Political Science Co-op Student Information
About The Program
Political Science at the University of Guelph offers a wide-range of undergraduate courses in five major areas: Political Thought; Canadian Politics; Public Policy; Governance and Law; Comparative Politics; and International Relations and Global Studies. Courses provide students with an understanding of important concepts and processes in political science including the role of institutions in parliamentary and presidential systems of government, the role of law and courts in relation to politics and governance, comparative electoral systems, and the role of the political parties, interest groups and social movements. Students are introduced to many debates and issues offering relevant and engaging course content from how governments balance individual and group rights while protecting society, to the use of social networking by political parties and the best ways to promote democracy.
Course offerings help students develop skills in researching and writing that enhances their ability to study and communicate about politics and prepare them for careers in areas such as: political staffers, policy analysts, business-government relations, law, journalism, foreign affairs, regulatory affairs, advocacy and planning for nongovernmental organizations and other careers where analytical and communication skills are required.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will be able to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential transferable 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 to students, including a job search preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and targeted work term reports to help you develop relevant skills.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Academic |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Off |
| FIVE | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Communication
Communication and problem-solving skills.
Application
Apply, adapt, and enhance your writing skills according to the specific demands of the workplace. Identify, analyze, and evaluate diverse perspectives in the larger working context.
Leadership
Enhance your leadership skills through role models in the workplace and also through taking the opportunities to show leadership when presented with the opportunity.
Communication
Enhance your skills of devinoping new research questions in different contexts as opportunities arise in the workplace.
Sample Jobs
Survey Methodology
The student will work in one or more of the following areas: survey frame creation and maintenance, sample design, questionnaire design, data collection, edit and imputation of data, treatment of non-response, estimation of parameters of interest and their variance, data analysis, measurement of non-sampling errors, protection of confidentiality, quality control/ assurance, or survey evaluation.
Junior Project Analyst
This position will provide a student with a knowledge and understanding of rural economic development and the role of government in economic development. Students will be exposed to all three levels of government and will be provided with an introduction into how the provincial governments functions including finance, program design and delivery and government decision making processes.
Marketing and Communication Assistant
In this role, students will assist senior staff in the planning and execution of event and client management, public relations, consumer awareness, developing and launching new media products and market research and analysis.
Customer Programs Assistant
Work with the Account Manager and other customer programs team members to complete program fulfillment and quality assurance (QA) processes. QA will consist of reviewing program calculations, reward cheques, reward summaries and other statements as well as distribution packages. It is important that the successful candidate is able to quickly grasp new concepts and possess sound knowledge of all loyalty programs.
Also common: Project Coordinator, Intergovernmental Affairs Assistant, Policy Assistant, and more.
Sample Employers*
- Global Affairs Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- MEDA
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
*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.
