Career and co-op
Our co-operative (co-op) education (co-op) programs are set up to alternate study and paid work terms in your field while earning your degree.
The MPA thesis-based option includes two mandatory co-operative work terms, with an option to complete a third. Students are automatically enrolled in co-op as part of their degree program.
MPA thesis-based (co-op) overview
Co-op will help you develop professional skills, apply your graduate courses and gain practical experience while earning money to off-set tuition costs.
Co-op work terms open the door to try careers you might be interested in pursuing and build your professional network. They result in students qualifying for a higher level position after graduation that they would have without co-op. Students often receive job offers from a past co-op employer when they graduate.
When you are preparing for your co-op work term, you will get support with career planning, resume writing and job preparation through our professional practice workshops.
Student stories
- Juraj Kobzik - two co-op work terms with the Government of Canada’s Department of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC), Treaties & Aboriginal Governance division
- Stephen Joyce - a work term at UNITAR in Geneva, Switzerland, where his work promotes UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Read more student co-op stories and testimonials
For more information please see the Public Administration co-op page or contact the SPA co-op coordinator at spaco@uvic.ca or 250-721-8064.
About co-op jobs
We post 150 jobs per term with a 100% placement rate. Average monthly co-op earnings are $3828.25.
"In my first co-op, I am thrilled to be working with the Indigenous Guardians Pilot in Canada Wildlife Service where I have the opportunity to learn from and to support Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives from coast-to-coast-to-coast." - Ryleigh Lightbourn, MPA on-campus program
Sample co-op employers
- Auditor General of Canada, Student Programs, Ottawa
- BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Governance & Structure Branch, Victoria
- BC Office of the Ombudsperson, Victoria
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Treaties and Aboriginal Government, Negotiations West, Vancouver
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Sustainable Development Policy Division, Gatineau
- Global Affairs Canada, Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch, Brussels
- Ucluelet First Nations, Department of Lands and Resources, Ucluelet
- Village of Tahsis, Village of Tahsis Municipal Office, Tahsis
Recent job titles
- Policy/project analyst
- Legislative policy researcher
- Junior economic policy analyst
- Market development officer
- Climate change research co-op
- Administrator, Indigenous relations
- Cultural heritage policies project coordinator
Employer resources
Our co-op students can provide you and your business with a wide range of employment options. They can take on short-term tasks with enthusiasm and energy, contribute their skills to ongoing projects or assist your regular staff during peak periods.
Hiring and working with a co-op student is easy and we provide much support along the way! Co-op terms typically begin at the start of January, May and September and usually last 4 or 8 months.
If you would like to find a student volunteer, hire a graduate, or hire for a casual position, please contact Career Services at careers@uvic.ca.