York University’s Co-op & Career Centre is transforming access to co-operative education, experiential learning and career development services through a newly launched space that connects thousands of students and employers.
The newly integrated space – a partnership between the Office of the Vice-Provost Teaching & Learning and the Division of Students –brings together these key services all under one roof.
Located in the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building at York’s Keele Campus, the centre is accelerating access to real-world experience. Since its launch in May, it has facilitated over 1,900 work-study positions and currently supports upwards of 1,300 co-op students.
With more than 70 per cent of York's undergraduate programs offering co-op options, the collaborative service model provides future-ready tools that incorporate equity, inclusion and support for both students and employers.
“Opportunities for work-integrated learning and co-op provide critical access to social capital for students who may not otherwise be able to tap into professional networks,” says Chloë Brushwood Rose, vice-provost teaching and learning. “At York, where so many students are the first in their family to attend university, the work to expand access to experiential learning advances our core values – excellence, social justice and equity, and diversity and inclusion.”
Inside the Co-op & Career Centre, students will find a bright, welcoming space offering one-on-one coaching, group workshops, peer mentoring and more. The team will continue to expand services to meet students’ needs in the months ahead, and plans are underway to introduce AI-powered interview preparation tools and specialized support for students living with disabilities. These innovations reinforce York’s commitment to barrier-free access and ensure graduates are prepared for a rapidly evolving job market.
Faculty and staff are key partners in York’s integrated approach to co-op and career development. By engaging students through the centre, they are helping to create clearer pathways for students to build the skills, experiences and social capital to start their careers with confidence.
“We know how vital career development and experiential learning opportunities are for students as they prepare and strive for positive outcomes after graduation,” says Yvette Munro, vice-provost students.
For students like Ruella (Ella) Ordinaria, a fourth-year biochemistry major, the centre was instrumental in helping her achieve an eight-month co-op position as a research assistant at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Hazardous Air Pollutants Laboratory.
“Securing a co-op placement can be stressful and competitive, but the Co-op & Career Centre provides a wide range of resources – from job-search support to recruitment events,” says Ordinaria, adding the one-on-one resume preparation and mock interviews were key to her success.
With services centralized, the experience is far less overwhelming. The team is responsive and transparent, and demonstrates a genuine interest in student success, she says, helping students become “stronger, more competitive applicants.” For her, this support resulted in multiple offers from employers. "The centre can provide guidance and support – even if you’re not sure what questions to ask or which resources you need,” Ordinaria says. “Their support can make a significant difference in helping you secure a position and feel more confident throughout the process.”
Employers also benefit with streamlined access to York talent through a single point of contact, making it easier to connect with students across disciplines, build partnerships, collaborate on projects and participate in on-campus hiring.
A recent event to celebrate the Co-op & Career Centre’s launch brought together students, faculty and employer partners to mark this milestone in York’s commitment to experiential learning. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to visit the new space.
“York students and alumni are now empowered through an integrated centre that’s inspiring and designed for success,” says Munro. “This is a space that says: 'You belong here, and you can succeed.'"
While a dedicated website for the Co-op & Career Centre is in development, those interested can find information on the Career Centre website and its affiliated experiential learning webpage.
With files from Andrea Graham