Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op | Mathematical & Computational Sciences

Eligibility for PEY Co-op

U of T's Professional Experience Year Co-op Program (PEY Co-op) is a work-integrated learning program that helps undergraduate students gain 12-16 months of paid work experience before they graduate.

Second-year* students will begin the PEY Co-op preparatory program in Fall 2022. They will be able to access the optional Summer Co-op Work Term Recruitment Cycle in January 2023, and if a Summer Co-op Work Term is secured, students will complete the 12–16-week (3-4 month) Work Term in Summer 2023. PEY Co-op students will also participate in a Recruitment Cycle during the 2023-2024 academic year. During this time, students will develop targeted resumes and cover letters, continue to engage with industry professionals, and engage in interviews for a paid Work Term position that can range from 12-16 months beginning in Summer 2024.

If you are a second-year* undergraduate UTM student enrolled in an Information Security or Bioinformatics Specialist, or Computer Science Specialist/Major/Minor program offered by the Department of Mathematical & Computational Sciences (MCS), you are eligible to apply.

*Second-year students must be officially enrolled in an Information Security or Bioinformatics Specialist or Computer Science Specialist/Major/Minor program to be eligible. Students must be enrolled in CSC207H5/CSC207H1/CSCB07H3 in either the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 sessions to be eligible. International students that are interested in the PEY Co-op Program require a valid Co-op Work Permit. Currently, only second-year international students at UTM who are enrolled in an Information Security Specialist or Computer Science Specialist or Computer Science Major program meet this requirement. Support for this process will be provided upon entrance into the 12–16-month Work Term Recruitment Cycle.

There is a cost to participate in the Preparatory and Work Term components of the PEY Co-op Program. You can find more information about the PEY Co-op Program fees here. Program fees are applied according to the Ancillary Fee Schedule.

What are the Benefits of PEY Co-op?

PEY Co-op gives you an edge in the workplace: Many PEY Co-op students secure a position before they graduate from U of T. On average, new grads with PEY Co-op experience can negotiate a starting salary at their first full-time job that is 15 per cent higher than those without PEY Co-op experience.
PEY Co-op provides career clarity: Spending 12-16 months in a professional work environment will give you a good opportunity to explore career paths within your Work Term and build valuable industry contacts.
PEY Co-op offers a wide range of opportunities: Your PEY Co-op experience can also take you abroad, with approximately 50-60 international Work Terms taking place each year at companies like the Agfa-Gevaert Group in Belgium, Microsemi Corporation in the United States, Orbis Investment Management Limited in Bermuda, the Nordex Group in Germany and IDOM in Spain.
PEY Co-op opens industry doors: Approximately 70 per cent of PEY Co-op students return to finish their degree with a job offer in hand.

PEY Co-op Program FAQ:

Q1. Am I able to submit an application for the PEY Co-op Program beyond the deadline?

To ensure a fair and equitable registration approach for all eligible students interested in applying to the PEY Co-op Program, late applications will not be accepted. If you have missed the deadline and are interested in participating in for-credit experiential learning opportunities at UTM, we highly encourage you to visit the Experiential Education Unit’s (EEU) website (https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/experience/), and to connect with the EEU at experientialeducation.utm@utoronto.ca to explore additional opportunities.

Q2. I am not a second-year UTM Computer Science student. Am I still eligible to apply?

Registration for the PEY Co-op Program is only open to second-year UTM Computer Science students who are enrolled in an Information Security or Bioinformatics Specialist, or Computer Science Specialist/Major/Minor program offered by the UTM Department of Mathematical & Computational Sciences. Second-year students must be enrolled in CSC207H5/CSC207H1/CSCB07H3 in either the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 sessions to be eligible. Accepted UTM Computer Science students enter the PEY Co-op Program in second year and move through the Program in the sequence stated below in Question 6. Unfortunately, given this timeline and eligibility parameters, UTM Computer Science students who are not in their second year are ineligible to apply. If you are interested in participating in for-credit experiential learning opportunities at UTM, we highly encourage you to visit the Experiential Education Unit’s (EEU) website (https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/experience/), and to connect with the EEU at experientialeducation.utm@utoronto.ca to explore additional opportunities.

Q3. How do I know if I am an eligible “second-year” student?

At UTM, a student’s “year of study” is based on the number of credits earned. A student is considered to be in their second-year of study if they have completed between 4.0 – 8.5 courses. Second-year students must be officially enrolled in an Information Security or Bioinformatics Specialist or Computer Science Specialist/Major/Minor program to be eligible. Students must be enrolled in CSC207H5/CSC207H1/CSCB07H3 in either the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 sessions to be eligible. International students that are interested in the PEY Co-op Program require a valid Co-op Work Permit. Currently, only second-year international students at UTM who are enrolled in an Information Security Specialist or Computer Science Specialist or Computer Science Major program meet this requirement.

Q4. I am an international student interested in applying. Are there certain requirements that I must meet to be eligible?

International students that are interested in the PEY Co-op Program require a valid Co-op Work Permit. Currently, only second-year international students at UTM who are enrolled in an Information Security Specialist, Computer Science Specialist, or Computer Science Major program meet this requirement. Support for the Co-op Work Permit application process will be provided upon entrance into the Recruitment Cycle for the 12–16-month Work Term.

Q5. What type of Recruitment Cycle and Workplace support is available as part of the PEY Co-op Program?

Throughout the PEY Co-op Program, students have access to support through one-to-one appointments, workshops, and online resources. We are here to help you develop your job search strategy and skills, and to help you succeed during your Work Terms.

Q6. When do the Preparatory Program, Recruitment Cycles, and Work Terms take place within the PEY Co-op Program?

Eligible UTM students register for the PEY Co-op Program following the completion of 4.0 credits, and move through the Program in the following sequence:

Year of Study	PEY Co-op Activity
Second year (September – April)	Completion of the Preparatory Program and associated assignments.
Second year (optional) (January – April)	Participation in the Recruitment Cycle for the Summer Co-op Work Term.
Second year (optional) (May – August)	Completion of the Summer Co-op Work Term following second year.
Third year	Participation in the Recruitment Cycle for the 12-16 Month Work Term.
12-16 Month Work Term (Begins in the Summer after Third year)	Full-time, paid work, with a single employer for 12-16 months.
Fourth year	Return to full-time studies.

Q7. Can I complete a Work Term outside of Canada?

Yes! If you secure a Work Term outside of Canada, you will need to complete additional steps to ensure you can work abroad both safely and legally. PEY Co-op Coordinator staff can provide guidance and support for international work terms.

Q8. What is the PEY Co-op preparatory program, and when do I need to complete it?

The PEY Co-op preparatory program consists of four online modules designed to help students build the skills they need to succeed in the Recruitment Cycles and Work Terms. Students must complete all four modules during their second year, and completion of the preparatory program is a prerequisite to enter the Recruitment Cycle for the 12-16-month Work Term.

Q9. Am I guaranteed a Work Term in the PEY Co-op Program?

The co-op job search can be competitive and there is no guarantee of securing employment. The ECC is here to support PEY Co-op students throughout the Program and help you find meaningful Work Term opportunities. You are responsible for monitoring your co-op job searches and reaching out to the ECC for guidance and support as required.

Q10. I'm concerned about my ability to balance my coursework and participation in the PEY Co-op Program. Any suggestions?

If you would like to discuss your academic course planning, or workload and timetable scheduling, please speak with an Academic Advisor in the UTM Office of the Registrar. You may also book an academic advising appointment with Yvette Ye, Academic Advisor & Undergraduate Program Administrator at yvette.ye@utoronto.ca. You can reach out to the ECC throughout the Program if you have questions about how to effectively participate in the PEY Co-op Program. For support on managing stress, you may consider consulting one of UTM’s Health, Wellness & Support Services, including My SSP.

For a comprehensive list of UTM services, please visit: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/current-students

Q11. What are the fees associated with the PEY Co-op Program?

Please refer here for the PEY Co-op Program Fee Schedule: https://engineeringcareers.utoronto.ca/explorepeyco-op/utmstudents/

Program fees are applied according to the Ancillary Fee Schedule: https://planningandbudget.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-23-AF-Schedules-FINAL.pdf

Q12. Are there a limited number of spots in the PEY Co-op Program?

No, you do not need to worry about competing for a spot in the PEY Co-op Program. As long as you have met the requirements, you will be permitted to continue in the Program. In order to participate in the Recruitment Cycle and proceed with a Work Term, you will need to complete the preparatory program.

Q13. How does the PEY Co-op Program differ from other co-op programs?

The PEY Co-op Program is distinct among co-op programs because of its signature 12–16-month Work Term in combination with the preparatory program. The length of the 12-16-month Work Term provides the context to immerse yourself in the workplace and build meaningful connections. Most other co-op programs require students to alternate 4-month Work Terms with course work. Student and employer feedback indicate that the longer Work Term lends to the ability to make a more substantial impact.

PEY Co-op Program Contact:

For questions regarding eligibility, please contact Yvette Ye, Academic Advisor & Undergraduate Program Administrator: yvette.ye@utoronto.ca.

Last updated 7-Nov-22