Master’s and PhD students may complete 4 to 12 months of co-op experience in various types of organizations, including corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, startups and research institutions.
Students will engage in co-op job search 4-6 months in advance of the term that has been approved for work.
Students can work a maximum of 12 months. If they do not secure a job during their approved work term(s), they may submit an amended permission form to access jobs posted for future work terms
completed by grad students in 2023/2024
hired our grad students
in graduate co-op work terms over the previous year
“The services offered by McMaster’s Engineering Co-op & Career Services team have exceeded my expectations. Their proactive approach, tailored guidance, and extensive network have been instrumental in connecting me with valuable co-op opportunities and ensuring a seamless transition from academia to the professional world. I am immensely grateful for their exceptional services and unwavering commitment to student success.”
“Engaging in the co-op program and collaborating with industry professionals has led to substantial personal growth, shaping me into a more refined student and a better human as I reflect on my experiences, achievements, challenges, and setbacks.”
“My co-op experience was a transformative journey, allowing me to build connections and delve into a field that aligned perfectly with my interests. As an international student, it provided me with invaluable exposure to the Canadian work culture, surpassing all my expectations.”
The graduate co-op preparation course (ENGINEER 701) is a 9-week series of lectures (9 hours in total) offered virtually in the Fall and Winter terms. The course is housed in Avenue to Learn and all lectures will be recorded, enabling you to revisit the content at your convenience. ENGINEER 701 is designed to equip students with the essential skills necessary for a successful co-op job search. Topics covered include crafting effective cover letters and resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles for engagement, implementing efficient job search strategies, refining interview skills, negotiating job offers and workplace professionalism.
Upon commencement of the course, international graduate students who have opted into the co-op program will be given a letter to apply for their co-op work permit. We recommend that all students consider enrolling in ENGINEER 701 8-12 months prior to their intended co-op work period. This strategic timeline accounts for the timeframe employers post jobs (often at least 4 months in advance of the work term) coupled with the understanding that co-op work permits may take up to 165 days for processing.
Enrolment in ENGINEER 701 is free of charge. A career training fee of $1300 will be applied to the student’s account for the initial 4-month co-op term registered in OSCARplus. This fee will be incurred once a student accepts an approved co-op job offer and completes registration with the Centre, after which it will be added to the student’s Mosaic account.
Payment of fees is due at the beginning of the work term, and late payment will be subject to interest/late charges. Students will also be responsible for the payment of normal supplementary fees or tuition charged for additional courses taken during co-op terms.
Graduate students are advised to engage in discussions with their respective departments to assess the potential impact of a co-op work term on their graduate funding prior to committing to a co-op job.
Master’s students who have successfully finished ENGINEER 701 are entitled to engage in work opportunities after completing 2 terms of study, with a maximum duration of 12 months. For Ph.D. students, it is advisable to consider enrolling in ENGINEER 701 after completing 2 years of study or after the comprehensive exam. This strategy allows students to target co-op positions as they approach graduation. To determine the optimal timing, we recommend consulting with either a Career Educator or your respective department.
For more information, please contact the Graduate Co-op Team at gradcoop@mcmaster.ca.
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