Augustana Co-operative Education

Students

Students apply directly to the posted jobs they are interested in, and program employers interview and select the best candidate. During this process, our ACE staff can support students in identifying suitable placements, reviewing resumés and preparing for interviews.

Students registered in the ACE program will complete a minimum of 12 months of work experience (made up of three 4-month work placements). Students have several options for scheduling work terms, provided that all work terms are completed prior to the final study term. It will normally take students a minimum of four and a half years total to complete their degree and ACE program requirements. During work placements, students will have the same access to U of A resources as when they take courses.

Employers

Our team works with employer partners to identify co-op internship opportunities for students applying to the program. These opportunities are then posted to an ACE-specific job board for approved students to review and apply for. Employers then hire their student of choice for their specified work placement.

Students

Augustana students are eligible for the ACE program if they:

• Are a continuing student in the Augustana Faculty Bachelor of Management undergraduate degree program.
• Have completed between 24 and 75 units of course credit weight at the time of entry.
• Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.3. Admission is competitive and presentation of the minimum GPA may not be sufficient to qualify for participation.

Employers

Employers from any industry are able to participate in the ACE program as long as they can offer program job opportunities related to management.

Students

• Apply classroom theory to real-world business challenges.
• Explore various careers, organizations and industries before committing to a full-time job.
• Gain paid work experience and develop crucial professional competencies before graduation.
• Build professional connections and networks with employer partners.

Employers

• Benefit from cost-effective staffing and project support by working with students studying at a top-4 Canadian university.
• Bring fresh energy and new ideas into your organization with students who are immersed in the latest business theories, technologies and best practices.
• Build your talent pipeline through placements where you can assess a student’s skills, work ethic and fit within your organization. 
• Establish a strong on-campus presence and enhance your reputation as an organization that invests in the futures of young professionals.

Students

To complete the ACE program (in addition to the regular requirements for a Bachelor of Management degree), students must complete:

1. Augustana Cooperative Education Orientation Seminar (non-credit seminar)
2. AUWXP 901
3. AUWXP 902
4. AUWXP 903
5. Pre- and post-employment career education tasks per work term

An additional optional AUWXP 904 placement is available under special circumstances. Students should inquire with the Work Integrated Learning Coordinator for more details.

Employers

To participate in the ACE program, employers must:

• Provide meaningful work for participating students for placements lasting four months (with a minimum of 420 work hours).
• Meet with ACE staff to review job posting(s).
• Participate in a mid-term site visit (in-person or virtually) with ACE staff and student.
• Provide a performance appraisal following a student’s placement.

Employers have the opportunity to participate in an optional employer partners and student networking event.

Students

Students will be admitted to the program based on a combination of grades and work experience. Students will be charged a one-time application fee of $50. Tuition for each work term will be around $2,100. Application open dates are listed below.

Employers

ACE program staff are currently identifying partner businesses and organizations to work with. Employers wishing to participate or learn more about what participating in the program would look like can contact us.