I am currently in the bay area wrapping up a co-op term (4 month intervals very similar to the waterloo experience). I disagree that it isn't worth it regardles

I am currently in the bay area wrapping up a co-op term (4 month intervals very similar to the waterloo experience). I disagree that it isn't worth it regardless of what your skill and desire are. You learn so much from just working that school does not give you, and that itself is worth it. But also while I agree that bay area companies will test and hire you for your skill, you have no foot in the door. You could be brilliant but have a lacking resume/application and they could just pass over your application. The point is that I agree that it may not help in the actual hiring process, but it gives you a better chance to get your foot in the door.