What is the best way to split up the co-op work terms? Should I just take 4 months of co-op every summer? Or just take 12-16 months of Co-op after 3rd year?

Originally Posted by BaBu

What is the best way to split up the co-op work terms? Should I just take 4 months of co-op every summer? Or just take 12-16 months of Co-op after 3rd year?

If you do the 12-16 month positions, you get more "real" experience, because it takes some time for you to adjust to a new environment and learn the tasks you're supposed to be accomplishing. There's a better chance that you'll see real results/make a real contribution to the company you're working for. There's also a higher chance of being offered a full time position after graduation.

I feel like the 4 month summer co-ops are often just a 'foot in the door" ... by the time you get the hang of what you're doing, your work term is done. However, they have the advantage of not extending your degree, and you can potentially work at a different company for each 4 month term which means you'll have a better feel for the kind of work you want to do and what kind of company you want to work for.

I`m probably going to do a 4 month after my second year, and then a 16 month after my 3rd year. Graduate in 5 years.

Graduating with an engineering degree in 4 years is like leaving a party at 9pm. Just saying.

Also, you can't do a 16-mth if you do anything else. You may be able to do a 4 and a 12 though.

I thought that you don`t have a cap on how many months of Co-Op you could do.. i thought the maximum in one go was 16 months... unless i`m mistaken.

You're right. You're not limited to the number of 4 month terms you do, but you are only allowed to do one 8, 12 or 16 month work term.