Students

• Work experience - general information
• What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?
• How do I prepare for my work experience term?
• Who is responsible for what?
• What about expenses?
• How do I contact my work experience coordinator?

What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?

As a Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS) student, you will likely work in Calgary, but positions within Alberta, in major centres across Canada, and even international opportunities are possible. It is expected that students should be prepared to temporarily relocate for work experience positions.

BCIS students work in small and medium sized businesses, as well as large, multinational corporations in a cross-section of industries. As information technology needs are great within the non-profit sector, many students are exposed to this area of the economy as well. Students enjoy a variety of opportunities including helpdesk/desktop support, user and network support, website design, database development and maintenance, hardware/software deployment and systems integration, and software testing.

How do I prepare for my work experience term?

All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems program must successfully complete the Orientation to Co-operative Education course (COOP-0001) prior to their first Co-op work term.

Orientation to Co-operative Education course

This professional development course is offered in the fall semester each year, and students typically complete it at the beginning of their second year in the program. This course prepares students to:

• Complete a skills self assessment
• Write competitive, professional resumes and cover letters
• Develop job interview skills
• Network with employers
• Develop a professional online presence
• Conduct a self marketing campaign

Eligibility requirements - Mandatory work term

BCIS students must meet the following eligibility requirements before doing their work term:

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Have a minimum grade of C- in all Courses

Eligibility requirements - optional work terms

BCIS students interested in pursuing Co-op must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Submit a Co-op Application to Career Services; and
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.3 at the time of application; and
• Have successfully completed the following course requirements:

What about expenses?

By starting to plan now, you can be financially prepared for your work terms. Expenses may include:

• Both the Orientation to Co-operative Education course and the mandatory and Co-op work terms are non-credit courses and have fees attached to them. See the Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information.
• You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the work site. Many work terms require the use of a vehicle.
• If you accept a work term position outside of Calgary, you will be responsible for relocation and living expenses in that location unless otherwise specified by the employer.