Program Overview

Introduction to Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate

Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate is a flexible option for students in their first work term. This innovative program is designed for undergraduate co-op students entering their first work term, aiming to help them develop in-demand skills through collaboration with industry partners.

Program Overview

WE Accelerate offers students the opportunity to work in teams on real-world projects, gaining valuable experience while earning a flexible work term credit. The program's content is informed and delivered by industry collaborators, ensuring that students acquire skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Benefits of WE Accelerate

• Build skills that employers are looking for
• Apply new skills to real-world projects
• Learn from content created by industry experts
• Leverage experience in future job searches through career education
• Participate remotely from any location
• Opt-in to the program while continuing to look for a traditional work term
• Earn a flexible work term credit

Why Participate in WE Accelerate?

Participating in WE Accelerate can lead to earlier employment in later work terms, higher pay, and more senior employment positions. The program is designed to provide students with a competitive edge in the job market.

Eligibility

WE Accelerate is open to undergraduate co-op students from all faculties who are going into their first work term and haven’t yet found employment. Students who missed their first scheduled work term and are currently looking for employment for their second work term can also participate, provided they are not in a co-op program sequence with only four work terms. WE Accelerate counts as a flexible work term credit, and students need at least three standard work terms to graduate.

Requirements for Co-op Credit

To earn a flexible work term credit, students must complete the following WE Accelerate components:

• ~60 hours of career curriculum delivered by the Centre for Career Development
• ~100 hours of skill development content and activities provided by the industry collaborator
• ~120 hours of project work by an industry collaborator, working in teams and receiving at least a "marginal performance" on the project evaluation

Previous WE Accelerate Terms

Previous terms include:

• Spring 2021
• Fall 2021
• Winter 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2022
• Winter 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2023
• Winter 2024
• Spring 2024

Conclusion

WE Accelerate offers undergraduate co-op students a unique opportunity to develop in-demand skills, gain real-world experience, and enhance their employability. By participating in this program, students can set themselves up for success in their future careers.