Hey! I'm going into first year McMaster Engineering. I was wondering if I could get any feedback about McMaster's co-op. Specifically, I'm wondering about the employers' opinions of McMaster students, the percentage of students who end up getting co-op placements, and any type of comments from people who have or haven't gotten co-op placements.

Thank you!

I took the coop course this year and the prof was gleaming. Last year was the highest hiring rate of ~20%

Most companies have fairly strong ties with U of T and Waterloo and their hiring patterns heavily reflect that, but Mac has been getting more attention over the years.

Fresh out of first year and in some cases second year, most find it tough to get a co-op directly in their field of interest as most of the necessary coursework is not taught until third year.

Don't be too picky for the first couple co-ops, but if you do find an interesting job give it a try.

A lot of people have much better luck landing an internship before their last year of study (12 - 16 month duration) as employers like the fact that they have interns working with them for a while and gain a better feel for hire-back candidates.

Pretty sure almost everyone that I know landed an internship after third year that I know of.

Originally Posted by proness2

Hey! I'm going into first year McMaster Engineering. I was wondering if I could get any feedback about McMaster's co-op. Specifically, I'm wondering about the employers' opinions of McMaster students, the percentage of students who end up getting co-op placements, and any type of comments from people who have or haven't gotten co-op placements.

Thank you!

Don't expect a 4 months coop after 1st year or 2nd year, its highly unlikely unless you have some sort of industry connection.

However, most people do get a 16-month internship after 3rd year. It is very likely to get a placement during this time with a decent company (depending on your stream)

Me wants co-op but not get it sadly :( Do any upper years have any tips for getting a co-op position. people keep saying it's easy and they are like chemical, software engineers, etc that have positions in like power plants,etc

Originally Posted by lgdynasty

Me wants co-op but not get it sadly :( Do any upper years have any tips for getting a co-op position. people keep saying it's easy and they are like chemical, software engineers, etc that have positions in like power plants,etc

Do not limit yourself to what OSCAR posts for jobs and research on companies that interest you and apply directly. Make use of family/friend connections to get your foot in the door, if you are able to.

If you do not land a co-op in your first couple of years, do not stress about it. Land a part-time job and gain general work experience. Most who apply for these positions have zero work experience at all. Though the part-time work might not be related to the position, the fact that you have worked in the past definitely helps your chances.

Originally Posted by blackdragon

Don't expect a 4 months coop after 1st year or 2nd year, its highly unlikely unless you have some sort of industry connection.

However, most people do get a 16-month internship after 3rd year. It is very likely to get a placement during this time with a decent company (depending on your stream)

This. I've been working in the software consulting industry ever since after my first year but only solely because of industry connections. If you have some good ones, you should be good for the most part. If you don't, it'll be really hard to get one after your first and second year. Like others have said, you should look towards internships then, and don't be too picky about the location either. Take what you get usually. Work experience is work experience regardless of where it is (even in the case of relocation).