Why Students Choose PEY Co-op
Benefits of PEY Co-op
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It’s more than a foot in the door
You'll work full time for an employer of your choosing for 12 to 16 consecutive months after third year. You’ll apply your education to industry challenges while making meaningful professional contributions. Through PEY Co-op, you can focus on career development without needing to switch between work and school each semester.
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It's paid
PEY Co-op students earn an average of approximately $50,000 annually, with top salaries reaching $90,000 in 12 months. You'll also position yourself perfectly to negotiate a post-graduation starting salary that is 15% higher than those without the same quality of experience.
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It offers an additional opportunity
In order to satisfy PEY Co-op requirements, students must obtain a minimum of 12 months’ consecutive work experience with one single employer. An additional opportunity for PEY Co-op participants is a summer co-op work term lasting from three to four months. Students who complete both work terms can earn up to 20 months' paid work experience before graduation.
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It fits seamlessly into your journey
PEY Co-op has proven to be an invaluable part of the student success journey. After working for 12 to 16 months, you’ll return to school with new insight into your career path. You will bring an enhanced perspective back to the classroom and explore your interests having had a robust marketplace experience. The 12-16 month work term allows the employer to involve the student in higher level work which often translates into higher salaries and enhanced work opportunities post-graduation.
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Top employers come to you
PEY Co-op companies represent every sector and include major global brands such as Apple, Tesla, Proctor & Gamble and IBM. Some employers only hire PEY Co-op students because it’s their best return on investment. PEY Co-op is also an excellent way for employers to preview and recruit future talent.
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Choose from opportunities around the world
In 2023-2024, 1157 PEY Co-op students had access to 700 employers and 3000 jobs. PEY Co-op employers range from local startups to large international companies across every sector. In an average year, one in 10 participants works outside Canada. You will apply and interview for the positions you’re most interested in, and accept the job offer that best aligns with your goals.
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Graduate a step closer to being a professional engineer
You can apply 12 months of PEY Co-op experience toward acquiring your P.Eng. designation from Professional Engineers Ontario.
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Gain professional confidence before starting your job
We will work with you to ensure your resume and interview prep showcase your strengths before you begin applying for PEY Co-op positions. Career counselling and professional skills development are all important parts of the process. Workshops and guidance on everything from networking to negotiating salary will serve you as you apply for PEY Co-op positions and well beyond graduation.
Don't just take our word for it: read what students like you have to say!
The ECC also offers events during the year where you can hear from participants and former participants about their experiences.
Students Summarize Their Experiences
Arman Ghassemi, BlueCat Networks
PEY Co-op Student 2016-2017, Computer Science + PEY
“My PEY experience at BlueCat has gave me the confidence and preparation I need for a role as a software engineer upon graduation. I’ve had the opportunity to work with two development teams at BlueCat which not only have I gained a new set of technical and soft skills, but also made long term connections in the tech industry. Such an invaluable experience has brought me back for another 4 month coop term.”
Clara Siu, IBI Group
PEY Co-op Student 2016-2017, Electrical Engineering + PEY
“This PEY placement has been a great opportunity for my professional development and personal growth. In school, I learn about very interesting concepts in communication systems, such as how different technologies work in sending, transmitting, and receiving information. At the internship, I get to appreciate how these concepts are applied in real-life applications, which have direct impact on improving the cities that we live in! A highlight for me is having the opportunity to learn more about the projects that I work on during meetings, as well as the opportunity to learn the supplementary concepts, standards, and practices through talking to my colleagues and managers. There are many components to every project, and it is very interesting to see how these components, including my work, all come together over time to form a whole. This internship has been highly rewarding, and has even sparked my interest in project management, which is something that I have never considered before my PEY placement.”
Husham Hassan, EventMobi
PEY Co-Op Student 2016-2017, Computer Science + PEY
“My PEY Co-Op with EventMobi has been an incredible experience. By building and helping to scale the EventMobi platform, as well as taking part in company wide coding challenges, hackathons, and workshops, I’ve developed a strong foundation as a Software Developer. The company wide retreats and team outings have also helped me build great friendships along the way. I would highly recommend the program to anyone looking to grow both professionally and as a person!”
Ben Waitzer, IBI Group
PEY Co-op Student 2016-2017, Engineering Science – Infrastructure
“Working at IBI Group was an invaluable experience. I felt welcomed and valued as a peer amidst a team of brilliant people who were exceedingly generous with their knowledge and mentorship. I got to do meaningful work on a wide variety of different transportation planning projects and learn about the many different opportunities available in my field. Most importantly, it showed me how the technical skills that are emphasized in class fit into the complicated endeavor of city-building, which is truly inspiring!”
Conrad Chan, BlueCat Networks
PEY Co-op Student 2016-2017, Computer Science + PEY
“My PEY experience so far has been great, I get to work with driven, talented individuals whom I can learn from and help further my career goals. Having a team-lead that is a U of T alumni who has undergone many similar experiences has really helped me transition into my role. Working at BlueCat has been a fantastic learning experience.”
Vibha Kumar, Intel
PEY Co-op Student 2016-2017, Electrical & Computer Engineering + PEY
“My PEY was a valuable learning experience and a good introduction to working in industry. It was a great way to get relevant work experience during my undergrad and it helped me develop skills that I am confident I will use throughout my career.”