| Aspect | Co Op Graduate | Intern |
|---|
| Credentials | Recent degree or in final year of study | Enrolled student or recent graduate |
| Work Environment | Paid, structured work placements integrated with studies | Typically unpaid or stipend-based, short-term experience |
| Employer Usage | Used to evaluate potential full-time hires, part of academic program | Gaining initial industry exposure, skill development |
Co Op Graduates are usually students in structured work programs that are paid and integrated with their academic curriculum, often leading to full-time employment. Interns are generally short-term, less formal, and may be unpaid, focusing on gaining initial industry experience. Both roles serve as entry points but differ mainly in duration, compensation, and integration with education.