What is the difference between an internship and a Northeastern co-op?
A Northeastern student in a co-op position works full-time for a period of six months and is usually paid, while internships may be part-time and unpaid.
My company already has an established internship program that doesn’t match the co-op cycle. Can we consider Northeastern students?
Northeastern encourages employers to hire students as co-ops. If your organization has a need more suited to an internship, Northeastern offers summer internships to freshmen and sophomores preparing for co-op.
What is a co-op coordinator?
Your job will be assigned to a specific co-op coordinator who specializes in a particular field and/or academic major. They work with employers to develop new co-op jobs, maintain existing jobs, and help employers share best practices. They also advise students in a specific major to help them obtain co-op positions most suited to their skills and goals.
What kind of duties can I expect a co-op student to be able to handle?
Students can handle a wide variety of duties, depending on their class year, major, and previous experience. Your co-op coordinator will work closely with you to identify appropriate duties for students in the major(s) that interest you.
How much are co-op students paid?
Pay varies depending on the student’s major, class year, and level of experience, as well as your industry and market conditions.
Northeastern encourages co-op employers to pay an hourly wage, and the majority of our employers do. A set wage reinforces the fact that co-op students are full-time, contributing members of a team. However, the University recognizes that not all industries or employers can or do pay an hourly wage for co-op positions.