Our mission: The UBC Arts Co-op Program offers students practical learning for personal and professional growth, by working with diverse industry and community partners to provide transformative workplace learning experiences.
By participating in the Arts Co-op Program, students will:
- Develop practical skills through professional, paid work experience
- Learn and practice job search skills with personalized support
- Explore, reflect on, and gain greater clarity into career options
- Identify and articulate workplace skills and the value of their Arts degree
- Build connections for mentorship and career and professional development
- Gain resilience and confidence to navigate their career journey
Student Centred
Student experience is at the heart of all we do. We meet each student where they are in their career journey, recognizing and supporting each person’s strengths and aspirations.
Community
We nurture inclusive, caring, respectful communities in which students, employers, alumni, staff and faculty feel that they belong, connect and thrive.
Growth
We support our community to develop mindsets that intentionally build a foundation for continuous learning and growth.
Excellence
We are committed to continually evaluating and improving our work with integrity, transparency and innovation.
Joy
We foster an approach that helps individuals find joy, meaning and fulfillment in their work.
The UBC Arts Co-op Program welcomes, respects, and includes students with multiple and diverse backgrounds and identities, and seeks partnerships with workplaces that empower all members of the community.
The following UBC Arts Co-op programs have been accredited by CEWIL Canada, having met standards of quality for co-operative education programming:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of International Economics
- Bachelor of Media Studies
- Bachelor of Music
- Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs
CEWIL Canada sets accreditation standards that establish co-operative education as a valid and valuable educational strategy and provide guidance in ensuring quality co-op programming across Canada.
The UBC Arts Co-op Program started as a pilot program for students in the Department of English. As a result of the growth and success over the past 20+ years, our program is thriving and includes students across all undergraduate disciplines within the Faculty of Arts. We also offer graduate co-op programs in the UBC iSchool, Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA), and select MA and PhD programs.
Since Our Program’s Inception
* Data as of 2022/23 Academic Year
8,652 work terms
$84.3 M student earnings
623 work terms abroad
44 countries where students have worked
years and counting
