Asper Co-op Programs

BComm students only: The Asper School of Business has ONE undergraduate co-op program.  However, there are many different ways a co-op student can secure a co-op job. One way is through the annual CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) Recruitment that occurs annually, each fall. The Asper Co-op Program offers an “Early CPA Intake” with an earlier application deadline in order to have the time to admit students into the co-op program AS WELL AS prepare them for participating in the CPA Recruitment process which begins in September.

Students that apply early for CPA DO NOT NEED to apply separately for “General Intake”. We have one co-op program and if you are not selected for early CPA entry, you will automatically still be considered for “General Intake”.

CPA Recruitment is a structured and formalized recruitment process specifically for students majoring/interested in accounting. Accounting firms that have a pre-approved program to support employees working towards a CPA designation are referred to as “CPA Firms”. Participating firms include “the Big Four”, other public accounting firms, and training offices. They recruit and hire university students for positions in the future including winter/summer/fall co-op work terms and full-time graduate-level positions. This is an intensive process which includes writing applications, the CPA Wine & Cheese, off-campus networking events, interviews, and may also include company tours.

Going through CPA Recruitment for a student’s first co-op work term is not the only path to an accounting career and a CPA designation. Organizations that do not participate in this process and post at later dates may also offer similar supports to employees. CPA firms that participate in the annual recruitment process may have additional openings that become available throughout the year. The Asper Co-op Program also conducts a structured “general co-op recruitment period” three times a year, in advance of the start of each distinct work term.  Any organization may post during general co-op recruitment, which typically includes various opportunities in all majors, including accounting.  Students who do not opt to participate in CPA Recruitment for their first co-op work term still have the option to participate in CPA Recruitment for future co-op work terms if their schedule permits.

Wondering if you should apply to a public or private accounting firm? Public accounting firms often prepare, review, and audit clients' financial statements. They may also conduct tax work including the preparation of income tax returns, and estate and tax planning. Private/industry firms typically employ accountants in the finance and accounting departments of the business to fulfill a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting duties. They record and analyze the financial information of the business, and provide it for internal use by managers.

Typically, students that apply for “Early CPA Intake” are pretty serious about pursuing accounting as a major and career, but it is not necessary.  If a student is undecided as to whether or not they want to try CPA Recruitment, they are welcome to still apply and participate. However, a heavy workload is to be expected as they will be required to attend co-op workshops and recruiting events, prepare multiple job applications, and attend interviews all in a short timeframe of approximately eight weeks.  All other co-op students admitted under “general intake” have a co-op preparation schedule that is spread out over the course of six months and still have the opportunity to apply for accounting positions.

Your Co-op Coordinator is always available for you to contact throughout your work term and the school year, should any questions or concerns arise. We encourage you to make use of this resource by keeping in touch regularly.

With acceptance into the Co-op Program, you should expect to commit to the following:  

• Mandatory attendance and participation in learning modules (BComm) or successful completion of IDM 5120 (master's students) throughout your academic semesters
• Preparing effective resume and cover letters to apply for jobs each work term
• Preparing for and participating in all interviews for which you are selected
• Completing all co-op requirements on your work term(s), writing learning objectives and work term reports as your academic requirement and receiving a successful employer evaluation
• Frequently checking your email and promptly responding to communication from the co-op office 

Yes, 50% of Student Leadership executives are co-op students. We also have had many Bison athletes in the Co-op Program! Please speak with a Co-op Coordinator to discuss how to successfully do both.

Yes! You can be in the Asper Co-op Program if you also want to participate in an Asper International Exchange. Forty-five per cent of Asper Exchange students ARE co-op students! Please contact the International Exchange Advisor at  asper.exchange@umanitoba.ca to find out further details.

Yes! We have many international students in the Co-op program. Once an international student is accepted into the program, in order to be eligible to work in Canada the student must apply for a Co-op Work Permit through Immigration & Citizenship Canada, which must be received before accepting a co-op work term. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they have the necessary paperwork to be eligible to work in Canada. 

You are required to complete a minimum number of credit hours (45) prior to your first work term. Co-op is an academic program and you are expected to apply your academic knowledge from your business courses to the professional workplace. This also provides you the opportunity to acquire the necessary skill sets to be competitive during the recruitment process and successful in the workplace.  You are not allowed to have completed more than 81 credit hours before the start of your first work term. This ensures you can successfully complete your degree requirements and all three work terms in the appropriate amount of time.

BComm: Your first work term takes place during the summer term, and you will be required to complete an academic semester the following summer term. Therefore, this schedule results in co-op students studying one additional term than regular Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) students. CO-OP DOES NOT DELAY YOUR GRADUATION BY 12 MONTHS! 

MSCM: co-op or applied project is included in program length.

MBA & MFIN: co-op will extend your degree by 4 months.

Fees are applied upon successful securement of a job. 

BComm: There is a co-op fee and a credit hour fee. Please view BComm program fees (PDF) under resources for a full overview of the program cost.

Masters: Please see the eligibility requirements section for details specific to your program.

A co-op student pays the same program fee regardless of whether the job is posted by the Co-op Office or if the position is found independently.  All Co-op students engage in professional development training and workplace coaching prior to securing a placement and receive continuous support and guidance from the Co-op Office.  The Co-op Program is funded by the financial support of all students who are registered in the program. Similar to arrangements where there is a flat fee (e.g. health coverage) all students pay the same amount regardless of the amount of service consumed.

All co-op placements are paid positions. Co-op is NOT an unpaid internship.  Salaries are determined by employers. Please view BComm salary information (PDF) for recent average co-op student salaries. 

We anticipate master's students will earn $20-25/hour.

BComm students earn one (1) credit hour for each successfully completed work term. Upon completion of the full program, undergrads will be allocated credit as a BUSINESS OPTION and your degree parchment will indicate “Co-operative Education Option.”  

MSCM students receive three (3) credit hours after successfully completing one work term. 

MBA students earn one business elective worth three (3) credit hours.

MFIN students earn auxiliary credit.

While you are on a co-op work term, the University of Manitoba/Asper School of Business considers you a full-time student; however Canada Revenue Agency does NOT consider you a full-time student.

Being accepted into the co-op program does not guarantee that you will secure a job. Co-op placement rates vary depending on economic stability and labour market trends. Co-op team members work diligently with employers to develop work terms. For students to maximize their chances of finding employment they must:

• Prepare effective marketing materials including resume and cover letters
• Apply to all jobs for which they qualify
• Take advantage of the resources available through the co-op office such as resume and cover letter review, interview practice, etc.
• Be flexible and willing to try new things!
• Undertake their own job search

No, a co-op work term title does not go on your transcript until you have a job confirmed. If you are unsuccessful in your job search, your contribution to and continuance in the co-op program will be discussed with you on an individual basis with your co-op team member and/or the Program Director.

MSCM: If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a work placement, you will need to complete the applied research project instead.