will assist you in creating a professional, updated resumé that’s ready for the job market; see what your competition is doing to be successful in their job search.
- Portfolio development: Need to update your existing one or create a new one? Portfolios are quickly becoming an essential self marketing tool – they add to your credibility and build confidence. As you advance in your career or change it, your portfolio needs to reflect your accomplishments and successes.
- Job search strategies: We can show you how to take advantage of all the different techniques to find a job. Be in the know when it comes to the hidden job market and labour market information – set up a mock interview to practice and build confidence in you interview skills.
- Career planning: Rethinking your career goals? We can administer a variety of career assessments and help you work with the results to explore career choices that match your interests, personality type, abilities and values. One-on-one career planning utilizes career assessments including: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), COPS and TypeFocus.
- Services are available for up to 2 years after graduation.
Career and employment support is available, virtually during COVID by contacting us (see contact information below). Services are brought to you by:
- Co-operative Education and Career Success
- Career and Employment Community Services
Contact Co-operative Education and Career Success
- Barrie: 705.728.1968, ext. 1340 or email us
- Orillia: 705.325.2740, ext. 3113 or [email protected]
- Owen Sound: 519.376.0840, ext. 2014 or [email protected]
Additional services are available through our Career and Employment Community Services
How can we help you?
Are you looking for general information?
Are you a co-op student?
Are you an employer?
Customer service
Have questions about your co-op program, job search or career plans?
Our customer service team offers remote services to students in all programs and campuses Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You can also connect with us in person:
- Barrie Campus (B110): Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Orillia Campus (A200): Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Owen Sound Campus (A122): Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Current students can also find helpful resources on the Co-op | Career | Field Placement Resources page of the student portal.
Student Success
To contact customer service, please email [email protected] or call 1.877.722.1523.
New employer contacts
Employer Engagement Consultant
Brett Wismer
[email protected]
(249) 388-0448
Barrie Campus – A143M
Departmental Assistant, Student Success – Barrie Campus
Tracey Tessier
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5319
Barrie Campus – B110
Director, Co-operative Education, Careers and Experiential Learning
Jen Davies
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5437
Manager, Co-operative Education and Career Success
John Daggett
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1390
Data Resource Specialist – all campuses
GeorgianConnects system support and access troubleshooting for all campuses
Marnie Ragot
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1494
Barrie Campus – B110Z
Sandra Gualtieri
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1646
Barrie Campus – B110Z
Career success
Career Consultant- Barrie, Midland, Owen Sound
Career assessments, career planning, graduate employment preparation (resume, cover letter, interview skills and job search strategies), in-class workshop delivery.
Employment Resource Officer – Career Hub
Drop-in assistance for job search, resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. Employer contact for PT and graduate job postings.
Melissa Martel
[email protected]
705.728-1968, ext. 5347
Barrie Campus – B115
Career Consultant – Orillia & Muskoka, Orangeville & South Georgian Bay campuses
Career assessments, career planning, graduate employment preparation (resume, cover letter, interview skills and job search strategies), in-class workshop delivery.
Tammy McDowell
[email protected]
705.325.2740, ext. 3090
Orillia Campus – A200I
International Experience Consultant – Employer Relations Consultant and External Relations (all campus locations)
Support international students with complex challenges in co-op and graduate job searches. Employer outreach and education. GoAbroadSquad support. Assistance with work abroad opportunities.
International Experience Consultant – Career team/Co-op Consultant (all campus locations)
Support international students with complex challenges in co-op and graduate job searches. GoAbroadSquad support. Assistance with work abroad opportunities.
Joanne Foxton
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1042
Barrie Campus – B110I
Kenta Shirakura
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1358
Barrie Campus – B110O
Co-op consultants
Student preparation support for the co-op and internship experience through one-on-one appointments (resumé, cover letter, employment and interview preparation, etc.). Facilitates the Co-op and Career Preparation course (CPHR 0001). Reviews final co-op requirements including the co-op report and employer evaluation.
- Computer Programming
- Computer Programming and Analysis
Maureen Arbour
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5410
Barrie Campus – B110T
- Interactive Media Design – Web
- Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Mechatronics
Jennifer Hann
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5266
Barrie Campus – B110B
- Electrical Engineering Technician/Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emily Grills
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1065
Barrie Campus – B110CC
- Civil Engineering Technician/Technology
- Environmental Technician/Technology
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Honours Bachelor of Interior Design
Stan Ryba
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5263
Barrie Campus – B110DD
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Golf Management
- Culinary Management
- Golf Facilities Operation Management
- Hospitality Administration – Hotel and Resort
- Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management (BA & SGB)
- Museum and Gallery Studies
- Recreation and Leisure Services
- Tourism Marketing and Product Development
Eric McCrea
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1734
Barrie Campus – B110P
- Architectural Technician/Technology
- Aviation Management
- Business Entrepreneurship
- Opticianry
- Research Analyst
- eCo-op contact – students
- iCo-op contact – students
Emily Paterson
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5268
Barrie Campus – B110Q
- Automotive Business
- Business Administration – Human Resources
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Automotive Management
- Human Resources Management
Christine Munro
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5278
Barrie Campus – B110EE
- Computer Systems Technician – Networking
- Information Systems Security
Olena Konstantinovska
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5570
Barrie Campus – B110A
- Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills
Jeremy Sauve
[email protected]
705.325.2740, ext. 3215
Orillia Campus – A200B
- Business
- Business – Accounting
- Business – Marketing
- Business Administration
- Business Administration – Accounting
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership
- Office Administration – Executive
Beth Salt
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1642
Barrie Campus – B110
Co-op Experience Consultant
Indigenous Community and Social Development
Michele O’Brien
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1326
Barrie Campus – M137C
Co-op Experience Consultant
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies (Advanced Standing & PT program)
Jeremy Sauve
[email protected]
705.325.2740, ext. 3215
Orillia Campus – A200B
Owen Sound
- Office Administration – Executive
- Culinary Management
- Marine Engineering Technology
- Marine Technology – Navigation
- Power Engineering Technology
Olga Herrmann
[email protected]
519.376.0840, ext. 2640
Owen Sound – A122
Employer relations consultants
Build and maintain relationships with employers to support co-op and internship employment. Monitor students on work term and facilitate communication between employers and students. Ensure work term experiences meet program learning outcomes.
Employer Engagement Consultant – all general co-op employer inquiries
Brett Wismer
[email protected]
(249) 388-0448
Barrie Campus – A143M
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Technician and Precision Skills
Cheryl Partridge
[email protected]
249.388.1885
Barrie Campus – A143M
- Architectural Technology
- Architectural Technician
- Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning
- Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Mechatronics
- Research Analyst
Brett Wismer
[email protected]
(249) 388-0448
Barrie Campus – A143M
- Civil Engineering Technician/Technology
- Lakehead/Georgian – Honours of Bachelor of Science Degree with Computer Programming Diploma
- Computer Programming/Analyst
- Environmental Technician/Technology
- Honours Bachelor of Interior Design
Maureen Koski
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1072
Barrie Campus – A143N
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Golf Management
- Culinary Management
- Golf Facilities Operation Management
- Hospitality Administration – Hotel and Resort
- Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management (BA & SGB)
- Recreation and Leisure Services
- Tourism Marketing and Product Development
- Aviation Management
Lindsay Byers
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 5261
Barrie Campus – E121
- Opticianry
- Business, Business – Accounting
- Business Administration, Business Administration – Accounting
- Business Marketing
Nick O’Connell
[email protected]
249.388.0742
Barrie Campus
- Automotive Business
- Business Administration – Human Resources
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Automotive Management
- Human Resources Management
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership
June Martin
[email protected]
249.388.0705
Barrie Campus – H126
- Computer System Technician – Networking
- Information System Security
- Interactive Media Design – Web
- Museum and Gallery Studies
Jodi Derrick
[email protected]
249.388.0698
Barrie Campus – F118A
Co-op Experience Consultant
- Indigenous Community and Social Development
Michele O’Brien
[email protected]
705.728.1968, ext. 1326
Barrie Campus – M137C
Co-op Experience Consultant
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies (Advanced Standing & PT program)
Jeremy Sauve
[email protected]
705.325.2740, ext. 3215
Orillia Campus – A200B
Owen Sound
- Marine Engineering Technology
- Marine Technology – Navigation
- Power Engineering Technology
- On campus employer contact for: Office Administration – Executive (Owen Sound and Barrie), Culinary Management
Briar Robertson
[email protected]
548.877.0264
Owen Sound Campus – A122B