A recent Waterloo grad myself, this goes against what I've heard from my peer group. (Most consider it to be a blessing alone) I also think many of the downsides listed in this article have little to do with co-op.
Here's a summary of my pros and cons.
Pros:
- Work experience (2 years)
- Travel (Within Canada, the US and even Europe if you're up for it)
- Money. Far more than we probably deserved at that age.
- Ease of mind regarding future employment. (Speak to any peers who haven't interned or gained any work experience)
- Break from school every four months.
- Break from work every four months.
Cons:
- Travelling can be annoying.
- New cities can be lonely. (I spent a term in Ottawa where I knew literally no-one)
- No summer break.
Other:
- The issues with deadlines and stress mentioned in the article are not related to co-op.
- The issues with stressful work terms are not related to co-op. It will likely be the same once you begin your fulltime work.
Here's a summary of my pros and cons.
Pros:
- Work experience (2 years)
- Travel (Within Canada, the US and even Europe if you're up for it)
- Money. Far more than we probably deserved at that age.
- Ease of mind regarding future employment. (Speak to any peers who haven't interned or gained any work experience)
- Break from school every four months.
- Break from work every four months.
Cons:
- Travelling can be annoying.
- New cities can be lonely. (I spent a term in Ottawa where I knew literally no-one)
- No summer break.
Other:
- The issues with deadlines and stress mentioned in the article are not related to co-op.
- The issues with stressful work terms are not related to co-op. It will likely be the same once you begin your fulltime work.