The total amount of co-operative work experience is the equivalent of two or three academic terms depending on the programme arranged to suit the needs of each programme. Co-op education provides the opportunity to gain valuable work experience before graduation. This cumulative work experience becomes a valuable asset when it is time to pursue a full-time career. Co-op students are paid for the work they perform, which may help them to pay for their education and related expenses. Working in a setting that is related to an area of study helps students to decide whether this is something they really want to do.
Students learn more about the expectations and needs of employers.
They develop a realistic outlook, improve their communications and interpersonal skills, and become more mature and independent. Some students find that the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and classroom learning makes academic studies more interesting and increases their motivation to excel. A number of the co-op programmes offered by the University of Toronto at Scarborough provide an opportunity to travel in Canada and abroad. The Co-ordinator of the programme functions as the liaison between the employer and the student. The Supervisor of Studies provides information pertaining to academic matters, such as programme requirements and courses.