Professional Experience Program
W hat is PEP? • 12-16 month work term following 3rd year Honours Computing and Computer Electronics as well as Honours Computer Science • Start work in May after 3rd year • Develop skills & knowledge in your field • Make contacts in the field
How Does I t W ork? • Market driven • Students register and apply to postings • We do not provide ‘placements’
Fees Fees involved – first payment in November, with a final payment in December • Currently assessed at: $2,224.44 • November $741.48 / December $1,482.96
Co-op Fundam entals All newly admitted co-op students will be automatically enrolled in Co-op Fundamentals COOP-001, a half-credit course graded on a pass/fail basis. Attendance is mandatory, beginning with the first two sessions, Module 1: Introduction to Co-op specifically for Arts and Science Students and Module 2: Fundamentals Core Concepts which will be offered mid-October. To prepare for these first two sessions, we recommend that you read the Introduction to Laurier Co-op Tutorial on MyLearningSpace.
Co-op Fundam entals Other topics in the course include: • Workshops • Job postings and search • Interviews • Offers • Probationary period
Student Responsibility • Work term visit – learning objectives • Employer evaluation of student • Work term report (due during the second four months) • Student evaluation of the work term • Back to campus meeting
W ho Can Apply? • Any 3rd year Honours Computing and Computer Electronics Student as well as Honours Computer Science Student • A strong GPA and experience are key factors
Em ployer W ho Hire PEP • Sybase iAnywhere • IBM • Sandvine • Wilfrid Laurier University • Blackberry • Manulife • Faith Life • RBC • Linamar
Benefits • Gain work experience directly related to field • Experience in “real world” work environment • Develop skills/knowledge of your field • Evaluate a potential full time employer • Make contacts in your field • Possible to start a full-time career at higher skill level/salary
Draw backs • Delays graduation by one year • New ‘class’ of students when you return • Have to reintegrate into academic life • Living accommodations – flexibility? • OSAP repayments – check the rules • Fees
“PEP gave me an opportunity to learn about the industry and to work with amazing people. Because it is longer than usual co-op terms, you can really get the feel of working full- time and being part of the team.”
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