Co-operative Education and Career Success
Making education work!
Georgian is Ontario’s #1 college in co-op education
- We have the highest percentage of students enrolled in co-op programs
- We have the highest percentage of programs with mandatory co-op
- 6,200 employers partner with Georgian to offer student work experiences
- We have several programs accredited by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education; 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
- Co-op work terms can lead to full-time positions after graduation
Georgian grads get jobs
- Georgian is a leader in graduate employment among all Ontario colleges
- According to Ontario Colleges Key Performance Indicators from 2017-2018, 89.7 per cent of Georgian graduates found work within six months – above the provincial average of 85.7 per cent
- Georgian has maintained a graduate employment rate above the provincial average for more than 20 years
Information for 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 offers:
- 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:
Book a 30-minute evening phone appointment with one of our knowledgeable career consultants or recruitment specialists. Learn more about evening phone appointments.
Consider taking the Career Match quiz to find the career that’s right for you, and the Georgian Program that will take you there.
Visit us at a Get Help To Go Back event.
To book an appointment or for more information, contact:
- Barrie Campus: 705.728.1968, ext. 1226 or careercoopappt@georgiancollege.ca
- Orillia Campus: 705.325.2740, ext. 3113 or laura.kozikis@georgiancollege.ca
- Owen Sound Campus: 519.376.0840, ext. 2014 or melissa.strawboyd@georgiancollege.ca
- Midland, Muskoka (Bracebridge), Orangeville or South Georgian Bay (Collingwood) campuses: 705.728.1968, ext. 1340 or careerconsultant@georgiancollege.ca
Co-op/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 Canadian Association for Co-operative Education definition 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 paid 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
Co-op consultants, student developers
- Provide support while you are on campus preparing for your co-op work term
- Facilitate your Co-op and Career Preparation course
- Provide coaching on resumé and cover letter development, job search strategies and interview skills
- Responsible for the collection and evaluation of your co-op documents
- Build and maintain relationships with co-op employers
- Workplace monitoring/mediation between employers and students
- Evaluate your work term experiences against your learning outcomes
International co-op consultant
- Supports international students with job search documents, workplace expectations, employer outreach and required work/study permits for co-op
- Provides information and guidance for investigation of international employment opportunities for all students
Data resource specialists
- Maintain the job posting database (Orbis) registration, training and troubleshooting
- Provide students with assistance with Orbis
- Post positions for co-op work terms and part-time, summer and graduate employment
Career consultants
- Provide services to co-op and internship students, graduates and alumni by:
- Supporting individualized career planning, utilizing career assessments such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), COPS, and TypeFocus, interests, values, skills and abilities
- Providing additional support for resumé and cover letter development, as well as: interview preparation, practice interviews, employment portfolio development and labor market information
- Consultants also support students with disabilities by working with each student and his or her accessibility advisor to ensure students have job search support, interview assistance and an advocate for workplace accommodations
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
I'm an international student and would like to apply to a co-op program. Do I need a work permit to complete my co-op 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 about four 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 (C279) will 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 Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 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?
Georgian is the only postsecondary institution in Canada with an international co-op consultant. The international co-op consultant is 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 co-op consultant’s office is located in B110. Stop by or call 705.728.1968, ext. 1340 to book an appointment.
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 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'm not in a co-op or internship program, but I am an international student and want to work in Canada. Can I?
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 will 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
- 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?
- 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 the 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
I have friends/family in another province in Canada. Can I work outside of Barrie?
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. 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.
Georgian’s co-op 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.
If I have more 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, contact Joanne Foxton, International Co-op Consultant or 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 https://www.app.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/employmentprofiles/
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 careerandcoop@georgiancollege.ca 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.
Drop-in career and employment support is available in the new Career Hub in room B115 (Barrie Campus). 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 laura.kozikis@georgiancollege.ca
- Owen Sound: 519.376.0840, ext. 2014 or melissa.strawboyd@georgiancollege.ca
Additional services are available through our Career and Employment Community Services
How can we help you?
Customer service
Barrie Campus – Student Success Services
Tracey Tessier & Trish Flowers
705.728.1968, ext. 1340 (B110)
Owen Sound Campus
Melissa Straw-Boyd
519.376.0840, ext. 2014 (A122)
Orillia Campus
Laura Lee Kozikis
705.325.2740, ext. 3113 (A200)
New employer contacts
Brett Wismer
Brett.Wismer@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1030, A143M
Eric McCrea
Eric.Mccrea@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1734, B115
Barrie – Departmental Assistant – Student Success
Tracey Tessier
Tracey.Tessier@georgiancollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5319
Interim Managers, Co-operative Education and Career Success
Program improvements, student feedback, appeals
Pat Roberts, ext. 1226
Pat.Roberts@georgiancollege.ca
Joanne Foxton, ext. 1042
Data Resource Specialist – all campuses
GeorgianConnects (formerly EmployGeorgian/Orbis) system support and access troubleshooting for all campuses
Marnie Ragot
Marnie.Ragot@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1494, B110Z
Sandra Gualtieri
Sandra.Gualtieri@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1646, B110Z
Career success
Career Consultant- Barrie, Midland
Career assessments, career planning, graduate employment preparation (resume, cover letter, interview skills and job search strategies), in-class workshop delivery.
Lisa Cartaginese
Lisa.Cartaginese@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1652, B110C
Pat Roberts
Pat.Roberts@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1226, B110G
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.
Beth Salt
Beth.Salt@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1642, 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
Tammy.McDowell@GeorgianCollege.ca
Orillia, ext. 3090, A200I
Career Consultant – Owen Sound
Career assessments, career planning, graduate employment preparation (resume, cover letter, interview skills and job search strategies), in-class workshop delivery.
Olga Herrmann
Olga.Herrmann@GeorgianCollege.ca
Owen Sound, ext. 2640, A122
International Experience Consultant – 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 aboard opportunities.
Nick O’Connell
Nick.Oconnell@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1042, B110I
Nicole Cesaroni
Nicole.Cesaroni@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1322, B110w
Co-op Consultants
Student preparation support for the co-op and internship experience through one-on-one appointments (resume, 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.
- Aviation Management
- Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills
- Museum and Gallery Studies
Ross McKercher
Ross.McKercher@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5266, B110BB
- Electrical Engineering Technician/Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Honours Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) Degree (Lakehead/Georgian)
Emily Grills
Emily.Grills@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1065, B110CC
- Civil Engineering Technician/Technology
- Environmental Technician/Technology
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Honours Bachelor of Interior Design
Stan Ryba
Stan.Ryba@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5263, B110DD
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership
- Business, Business – Accounting, Business – Marketing
- Business Administration, Business Administration – Accounting
- Office Administration – Executive
Lee Wilford
Lee.Wilford@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5269, B110EE
- 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
- Snow Resort Operations
- Tourism Marketing and Product Development
Lindsay Byers
Lindsay.Byers@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5261, B110H
- Architectural Technician/Technology
- Business Entrepreneurship
- Information System Security
- Opticianry
- Research Analyst
- eCo-op contact – students
Alicia Heide
Alicia.Heide@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1828, B110F
- Automotive Business
- Business Administration – Human Resources
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Automotive Management
- Human Resources Management
Christine Munro
Christine.Munro@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5278, B110B
- Computer System Technician- Networking
- Information Systems Security
Rita Pittman
Rita.Pittman@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 5268, B110A
- Computer System Technician- Networking
- Information Systems Security
Emily Paterson
Emily.Paterson@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, B110A
- Honours Bachelor of Computer Science Degree (Lakehead/Georgian)
- Computer Programmer/Analyst
- Interactive Media Design-Web
Beth Salt
Beth.Salt@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, Ext.1642, B110V
- Computer Programmer/Analyst (Collingwood and Barrie Campus)
Stephanie Torr
Stephanie.Torr@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, Ext.1625, B110D
Co-op Experience Consultant
Indigenous Community and Social Development
Michele O’Brien
Michele.OBrien@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie, ext. 1326, M137C
Co-op Experience Consultant
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies (Advanced Standing & PT program)
Jeremy Sauve
Jeremy.Sauve@GeorgianCollege.ca
Orillia, ext. 3215, A200B
Owen Sound
- Business, Business Marketing
- Office Administration – Executive
- Culinary Management
- Marine Engineering Technology
- Marine Technology – Navigation
- Power Engineering Technology
Olga Herrmann
Olga.Herrmann@GeorgianCollege.ca
Owen Sound, ext. 2640, A122
Employer Relations Consultant
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 as well as the following program areas:
- Aviation Management
- Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills
- Museum and Gallery Studies
Brett Wismer
Brett.Wismer@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1030, A143M
- Electrical Engineering Technician/Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Honours Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) Degree (Lakehead/Georgian)
Cheryl Partridge
Cheryl.Partridge@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 5281, A143M
- Civil Engineering Technician/Technology
- Environmental Technician/Technology
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Honours Bachelor of Interior Design
Maureen Koski
Maureen.Koski@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1072, A143N
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership
- Business, Business – Accounting, Business – Marketing
- Business Administration, Business Administration – Accounting
- Office Administration- Executive
Sean Elliott
Sean.Elliott@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1227,
- 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
- Snow Resort Operations
- Tourism Marketing and Product Development
John Daggett
John.Daggett@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1390, E121
- Architectural Technician/Technology
- Business Entrepreneurship
- Opticianry
- Research Analyst
- eCo-op contact – employers
Nick O’Connell
Nick.OConnell@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1132, H204L
- Automotive Business
- Business Administration – Human Resources
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Automotive Management
- Human Resources Management
June Martin
June.Martin@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1049, H128
- Computer Programmer/Analyst
- Computer System Technician – Networking
- Information System Security
- Interactive Media Design – Web
- Honours Bachelor of Computer Science Degree (Lakehead/Georgian)
Jodi Derrick
Jodi.Derrick@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1493, F118A
Co-op Experience Consultant
- Indigenous Community and Social Development
Michele O’Brien
Michele.OBrien@GeorgianCollege.ca
Barrie – Ext. 1326, M137C
Co-op Experience Consultant
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies (Advanced Standing & PT program)
Jeremy Sauve
Jeremy.Sauve@GeorgianCollege.ca
Orillia – Ext. 3215, A200B
Owen Sound
- Marine Engineering Technology
- Marine Technology – Navigation
- Power Engineering Technology
- On campus employer contact for: Business, Business Marketing, Office Administration – Executive, Culinary Management
Briar Robertson
Briar.Robertson@GeorgianCollege.ca
Owen Sound – Ext. 2062, A122