On the job

Co-op Program

   Next application deadline

Co-op is an option where you can intersperse your school terms with real work. The program offers students opportunities to apply what they have learned from school. Many students choose to come to UBC for their Computer Science degree because our Co-op program is well-supported by the department, UBC, and the local computer industry. Students also find work across Canada, in the United States, and in Japan as a result. You get the opportunity to work in industry or academia in salaried positions for 8-20 months (depending on the academic program).

Testimonials

"My Co-op Coordinator worked with me to make my experience top notch. She cared about helping her students reach their maximum potential in the workplace. She was always looking for ways to improve the Co-op program, including bringing in new companies to hire from UBC and exposing the quality of the program globally.”
- Leemor Yuravlivker, Co-op Alumni

"Co-op helped me transition into the next phase of my life. I became more responsible, mature and independent. I even became happier as my personal network of friends and colleagues grew.”
- Tracy Ng, Co-op Alumni

"We’ve been extremely pleased to work with UBC Co-op students. EA provides meaningful opportunities for students to contribute directly, and to collaborate with some of the most innovative professionals in the industry. Many UBC Co-ops have joined us as future talent and leaders at Electronic Arts.”
- Sarah Thompson, University Relations Specialist, Electronic Arts

"We are dedicated to training our Co-op students and easing their transition into our corporate culture. Our technical leaders provide thorough and frequent code reviews. In turn, we encourage students to provide feedback to help us improve their experience. Many of the Co-op students become full-time employees upon graduation."
- Felipe Vera, Director of Engineering, Safe Software

Benefits of Co-op

  • Graduate with work experience puts you ahead in the job market
  • Acquire marketplace skills that school doesn’t provide
  • Hone your programming and analytical skills in meeting real world demands
  • Develop a network of professional and academic contacts to act as references and referrals
  • Better understand your career interests
  • Put school work into perspective
  • Build a stronger application for graduation studies

Types of Co-op jobs

Here are some areas of co-op jobs:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Business analysis
  • Database management
  • Graphics
  • Games development
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • IT support
  • Mobile programming
  • Project management
  • Quality assurance
  • Research
  • Web applications

Co-op Employers

Some of our employers include:

  • Amazon
  • AppNeta
  • BlackBerry
  • Electronic Arts
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • IBM
  • MDA
  • Microsoft
  • Morgan Stanley
  • SAP
  • TELUS
  • UBC

Who can Apply?

B.Sc., B.A. or BCOM students majoring in Computer Science/Cognitive Systems (Computational stream) who have completed or are in the process of completing CPSC 110, 121 and 210, and BCS students who are in the process of completing CPSC 110, and have demonstrated sufficient technical, communication and teamwork skills can apply. Our intakes are in September/October and February/March.

Apply to Co-op

Apply through https://sciencecoop.ubc.ca/prospective