Co-operative Education Option
The Co-op Option in the BBA. will provide students with the opportunity to combine academic studies with paid, career-related work experience. This will help them:
- build a greater appreciation of the curriculum being studied;
- develop practical business skills in their area of specialization;
- enhance their communication and critical thinking abilities; and
- establish employment and business contacts for after graduation.
Through Co-op, students complete 4, 8, or 12-month Work Terms with private business, non-[profit, and public sector employers such as: BDO Dunwoody LLP, KPMG, RBC Royal Bank, CIBC, Service Canada, Venture Kamloops, and United Way.
Participation in the BBA Co-op Option is voluntary and placements are competitive, with many
co-op employers located outside the Kamloops region. Students are not guaranteed job placement in any given work term.
How to apply
Students normally apply in the fall semester of their 2nd year, but can apply in the fall semester of 3rd year - applications from 1st year students may be considered. Students will be chosen by a selection committee based on grades, completion of specific courses in the discipline, previous work/volunteer experience, and a letter of application. Successful students must complete a Co-op seminar which offers instruction in career development skills in order to be eligible for a Work Term.
Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.67 (B-) to be admitted to and remain in the Co-op Option. Students must have completed 51 credits including ECON 1900, ECON 1950, BBUS 1370, BBUS 2210, BBUS 2540, and BUEC 2320 before beginning Work Term 1. Students must complete three Co-op Work Terms to graduate with the Co-op Distinction. Students may also graduate having completed one or two co-op work terms.
Co-op time patterns vary depending on student priorities and market conditions. Below is an example:
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Summer |
|
Year 1 |
Academic Semester 1 |
Academic Semester 2 |
|
|
Year 2 |
Academic Semester 3 |
Academic Semester 4 |
Work Term 1 |
|
Year 3 |
Academic Semester 5 |
Work Term 2 |
Work Term 3 |
|
Year 4 |
Academic Semester 6 |
Academic Semester 7 |
Work Term 4 |
|
Year 5 |
Academic Semester 8 |
Graduation |
|
For more information about the BBA Co-op Option at TRU, contact
Coby Fulton
Business Coordinator
Thompson Rivers University
Old Main 1712
900 McGill Road
Kamloops, B.C. V2C 0C8
E-Mail: bus_cooped@tru.ca
Phone: (250) 828-5494
Fax: (250) 828-5014
Website: www.tru.ca/coop