Science Co-op For
Employer FAQ’s
1. What are the benefits of hiring a UBC co-op student?
2. What skills do UBC Science Co-op students have (and what can they do for my organization)?
3. How do I post a job?
4. How do I know if my position fits the Co-op requirement?
5. Is the hiring process time consuming?
6. When can I post a job?
7. What is the average salary for Co-op students?
8. Is there funding available to employers who can’t afford to hire co-op students?
9. Can I hire a UBC Science Co-op student if I am outside of Canada?
10. Do we need to pay for relocation costs for the student?
11. Does UBC Science Co-op implement a ranking system and is there a deadline for submitting job postings?
12. Why did I receive applications from more than one UBC Co-op program if I only submitted my job posting to Science Co-op?
13. Can I contact the student directly to set up an interview?
14. Where can I interview the students?
15. I would like to extend an offer to a student. Who should I contact?
16. What about confidentiality?
17. What are my responsibilities as an employer of a Co-op student?
1. What are the benefits of hiring a UBC co-op student?
There are many advantages to hiring our students and participating in the UBC Science Co-op program:
• Co-op is a highly cost effective recruitment solution, both for the present and future;
• The UBC Science Co-op program has a broad talent pool of innovative students available in more than 20 academic disciplines, who are keen to apply a range of knowledge and skills in a ‘real-life’ working environment;
• Participating in the UBC Science Co-op program allows employers the rewarding experience of mentoring students and shaping the future of potential leaders; and
• The professional and dedicated support offered to employers by the UBC Science Co-op team ensures that hiring our students is as convenient and stress-free as possible.
2. What skills do UBC Science Co-op students have (and what can they do for my organization)?
Our students have a diverse skill set, from a range of 20 academic programs. Please click here for further information about the variety of course specific skills offered by our students, or contact us at 604-822-9677.
Job postings are usually submitted online here, or by e-mail (jobs@sciencecoop.ubc.ca). We also accept job details via fax 604-822-9676. Once your job description has been posted in our online database, you will receive a confirmation e-mail, advising you of when you will start receiving resumes. Jobs are usually posted for three business days and resumes of suitable candidates are forwarded via e-mail. We do not charge any fees for this service.
4. How do I know if my position fits the Co-op requirement?
UBC Co-op jobs are full-time and work terms last for 4, 8, 12 or 16 months. Our Co-op Coordinators would be happy to provide further information about salary and to answer any other questions regarding the suitability of your co-op position. Please call us at 604-822-9677.
5. Is the hiring process time consuming?
Not at all, we are happy to provide as much help and guidance as needed during the recruitment process. All of our students are pre-screened, to ensure they have the practical skills and personal qualities that our employers are looking for, making the hiring process even easier. Employers simply have to create a job posting and then choose which students they would like to interview and eventually hire. For further information about the hiring process, please click here.
UBC Science Co-op jobs are posted throughout the year (click here for details of the posting schedule). We encourage employers to post their jobs as early as possible, in order to have the best selection of students to choose from.
7. What is the average salary for Co-op students?
This really depends on the type of role you are offering, the industry area, location and whether the position is in the public or private sector. For further information, you can access previous UBC Co-op student salary statistics here.
8. Is there funding available to employers who can’t afford to hire co-op students?
There are government-funded programs available to eligible employers, in certain industry sectors. For information on funding sources and financial assistance programs available, please click here.
9. Can I hire a UBC Science Co-op student if I am outside of Canada?
Absolutely! In fact, around 10% of our students work in roles outside of Canada and we are committed to increasing the number of new links with international employers. Further information for international employers wanting to hire UBC Science Co-op students can be found here, including information about visas and work permits.
10. Do we need to pay for relocation costs for the student?
That is the employer’s decision. Usually the students are responsible for their own relocation and accommodation costs; however, some employers may also provide some additional financial assistance, although they are not obligated to do so. There are other ways in which international employers can support our students, please click here for more details.
No. Job postings, interviews and job offers are handled on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s best to start the job posting process as soon as possible, to ensure that you have your pick of the most qualified candidates.
Although UBC Co-op programs operate independently, there are some overlaps when it comes to students’ majors and disciplines. For example, a “web developer” position is relevant to both Computer Science and Computer Engineering students.
As a result, postings may be shared with UBC Engineering Co-op and you may receive applications from two separate co-op programs. This is to ensure that all students are given fair access to relevant jobs and employers are able to choose the best candidate for the position. If you do not want your posting shared with other co-op programs, please indicate your preference when submitting your job posting. We will be happy to accommodate your requests.
13. Can I contact the student directly to set up an interview?
All correspondence between employers and students is coordinated by the Science Co-op office. For interview scheduling, please contact the appropriate interview liaison. This information is given to you with your resume package.
14. Where can I interview the students?
It is entirely up to you. Students can travel to your offices for interviews, or for employers based outside the Vancouver area, we have meeting room facilities available for those who wish to conduct face-to-face interviews on campus. Alternatively, if neither party is able to travel, then you can conduct student interviews by telephone or Skype. Our front-office staff will be happy to arrange this for you, please call us at 604-822-9677 for more information.
15. I would like to extend an offer to a student. Who should I contact?
All job offers should go directly through the student’s Co-op Coordinator. If you are not sure who a given student’s Coordinator is, please contact our main office at 604-822-9677 and we will be happy to assist you. For details about what information to include in your job offer, please click here.
16. What about confidentiality?
We understand that students may be working in positions that require a high level confidentiality and in such instances, companies can request that students sign a confidentiality agreement which will be strictly adhered to by the student. Information held by UBC Science Co-op will never be distributed to third parties and we will always respect your privacy.
17. What are my responsibilities as an employer of a Co-op student?
It is our aim to ensure that participating in the UBC Science Co-op program is a rewarding experience for students and employers. In order for both parties to benefit fully from the co-op experience, we advise employers on the following responsibilities:
• Supervision
Employers often take on the role of mentor for their co-op students, supporting them throughout the work term by offering advice and providing feedback. Our co-op Coordinators facilitate the employer/student relationship by conducting site visits, which are usually halfway through the work term. These discussions (in person or via telephone) provide the opportunity to ensure that both students and employers are satisfied.
• Goal setting and evaluation
Our students are encouraged to set their own goals at the beginning of the work term and we recommend that employers are involved in this process. Students are also required to:
o Submit a scientific or technical end of term report, or;
o Deliver a presentation based on their learning during the co-op placement.
At the end of the work term, employers are required to complete an evaluation regarding the student’s performance and also assess their work term report/project.
For more information about employer responsibilities, please click here, or call us at 604-822-9677 and ask to speak to one of our Co-op Coordinators.
