Fairfax Co-op Program
Gain career-building hands-on experience with emerging technologies and learn from global business leaders at our Fairfax companies.
28 Companies, 6 Countries &
Over 1,000 Students Hired
Who We Are
We are a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.
Who You Are
At Fairfax, we are looking for innovative, talented and self-motivated students from the University of Waterloo who are interested in both domestic and international experiences.
Our Involvement
We have been involved with the development and success of over 1,000 students from the University of Waterloo. We began hiring in May of 2013 for our wide array of companies.
About Us
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. Fairfax's corporate objective is to achieve a high rate of return on invested capital and build long-term shareholder value. Fairfax was founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, V. Prem Watsa. The company has been under present management since 1985 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
We encourage you to read our Guiding Principles at www.Fairfax.ca
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Quick learners with a creative and analytical mindset.
Detail-oriented and curiosity to help deliver inspiring, innovative and meaningful results.
Motivated, team players who can take initiative to own and drive assignments.
Desire to learn new technologies, business models, methodologies and tools.
Entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to explore the unknown.
Innovation driven/risk-taker.
Companies Involved
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
TORONTO, ON
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.
www.fairfax.ca
Northbridge
TORONTO, ON
Northbridge is a growing and dynamic company that provides commercial, personal and specialized insurance. One of Canada’s leading commercial Property and Casualty insurance companies.
www.nbfc.com
Sporting Life Group
VAUGHAN, ON
Canadian sports lifestyle retail organization comprised of two iconic banners, Golf Town and Sporting Life. Operating from coast to coast, both Golf Town and Sporting Life's fleet of stores inspire Canadians to get outside and live an active lifestyle.
www.sportinglife.ca www.golftown.com
William Ashley
VAUGHAN, ON
Has been recognized as a leader within the Wedding and Tabletop industries by providing premium quality service and products to their customers. They operate as a retailer of crystal, silver, giftware, gourmet accessories, and chocolates for wedding and tabletop industries in Canada.
www.williamashley.com
Odyssey Group
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT, USA / TORONTO, ON
Leading worldwide underwriter of reinsurance and specialty insurance in 10 countries. Three unique brands: Odyssey Reinsurance, Newline Insurance, and Hudson Specialty Insurance.
www.odysseyre.com
Hudson Insurance
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA
US Insurance brand under Odyssey, a leading worldwide underwriter of reinsurance and specialty insurance. Offers a wide range of property and casualty insurance products to corporations, professional firms, and individuals.
www.hudsoninsgroup.com
Crum & Forster
MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY, USA
Provides specialty and standard commercial lines insurance products through admitted and surplus lines insurance companies.
www.cfins.com
Zenith Insurance Company
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
A specialty property-casualty insurance organization with expertise in workers' compensation insurance and property and casualty coverage for the California agricultural industry.
www.thezenith.com
RiverStone
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA
Is the preeminent insurance run-off manager in the world as well as the global insurance industry leader specializing in the acquisition and management of insurance portfolios.
www.riverstone-group.com
Fairfax Information Session
Towards the beginning of the recruitment period, we host an information session at the University of Waterloo. By attending you will learn more about our companies and the roles we offer. You will have a chance to ask us questions and meet with some previous hires as well. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please click below to register for our employer information session!
International Opportunities
Venture out of your comfort zone
Important Information Regarding International Opportunities
You will require a temporary work visa.
Assistance in obtaining visa will be provided by your international CECA advisor and the employer.
Airfare will be covered to and from your international Fairfax company.
Other expenses may also be covered, please refer to the job posting.
More information will be provided by employers in your interview.
Our Past Co-ops
Here’s what some of our past co-op students have to say about their experience with the Fairfax Co-op Program.
Hannah Sud
“I had two placements at Zenith (A Fairfax Company). After finishing my first placement, I was provided the opportunity to explore future internships at other Fairfax companies, resulting in interviews with Hudson in New York and Riverstone in the UK. I developed skills in product management, analytics, and human capital management. I had real responsibility, and was constantly challenged to learn and grow within my roles. My experiences with Zenith and the Fairfax co-op program have been overwhelmingly positive.”
Madeline Wilson
“The co-op program within Fairfax gave me many opportunities to grow my skillset and experiences. The support within the Fairfax program, whether from HR or my direct supervisor, really made me to feel welcomed and part of a team. I was able to grow my project management skills, teamwork skills and creativity through both my positions and I am thankful for the experience and connections I made during my time with Fairfax.”
Aasim Yacub
“The coop program at Fairfax has been simulating, challenging and above all fun! I had joined the CX Innovations and Insights team at Northbridge for two terms and then as the Marketing and Communications Specialist at FVLab. Everyday seemed like another learning opportunity that I just needed to grasp and grow from. I have been able to liaise with leading executives, innovators and customers to contribute to the ever evolving industry. With the autonomy to take on several projects and mentorship from fellow colleagues, I had the opportunity to make a difference! I am sincerely grateful for this experience.”
Anahita Jamtorki
“The Fairfax co-op program has provided me unique co-op experiences where I’ve been introduced to different types of insurance companies and developed skill sets in technology, business, and project management. I have been able to grow in different areas and follow my interests through the diverse opportunities available for students. I absolutely loved the two companies I have been a part of under Fairfax (Northbridge and Riverstone), and looking forward to my next co-op experience at FairVentures.”
May Wang
“The Fairfax co-op program helped me to explore different companies, roles, and geographical locations while gaining valuable work experience. I worked alongside industry professionals at Northbridge & Hudson, where I learned the fundamentals of project management and process improvement. I was also exposed to new work environments that challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. I am incredibly grateful for the vast opportunities offered by Fairfax that allowed me to grow personally and professionally”
Mankaran Cheema
“I consider myself to be very fortunate to have found the Fairfax Co-op program, as it has provided me with meaningful co-op experiences in different business sectors. I have worked at Riverstone, Rouge Media, and will be ending my last co-op term at FairVentures. All these Fairfax companies share a very encouraging culture which allowed me to overcome unique challenges and develop my skills in project management, financial reporting and ad-hoc requests. Overall it was a pleasure being a part of the Fairfax family!”
FAQs
Where can I apply for co-op positions?
All of our co-op positions are listed on the University of Waterloo’s Job Board. Please apply through WaterlooWorks.
Can I apply for multiple positions?
Yes, you may apply to various positions offered through our companies.
Can I work at more than one Fairfax company?
Yes, if you have worked at a Fairfax company for a co-op term and would like to apply again, there is internal recruiting process that will allow you to do so before your work term is over. You can also apply to another Fairfax company through WaterlooWorks when your next recruiting session begins!
Are there positions available for students who do not attend the University of Waterloo?
No, at this time we are only recruiting co-op students from the University of Waterloo.
How can I apply for post-graduate full time positions?
At Fairfax, full-time positions are handled individually by our companies. Please check the individual company's website for any full-time opportunities.
Why is a past job position not available anymore?
Job positions at Fairfax companies are based on their current need for a co-op student. The position might be available again at a later date.
Are the Fairfax companies offering hybrid work term opportunites?
Majority of our companies are offering hybrid work terms with both in office and at home work. Please refer to the WaterlooWorks postings for more information on what each Fairfax company is currently offering .
Is there any assistance provided for international positions?
Some companies offer financial/housing assistance. Please click to learn more about our international co-op experience.
Contact Us
Please complete the form below
