Beedie School of Business Co-op
Prospective Students
Beedie Co-op is an optional program for undergraduate students at SFU Beedie, designed to provide paid work experience in a professional business setting. To ensure success in the Co-op program, students are encouraged to gain experience outside the classroom before applying for Co-op jobs. This can include part-time jobs, volunteer work, or involvement in clubs. Having prior experience, whether paid or unpaid, is important to Co-op employers when they evaluate applicants.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact a Beedie Co-op Career Advisor at coopbus-advisor@sfu.ca.
Students interested in the co-op program should apply two terms prior to their desired work term, ideally when they have between 30 and 80 credit hours. Starting your application early improves your chances of approval and ensures you're fully prepared for your co-op experience.
We offer two opportunities each term to begin the program (please refer to the table below). Once accepted, new students must complete Co-op 100: Orientation (3–4 hours) and the Co-op 101: Prep course (7 weeks, 2–3 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes and cover letters, along with coaching from your faculty's Co-op Career Advisors.
After completing these courses and fulfilling all Prep term requirements, you will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs in the following term. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a Co-op work term. Students need to apply for posted positions actively, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
Please note that you are expected to complete three co-op work terms before graduating. It is important to know that you cannot graduate while on a co-op term. Successful completion of the program will earn you a Co-op designation on your final transcript.
| Work in Summer 2026 | Work in Fall 2026 | Work in Spring 2027 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | September 1 OR October 19, 2025 | January 4 OR February 22, 2026 | May 10 OR June 28, 2026 |
| New Student Term Co-op 100: Orientation Co-op 101: Prep |
Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
| Seeking Term (Applying for jobs) |
Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
Students with 30–80 credit hours
- Check application deadlines
- Apply online.
Students with 80+ credit hours
- Check application deadlines
- Complete a Work/Study Plan and email to: coopbus-advisor@sfu.ca*
- Apply online.
*applications will not be considered until this plan is received.
Work Permits (International Students)
International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to SFU Co-op jobs. Once accepted into the Co-op program, you will be issued a letter to include in your work permit application. We recommend applying for the work permit as early as possible, as can be lengthy.
Step 1: Apply to Co-op
Before being approved to join the Co-op Program, you must complete the online application form. It is recommended that you apply between 30-80 credit hours.
Step 2: Prep Term
After acceptance into our co-op program, you will be registered in our prerequisite Canvas courses, Co-op 100: Orientation and the 7-week Co-op 101: Prep, which includes Beedie-specific resume, cover letter and interview skills training and coaching with a Beedie Co-op Career Advisor. During this time, the advisor will work with you through the term to develop your job search skills to a competitive level.
Content for the course during the term includes:
- Orientation to co-op
- Advanced Job Search Workshops (Resumes, Cover Letters, Interview Skills)
- Beedie concentration-specific Workshops (Working in Finance, Working in Marketing, etc.)
- Assignments (Job Posting Analysis, Resume, Cover Letter, Work/Study Term Plan, Work Permit (VISA), etc.)
- One to One Coaching & Advising (Resumes, Cover Letters, Mock Interviews, etc.)
Visit the New Student page to learn more about the Co-op Process
Step 3: Seeking Term
Upon successful completion of the Co-op 101: Prep course, you will be eligible to gain access to the Co-op job postings. Your Beedie Co-op Coordinator will contact you with additional instructions.
Step 4: Working Term
Students that successfully compete for a co-op job will be registered into their Co-op practicum course and begin a four or eight month work term during this term.