Undergraduate students

Political science students love co-op because it enables them to use their education in a practical way while developing professional workplace skills and contacts. It also enables them to experience a variety of workplaces and earn while they learn!

Co-op terms normally alternate with academic terms after the second year of study. Prior to your first co-op term, you'll complete a series of seminars to prepare you for the co-op experience and your career. Topics include skills assessment, résumé and cover letter preparation, interview skills and succeeding in the workplace.

Securing a co-op position is competitive. Most co-op opportunities are posted on MyCo-op, a password-protected website used by students to create résumés and cover letters (but you can develop your own jobs too). You'll apply for a range of jobs in a variety of locations to increase your chances of success. If the employer shortlists you, you will make it to the interview stage and hopefully become the successful candidate for that co-op position.

Who hires political science co-op students?

Political science students work in government, in private sector and for non-profit organizations in Greater Victoria, across Canada, and beyond. Some recent co-op organizations include: BC Ministry of Health Services, BC Ministry of Community and Rural Development, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canadian Border Service Agency, Tourism Victoria, Neverblue Media Inc., POLIS Water Project Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA)

What type of work do political science co-op students do on their co-op terms?

Common work that political science students do is research to support policy analysis and development, Ministerial meetings, program design and implementation, and communications. Political sciences co-op students also are involved with project management, program coordination, website writing and maintenance, media monitoring, educational outreach, and community development activities.

Admission to and Participation in Co-op

To qualify for acceptance into the Social Sciences Co-op Program as a political science student, you must be a full-time student intending to declare a major in political science, who has a 5.0 GPA overall and a 5.0 GPA in political science. You can apply for co-op in your second year or no later than the first term of your third year. You must also take Political Science 351 and achieve a B or better before your second co-op term.

The deadline to apply is September 15 and January 15 of each year. Pick up an application form from the Social Sciences Co-op office (SSM A102).

If you successfully complete the required number terms (currently four) you can graduate with co-op designation on your degree.

Further information on the Undergraduate Co-op program is available in the University of Victoria Calendar.