Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics Co-op Student Information
About The Program
Students in the Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) program acquire the analytical knowledge and skills needed to effectively deal with emerging issues in food, agriculture and resource management. Building on economic theory and applied methods in Canadian and international contexts, three thematic streams are offered for specialization including: Food and Agribusiness Management; International Agricultural Development Economics; and Resource Economics. FARE students have interests and skills that can be applied in a variety of job opportunities in industry, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain firsthand work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including a co-op preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process and on your work term, and access to senior student mentors.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Application
Advanced analytical and management skills needed to develop the capacity to effectively deal with emerging issues and challenges, such as food, security, and sustainability.
Problem-Solving
Ability to apply inquiry, analysis, and problem-solving skills to analyze and address environmental governance issues in a real-world and professional setting.
Communication
Communicate geographical concepts and spatial data related to corporate sustainability, environmental law, environmental policy, and environmental social movements.
Sample Jobs
Economic Policy Co-op
The student will have the opportunity to learn, experience, and contribute to agricultural policy development. This will include assisting and supporting various projects, conducting economic research and analysis on program initiatives, preparing reports and presentations, and querying databases and manipulating data.
Research Assistant
The Research Assistant will assist in producing rigorous research and evidence-based insights on climate change policies for Canada. They will work with various research teams to analyze data, review literature, and evaluate policies.
Solid Waste Programs Assistant
The successful candidate will correspond with city staff, residents, community partners, and business and industry contacts on waste minimization and diversion efforts, support promotional & educational campaigns, conduct site visits with businesses to educate them on proper waste sorting, assist with site tours and community outreach, conduct waste industry research and surveys, and more.
Additional Sample Jobs: Policy Analyst, Assistant Evaluator, Environmental Quality Guidelines Assistant, Junior Program Analyst, Data Technician, Environmental Consultant, Health and Safety Environmental Coordinator
Employer Sectors*
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness (OMAFA)
- Imperial Oil
- University of Guelph
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
