VisionBlog Series: What’s the deal with co-op and non-co-op business programs?

Feb 16

Over the past few months, we have received a tremendous amount of support for our VisionBoard. Not only do students value the ability to see information about all Ontario business programs in one place, they also enjoyed reading our first VisionBlog post on business program applications. Our interview with a university recruitment coordinator helped students gain more insights into how to best prepare their applications.

For our second post, we wanted to highlight an important question that many of our followers have asked: What’s the deal with co-op and non-co-op business programs?

To help us answer that question, we interviewed a current student and a recent graduate from two Ontario university co-op business programs (opinions expressed by this group are hereafter referred to as the co-op group) and compared our findings to interviews with another current student and recent graduate from two Ontario non-co-op business programs (opinions expressed by this group are hereafter referred to as the “non-co-op group”).

Let us get started!

Key Takeaways

Generally, co-op programs have dedicated work terms structured into their curriculum; non-co-op programs provide flexibility and give students summer terms for them to explore their own opportunities.
Both programs offer advantages and disadvantages related to work opportunities, university life and education.
Across both programs, a multitude of resources is available to help students find internships. Our interviewees highlight the importance of reaching out to alumni and joining student-led organizations related to different business disciplines.
Employability, the prestige of the business program, university life and finances were recognized as top considerations when choosing a business program.
To make the best decision for yourself, be practical, be intentional and know your strengths. Pick the path that gives you the most valuable experiences and conduct research to inform yourself of your options.

1. What is a co-op business program? What is a non-co-op program?

Rationale: It’s true! Most of us did not know the difference.

Co-op programs are structured so that students have dedicated terms for studying (study terms) and other terms focused on working (work terms). Terms are integrated as part of the curriculum for the degree. Typically, students are placed into groups; the work terms for each student in the group are scheduled for the same months.

Non-co-op programs lack this formal structure in their curriculums; students find work experience through their means. Universities provide ample resources and invite employers on campus to facilitate the job search. Students will still have dedicated study terms and summers terms, in which they can pursue internships or other endeavours.

2. What are some of the advantages of each type of program?

Rationale: Both types of programs have their advantages. It is important to objectively understand the merits offered by each program.

Co-op group:

Since work terms are structured as part of your degree, students can try out different industries to figure out their interests before they graduate. It creates a safe environment for students to experiment and allows you to maintain an open mindset when approaching career goals. Work experiences span across different geographies and disciplines. Work experiences can also help students earn income to finance their university education.
Work terms give students the opportunity to meet students from around the world. This helps students expand their personal and professional networks and gain exposure to working with cross-cultural and geographical teams.
Some job postings are specific to co-op students; students will gain access to a job board that is exclusive to them.
The structured work terms fragment the university experience. Work terms are a good break from school to have your mind on something else for a few months, especially given that school can get quite stressful at times!

Non-co-op group:

There is additional flexibility for students to use summer terms to find internships across any discipline or industry. Other students pursue a hobby, travel or spend time with family and friends. Some programs offer international exchange opportunities, in which students can spend a study term abroad in a foreign country.
A student can find any type of work experience – students can be more risk-seeking and try out interesting jobs before settling on a career choice.
The university experience is uninterrupted; typically, students spend two semesters per year on campus. That means students can commit to varsity sports, school clubs and other activities that interest them.
Students can pursue and complete an additional degree and fit the extra coursework into a regular 4-to-5-year program. Many universities offer the option to complete a second degree in another field.

3. What about the disadvantages?

Rationale: Likewise, both programs have their disadvantages. At the end of the day, the important question is which disadvantages can change your final decision?

Co-op group:

Co-op programs can provide less flexibility for students. Most universities encourage students to prioritize the co-op placements on the job board. Students can also find opportunities elsewhere but may have to gain approval from their university first.
Universities require students to complete a specific number of work terms. A student may not be eligible to graduate if they do not follow the requirements outlined by the university. Likewise, students may take longer to complete their degrees because additional time is allocated for the work terms.
A fragmented university experience impacts university life. Students are placed into work term groups; as a result, it is challenging to share the same semester with your best friend, who may be on his or her work term when you are back on campus. And you are always moving around every few months between school and the location of your job placement.

Non-co-op group:

Non-co-op programs do not have dedicated work terms. As a result, a student must find a job placement on their own. The process could be daunting for someone who lacks prior work experience or someone who feels more anxious in a less structured environment.
The lack of dedicated work terms could affect your employability if others around you have gained more work experience than you. This pressure is amplified as you near graduation and have to decide on your post-graduation plans.
Not all universities do a great job of pushing support systems to students. Students may have to take more initiative to learn about the resources available for job placements / recruiting.

4. How did you go upon looking for a co-op/internship opportunity?

Rationale: We wanted to see whether one type of program offered more resources. Turns out both have similar tools to help students prepare for their job search.

Co-op group: Co-op business programs have dedicated job boards. Dedicated work terms also mean that you are constantly thinking about recruiting every few months and refreshing your interview skills. Employers also visit the university campus, and they organize workshops, competitions, and networking sessions for students to attend.

Non-co-op group: Non-co-op business programs also have dedicated job boards. Depending on the university, companies may choose to visit campuses and engage with students through events and workshops. Similarly, to co-op programs, the business program offices also run resume, job search and interview sessions to help students enhance their soft skills.

Across both groups, we heard about the importance of reaching out to alumni for advice or tips. All universities have their own network of graduates who work across a diverse set of fields. Oftentimes, alumni are eager to help and prepare you for an interview. Likewise, students should join university groups related to consulting, accounting, finance, etc. to learn more about each business discipline. Many students start to develop their career interests after being part of some of the industry-focused clubs.

5. What priorities did you have when you were deciding between the two programs?

Rationale: Our interviewees mentioned various priorities that they used to decide between pursuing a co-op versus a non-co-op program. Oftentimes, these priorities allow students to develop their own decision-making criteria – students will prioritize different criteria.

Employability: Employability focuses on gaining skills and attributes that make a student more likely to receive employment. Employers are placing more emphasis on prior job experience and any positive impact made in a work setting; they want to see your technical skills along with the soft skills that help you fit into their organization. It also means that employers can place more trust in you and can spend less time and resources on training.

The prestige of the program: Some business programs have strong brand recognition compared to others. And brand recognition can help in the recruiting process. Brand name schools have larger alumni bases and a broader reach across different business disciplines and geographies. Likewise, more companies will come to recruit from these programs.

University life: Job experience is equally as important as your university experience. Do not miss out on the opportunity to make new friends and try new things. You make many of your lifelong friends and your most memorable and unforgettable experiences on campus!

Finances: Undergraduate business programs have high tuition costs. Depending on your financial situation, it may be beneficial to choose a program that requires a lower upfront investment and can help you recover costs faster. We understand finances are a sensitive topic for many. Our next VisionBlog post will focus on how 2 students and a parent navigated their way through high tuition costs and housing.

6. Any piece of advice for prospective business school candidates?

Rationale: Applying to university – it can be overwhelming! Hearing from individuals who were once in your shoes should give you some comfort in your decision.

Be practical: Your university experience is a once in a lifetime experience. Make sure you make the best out of it and enjoy your time. With that said, it is also important to gain work experience to develop both technical and soft skills. Whether you decide on pursuing a co-op or a non-co-op program, remember that work experience will always help you.

Be intentional: Some schools may have a strong reputation in a specific business discipline that you show interest in, regardless of whether it is a co-op or non-co-op program. Think about your end goal and let that help you make a decision. Some students emphasize the importance of finding a job and gaining experience through internships. Other students want to focus on gaining the most fulfilling university experience. It is important to know what you prioritize and what you value.

Know your strengths: Some students thrive in a structured environment – they want to feel organized and follow an existing framework. Other students feel that they have more opportunities when there is no structure. Know who you are and make the best out of any experience – there is no one way to succeed!

Pick the path that gives you the most valuable experiences: View your university experience like a video game. Imagine your goal is to gain EXP points (clearly some of our interviewees are gamers). Pick the program type in which you feel you can gain the most EXP – in the end, your decision should be about how to provide the best benefit for yourself.

Do research. And then do more research: Ask your friends and family! Go on the internet and read! Reach out to current students who are in your top programs! Gaining more information will only help you feel more prepared and confident.

Wrap Up

We would like to thank our interviewees for their responses and time. Although this may not represent everyone’s views, we hope that we were able to shed some light on the differences between co-op and non-co-op business programs.

Please do your research and make sure to check the websites of each university that you are interested in. The information that we provided represents high-level opinions; there may be differences across each school.

We will continue to deliver blog content over the next few months as you embark on your application journey for business school programs. Please remember to sign up for our mailing list to receive up-to-date content as it is released! You can also check us out on LinkedIn!

Before we close off, please reach out to our team using our “Contact Us” form if you have any questions or comments. Feedback is always important; that is how we are confident we are providing content that maximizes value for students. Until next time!

Best Wishes,

&Vision Team

Jacqueline Sue