Frequently asked Questions by Students
Does co-operative education make a difference?
YES! A study conducted by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission showed that 100% of the Mount’s co-op graduates were employed one year after graduation, and 90% were employed in their chosen field. This compares to 84% of core students employed one year after graduation, with 83% in their field of study (MPHEC Study, 1997).
In addition to the success of our co-op graduates, professors have said that co-operative education helps students to develop a more thorough understanding of the theory taught in the classrooms.
Clearly, co-operative education makes a difference in both the short run by improving your academic success while in school, and in the long run, by improving your success in finding employment after graduation.
How do I apply for co-operative education?
When you are accepted into the Public Relations or the Tourism & Hospitality Management degree program, you are automatically enrolled in co-operative education. Business students must apply for the co-operative education program in their second year of studies.
If I enrol in co-operative education, will this delay my graduation date?
Co-operative education extends your degree program by four months. These four months are more than offset by the one year of career-related work experience you gain - so you are still ahead of the traditional student in jump-starting your career.
Would I be able to take a course while on work term?
Check the Student Guide to Co-operative Education (PDF)
How much does co-operative education cost?
The co-operative education degree is a 23-unit degree. Tuition applies to all academic credits, and a co-op term is equivalent to one full unit of credit. Your tuition fees are partially offset by your co-operative education earnings. In addition to your co-op earnings, studies of Maritime graduates have shown that co-op students graduate with 32% lower debt loads, AND earn 43% higher salaries in their first year of work. Co-operative education is definitely an investment in your future. Check the Academic Calendar for more information on the financial requirements and co-op fees.
Am I guaranteed a co-op position?
No, you are not guaranteed a co-op position, however over the last several years, the Mount co-operative education program has had more positions posted than students available. We provide a comprehensive Professional Development Program which provides each student with the skills needed to succeed. Our personalized approach to co-operative education ensures that each student has an opportunity to work one-on-one with the Co-op Team to maximize her/his learning and to excel.
Where are the co-op positions?
Historically, 50% of our employment opportunities are with organizations outside the Halifax area, therefore you must be prepared to relocate to accept a co-op position with wonderful learning opportunities. You should keep this in mind when making accommodation/lease arrangements for the duration of your degree program. Some co-op employers will reimburse airfare for students taking advantage of the co-op opportunities in locations such as Ottawa, Toronto, Banff, and Jasper.
Will I get paid on a co-op term?
Yes. All employers pay co-op students. Salaries range depending on location and the type of organization. For example, local, not-for-profit organizations generally pay less than larger corporations located in Central and Western Canada. You should know that you may not be able to fully finance your education with salaries earned on co-op terms - Co-op Salaries.
What do my co-op tuition fees cover?
Your co-op tuition fees cover the administration of the co-op process including, but not limited to:
- Professional development sessions prior to your first co-op work term
- Return-to-Campus session following your first and second work term
- Personalized job search assistance (cover letter support, one-on-one resume reviews, interview preparation, mock interviews, and coaching to complete your own job search)
- Work site visits and ongoing mediation of unsatisfactory work term situations
- Post co-op work term debriefing and grading with co-op faculty advisor
- Development of job opportunities
- Access to online job postings website and job posting administration
- Interview space and interview coordination (including telephone and Skype interviews)
- Facilitation of job offers
- Tracking of student eligibility, participation level, and job search activity
- Recognition programs (Mount Co-op Student of the Year and Co-op Employer of the Year Awards)
- Networking opportunities with employers and fellow co-op students (special events and optional professional development/information session)