I studied Environmental Engineering at the University of Guelph through the co-op program, and I can honestly say the co-op experience made all the difference in my education and career. The program itself offers a solid mix of environmental science, civil engineering, and sustainability-focused design — but what really set it apart was the hands-on experience through co-op placements.
Throughout my degree, I completed three work terms, each one in a different industry setting: consulting, municipal government, and a private environmental firm. Each placement gave me a completely different perspective on the field and helped me figure out what type of work I actually enjoyed (and what I didn’t!).
The support from the university’s co-op office was great. They helped with resume reviews, mock interviews, and there was always a stream of job postings tailored to engineering students. By the time I graduated, I already had solid professional experience, connections in the industry, and a much stronger resume than I would have without co-op.
Even better — my last placement actually turned into a full-time job offer before I even finished my final semester. That wouldn’t have happened without the co-op pathway.
I’d highly recommend this program to anyone serious about getting into the environmental field. The technical education is strong, but the real advantage is how it prepares you to step right into the job market with confidence and experience.