September 10, 2026
UCalgary Admissions and Recruitment
Why should I apply for a co-op or internship program?
What if you could take what you’re learning in the classroom and put it to work before you even graduate? At UCalgary, more than a quarter of students gain hands-on experience through work-integrated learning (WIL), from working with companies like Amazon, Garmin, Suncor, BMW and ATCO to conducting research, working in clinical settings and gaining experience in the field. And there’s more than one way to get that experience. Work Integrated Learning can include co-ops, internships, practicums, research, clinical and field experiences, capstone projects and community engagement. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at two of the most popular options: co-ops and internships — what they are, and why you should consider applying for one once you get here.
To get started, it’s helpful to understand the difference between co-op and internship programs — and importantly, both offer paid work experience. Currently, four of our faculties offer these opportunities: the Faculty of Arts Co-operative Education Program, the Haskayne School of Business Co-operative Education Program, the Engineering Internship Program, and the Science Internship Program. Depending on your faculty, you may alternate academic study terms with full-time paid work terms through a co-op program, or complete a longer paid internship placement that is integrated into your degree.
Co-op students typically rotate between study and work terms, with placements lasting 4, 8, 12 or 16 months. Internship students generally complete a 12- to 16-month full-time placement, often between their third and fourth year of study. Either way, you’re getting paid to gain meaningful industry experience, build your professional network and put what you’re learning into practice.
One of the biggest advantages of participating in a co-op or internship program is the career preparation and support available throughout the process. Students can strengthen their resumes and cover letters with guidance from faculty career advisors and UCalgary’s career development resources. Many students also take advantage of interview preparation workshops, mock interviews, networking events, mentorship opportunities and employer information sessions. These experiences can help you build confidence, make connections and prepare for your career after graduation.
Beyond the career support you receive through UCalgary, co-op and internship experiences give you the chance to see what your future career could actually look like. You’ll apply what you’re learning to real projects, work alongside professionals, build your network and gain a better understanding of the kinds of roles and work environments that interest you. You may even discover a new area of your field that you want to explore further.
For many students, these experiences become a memorable part of their undergraduate journey — and by the time graduation arrives, they’ve gained more than a line on their resume. They’ve built skills, connections and a clearer sense of where they want to go next.
Co-op and internships are just two ways to gain hands-on experience during your degree. If you’re interested in exploring other types of work-integrated learning, check out our blog on practicums and work-integrated learning (WIL) at the University of Calgary. We’ll explore what practicums are, which programs offer them, and how they can add another dimension to your UCalgary experience.
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