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Students

Work experience - general information

Computer Information Systems

What is work experience in the Computer Information Systems degree program?

  • This degree program integrates eight semesters of academic course work with one mandatory, non-credit work term to prepare you for employment upon graduation.
  • A work experience term is traditionally four months of employer-paid work experience that provides students with an opportunity to put their on-campus education into practice. Salary is determined by the employer.
  • Alternatively, students who are looking for further work experience prior to graduation can apply for the optional Co-operative Education program which, in addition to the mandatory work term, includes two additional four-month work terms. Students who complete three Co-op work terms will receive a Co-op designation on their parchment.

Who is expected to complete a work term(s)?

In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree from Mount Royal University, students must complete one mandatory work term, but may opt for two additional work terms as part of the Co-op option.

How will I get my work term?

  • Employers post job opportunities on the Career Services website that are accessible by eligible work experience students only.
  • Employers review the applications, shortlist, interview candidates and offer the positions to the successful students.
  • Work experience students are expected to fully participate in the job competition process offered through Career Services.
  • Students who hesitate to apply for a wide range of opportunities usually have the greatest difficulty acquiring placements, while those who apply and interview for numerous positions enhance their chances of being successful.
  • Student self-marketing initiatives (i.e., looking for work terms independently), in areas of personal and professional interest, are also strongly recommended in order to increase students' chances of success.
  • Positions that students find independently ("student-identified") must be approved by the work experience coordinator prior to accepting offers.
  • Students must complete the work experience professional development sessions prior to commencing a work term.

Please note: The availability and number of opportunities is dependent on employer's needs and labour market conditions. Many employers post opportunities at a number of post-secondary institutions - creating competition for available positions. Therefore, work term placements cannot be guaranteed.

What does a work term cost?

The Orientation to Co-operative Education course, mandatory work term, and two optional Co-op work terms are non-credit courses with fees attached to them. Consult the 2020/21 Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information.

Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my work term(s)?

  • The Orientation to Co-operative Education course helps to prepare students for the workforce.
  • Course materials and assignments are designed to assist students in achieving and maintaining a competitive edge in the job search process and workplaces.
  • Feedback from employers supports the necessity and value of student participation in this course.

How will I be graded on my work term(s)?

Students who successfully complete the Orientation to Co-operative Education course, the mandatory work term, or work terms 1, 2 and 3 will be awarded a "Pass" grade for each.

Will there be support for me while I am on my work term(s)?

  • During your work term(s), you will have access to, and support from, your work experience coordinator.
  • The work experience coordinator is there to assist you with the academic components of your work terms, as well as any work-related issues you might encounter.
  • You will be required to complete assignments, work reports and projects during each work term.
  • The work experience coordinator maintains ongoing contact with employers to ensure their needs are being met and answers any questions about work terms while continuing to promote further participation in the program.
  • Students are asked to complete a feedback form in the first month to let Career Services know how the job is going.
  • We encourage students to contact their work experience coordinator at any time if they have questions or concerns about their jobs or the workplace.