Co-op Partnership
Cooperative education at Northeastern creates a true partnership between the University, its students, and employers, because it offers mutual benefits to all: Benefits that continue to accrue, to grow and evolve beyond the duration of a single six-month co-op.
Below is a summary of how the partnership works. For more information, contact one of our co-op directors, listed on the Hiring Process page.
What you provide
Your organization makes the hiring decisions and provides the student with training to perform the job. As with any employee, you would meet with the student to set goals, track performance, and complete an evaluation at the end of the work period.
Co-op length and timing
The co-op cycle runs in two 6-month terms providing you with year-round coverage. The terms take place from January through June and from July through December. Students work full-time for your organization during their co-op placement.
Student salaries
Students are paid a salary commensurate with their skill level, the demands of the position, and the local economy, but there are no benefit requirements such as health care. Since co-op salaries vary greatly by profession, please contact your co-op coordinator for sample salary ranges. Students are hired as employees, not as independent contractors, freelancers, or consultants.
Co-op faculty and staff
Co-op faculty coordinators oversee specific majors, and as an employer, you are assigned a designated co-op faculty member. The coordinators support you and ensure that the co-op experience benefits both your organization and the student. Your coordinator provides a wide range of expertise—helping define the responsibilities of a co-op job, referring appropriate students for job interviews, answering questions, and solving problems.