Embark on your co-op journey with the assurance of dedicated support from day one to graduation. Each student is paired with a co-op consultant and career services consultant, offering personalized guidance throughout the co-op job search, application, and interview processes. This support extends into your co-op work term, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Work semesters are spaced out through the academic program and students achieve progressively advanced skill levels as they advance through their studies. Similarly, the work experience opportunities should increase in difficulty and responsibility as the student progresses through the program. Normally, work semesters are four months in duration but in some programs, there are double co-ops of eight months or even longer. The minimum duration is 12 weeks of full-time employment.
Only those students who pass all of their college courses are eligible for co-op.
All co-op students undergo a pre-employment training program that includes information about careers related to their program, business/industry requirements and standards, and workplace adaptation. The co-op pattern for each program is designed so that students are likely to be available for work during busy periods in companies related to their field of study.
Co-op positions are always remunerated. Students are usually paid at the same rate as entry-level workers in that position at your company.
Available for any program. Do you have your own business or are you interested in starting one? Use your co-op term to explore entrepreneurship. The Leap Junction team can help you navigate the process.
Entrepreneurial Co-Op transforms your co-op work term into a launch pad for your business. Build your own venture with our proven support system behind you. We've helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses—now it's your turn.
Working with the team at LEAP Junction and Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services will give you the opportunity to integrate your academic learning and entrepreneurial vision through hands-on experience and collaboration with other like-minded students from various programs across the college. You'll set your own schedule, define your goals, and take ownership of your entrepreneurial path.
Important Note:
Your business concept must relate to your program of study. For example, a cybersecurity student should develop a business with cybersecurity elements, not something unrelated to their field.
This is a self funded, unpaid program. Students must have the necessary finances to fund their start up and forego a regular wage in this program.
Unsure about your eligibility? Contact your Co-Op consultant to discuss your specific situation.
The Entrepreneurial Co-op Program has specific requirements that must be fulfilled to successfully complete your Co-op term. Freelance and Entrepreneurial co-op postings are released each term through the Co-op Job Board with detailed program requirements, application processes, requirements, and deadlines listed on each posting.
Check MyFuture/Orbis regularly for Entrepreneurial Co-Op postings each term.
The Leap Junction business advisors walk you through the process, how the program works, and all you need to succeed.
Completed the Entrepreneurial Co-Op Program and want to continue growing your business? The LeapIN Business Accelerator is your next step. Watch for when the application opens for the next Summer Term. This seamless transition allows you to:
The Freelance Co-Op Program transforms your co-op term into a launch pad for your freelance career. Instead of working for a single employer, you'll develop a portfolio of clients and projects with our proven support system behind you. This program is ideal for students balancing multiple contracts, side hustles, or part-time jobs who want to turn these experiences into a sustainable freelance business.
Important Note:
Your business concept must relate to your program of study. For example, a cybersecurity student should develop a business with cybersecurity elements, not something unrelated to their field.
Unsure about your eligibility? Contact your Co-Op consultant to discuss your specific situation.
The Freelance Co-op Program has specific requirements that must be fulfilled to successfully complete your Co-op term. Freelance and Entrepreneurial co-op postings are released each term through the Co-op Job Board with detailed program requirements, application processes, requirements, and deadlines listed on each posting.
Check MyFuture/Orbis regularly for Freelance Co-Op postings each term.
Completed the Freelance Co-Op Program and want to continue growing your business? The LeapIN Business Accelerator is your next step. As an Entrepreneurial Co-Op participant, you're guaranteed an interview when you apply to the LeapIN program. This seamless transition allows you to:
Make the most of your co-op experience with Fanshawe’s Co-op Work Term Digital Workbook. This essential resource provides step-by-step guidance, required documentation, key deadlines, helpful links, and important contact information—all in one place. Stay organized and informed throughout your co-op work term.
When selecting a post-secondary school degree, I knew I wanted to gain practical experience. As a hands-on learner, I hoped to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry experience. I accomplished all this through the Bachelor of Commerce - Digital Marketing Degree at Fanshawe College. Thanks to Aquatell Inc., I gained hands-on experience while fulfilling my co-op requirement. I applied years of post-secondary knowledge while gaining and expanding my knowledge using industry tools. Aquatell has provided the opportunity to acquire new knowledge daily. I’m excited to continue as their Digital Marketing Manager.
- Annalise Cosman, Bachelor of Commerce Management, Digital Marketing Degree
This program set me up with great foundational building blocks for a life-long career. I have both Cintas and Fanshawe to thank for where I am today, for anyone who is seeking a co-op or future career, put yourself out there, don’t be afraid to be yourself, work hard, build relationships, to better your life in every aspect and build a great future for yourself!
- Riley McFee, Bachelor of Commerce Management
The Co-op Award of Excellence celebrates outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional performance during their co-op experiences. Winners are recognized for the impact of their co-op on their education, contributions to their employers, and influence on Fanshawe's Co-op program. Nominated by co-op consultants and selected through a rigorous review process, these students exemplify the value of experiential learning and the future of their industries.
Interested in taking a co-op program? Learn more about all the benefits of getting this paid work experience at Fanshawe.
Taking a co-op this year? Learn what you need to do to prepare for your co-operative work term and what you need to do to get the most out of it!
Explore the top three things you need to know before you start your co-op work term from a real co-op student.
Hiring co-op students presents several advantages for employers. It brings fresh perspectives, access to specialized skills, and a notable increase in workplace productivity. Also, explore hiring incentives available to further enhance the hiring experience.
As a co-op student you are accountable for the rights and responsibilities of the co-operative education policy. Familiarize yourself with this policy prior to your first co-op semester.
