Welcome to the Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op Program
The School of Business BBA Co-op Program is an integrated approach to university education which enables students to alternate academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. The success of such programs is founded on the principle that students can apply theoretical knowledge from course studies in the workplace and return to the classroom with practical workplace experience.
The School of Business BBA Co-op Program is highly flexible – students can complete their work terms when opportunities arise. Work terms will be full-time and in 4- or 8-month terms. The Co-op Program works with industry partners to find work placements, but students are ultimately responsible for securing a position. Students are encouraged to apply for work placements relevant to their area of study.
Jadah McLarenI had the privilege of completing three co-op placements for the Township of Strong. From the start, I quickly became interested in the daily operations of municipal administration and finance, desiring to expand my knowledge on the subject. Each term built upon the last and allowed me to gain experience in increasingly complex and challenging tasks. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of individuals who have both challenged and supported me. This opportunity has allowed me to find permanent employment in municipal finance after graduation. I am grateful for the opportunity the BBA Co-op Program brought me!
Bachelor of Business Administration, 2024
Amy OliveiraI am deeply grateful for the co-op program as it helped me achieve success in both my academic and professional careers. After starting my first co-op term with Life Long Planning Group Ltd., I was eager to continue developing my knowledge and skills. I completed all three of my co-op terms with them, each one more rewarding than the last. Not only was I able to gain hands-on experience in the finance industry, but I was also able to build meaningful relationships. Their guidance and mentorship have played a crucial role in my professional growth, and I am truly blessed to have worked with such wonderful people. I am proud to say that I will be joining their team full-time after graduation.
I would also like to extend a huge thank you to the faculty and staff at the School of Business for their support throughout my co-op experience!
Bachelor of Business Administration, 2025
Hayden MaletteI was fortunate enough for the opportunity to complete all three of my co-op terms with KPMG’s North Bay office.
From the very beginning, I was welcomed into their team of experienced CPA’s and worked in both the auditing and taxation departments. This allowed me to take the practical skills I learned throughout my BBA program at Nipissing University and apply them to real world situations. These experiences have solidified my passion for the accounting profession and confirmed my goal of pursuing my CPA designation.
Through my co-op, I have applied my knowledge while earning hours toward my CPA designation, accelerating my progress toward certification. I am extremely grateful that Nipissing University offers a co-op program that has opened doors for my professional life, even before I have graduated. The co-op program provides students with the opportunity to explore different professions and organizations, while allowing employers to mentor, train, and evaluate potential future talent. I am proud to say that I have been offered full-time employment with KPMG upon graduation.
Bachelor of Business Administration, 2026 (Expected)
Madison Garagan
I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the BBA Co-op Program at Nipissing University. Through the program, I completed three co-op placements in public accounting, gaining valuable hands-on experience and applying the knowledge I learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
During my co-op terms, I had the unique opportunity to work with two different accounting firms, completing two placements with Baker Tilly and one with BDO. Experiencing two different organizations allowed me to see different workplace environments, team dynamics, and approaches to client service. This gave me a better understanding of the type of work environment and work-life balance that best supports my professional goals.
Throughout my placements, I developed skills in areas such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, and auditing while working alongside experienced professionals who supported my growth and learning. These experiences strengthened my confidence, expanded my professional network, and confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in accounting and finance.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the BBA Co-op Program has provided and for the support I received from the School of Business throughout my co-op journey.
Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting and Finance, 2026 (Expected)
In business, having work experience upon graduation provides a distinct competitive advantage. By applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, students gain hands-on experience in their discipline. Co-op helps students determine their strengths and interests while exploring different work environments and test-driving potential careers. Employers from across Canada hire Co-op students to work on special projects or assist during peak periods while often evaluating them for future hire.
Please reach out to the School of Business at business@nipissingu.ca for additional information.
Admission Requirements
The School of Business BBA Co-op Program has the following admission requirements:
- Enrolled as a full-time student in the BBA Program
- Minimum GPA of 70%
- Good Academic Standing
Application Process
To apply for the School of Business BBA Co-op Program, students must complete an online application found here. Please note that the application is not an automatic acceptance into the Co-op Program. Students may also need to attend an interview with the Co-op Committee. Successful applicants will be notified by email.
Application Due Date
Students in the BBA program can apply for the BBA Co-op Program at any time and can proceed on their first Co-op work placement after successful completion of 24 credits of BBA program requirements. Additional details can be found in the Academic Calendar.
Please reach out to the School of Business at business@nipissingu.ca for additional information.
Mary-Ann Giroux
Life Long Planning Group Ltd. feels that the Nipissing University BBA Co-op Program has been a beneficial and pleasurable experience. Having the support of the School of Business Director and Staff at all times made our business feel confident going through the motions of picking a Co-op Business student.
Our small financial firm was fortunate to find Amy! Amy was able to complete all three-co-op semesters with our team which played a significant role in Amy’s growth. Amy brought new and innovative ideas and was willing to learn, grow and put in the hard work!
Upon graduation, Amy will continue her employment with our LLPG team. Amy has become a strong team player that plays a significant role in the success of our business and ultimately Amy will one day be our next young advisor. We would highly recommend the Co-op program to any local business owner, and we look forward to our next Co-op experience!
Director of Operations Insurance Advisor & Investment Representative Life Long Planning Group Ltd.
Dan TruchonIn my role as Treasurer with the Township of Strong, I had the pleasure of having Jadah join our small finance team for 3 co-op terms. The BBA program provided Jadah this great opportunity to spend some time within a municipal environment and to gauge if the field matched her persona. While progressing through the co-op terms, not only were her technical skills put into action but, more importantly, Jadah continuously improved on the necessary skills of communication, problem solving, and team building.
For small municipalities such as Strong Township, the Treasurer is known to wear many hats, where there can be work that goes beyond finance and administration. For instance, in Jadah’s last placement she played a significant role working through time sensitive tasks to gain a positive result with work in Health & Safety. In other instances, she effectively communicated with 3rd parties on work on employee benefits administration, asset management, and government grant applications. In a further instance, Jadah assisted with the municipal election process.
Jadah was the first student to graduate and complete the BBA Co-op program with Nipissing University - and it was my great pleasure to be part of Jadah’s professional growth and achievement. I am convinced Jadah has a great future - possibly as a Municipal Treasurer.
Former Treasurer, Township of Strong (strongtownship.com)
Mitchell Crown, CPA, CA
Baker Tilly SNT LLP has had the great opportunity to work with and ultimately benefit directly from the Nipissing University BBA Co-op program. The team at Nipissing University has been very supportive and easy to work with in placing students in our office.
We were very fortunate to have Madison come and work with us for two Co-op terms which provided us with a great, hardworking, responsible and insightful individual in tackling a multitude of accounting roles which Madison did with ease. It was fantastic to have Madison work and grow with us during her time with Baker Tilly SNT LLP.
Madison will continue to pursue her CPA designation, and we have no doubt in our minds that she will make a great professional accountant one day! We would also like to highly recommend the Nipissing University BBA Co-op program to any local business looking for an opportunity to add a great individual and we look forward to our next Co-op experience.
Partner at Baker Tilly SNT LLP
