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Looking for new talent?
Invest in co-op. 

Co-op sharpens your organization’s competitive edge

A smart move

What our employers are saying

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How to set up a co-op program  

1. Identify roles and opportunities 
  • Work with our business development team to identify your talent needs and where they align with what we offer. This typically takes just one short meeting—in person or online. 
  • Once we’ve identified the need, you’ll be assigned the right co-op coordinator who can help develop and scope the job and guide you in selecting a strong on-site mentor/supervisor. 
  • Your co-op coordinator is your point of contact at the university for everything related to your co-op process going forward. 
2. Post your position(s)
  • Create an account on our online job platform, NUworks. You’ll get an approval and then you can post your jobs.   
  • Log on as often as you want to manage applicants. Company accounts are available, too, if you want more than one person from your organization to have access. 
3. Participate in recruiting events
  • Northeastern hosts regular information sessions, class or club visits, career fairs, and on-site interviews. Your co-op coordinator will keep you informed on dates and times. 
  • Participation is a win-win. Students attend because they want the best co-op. And you get in-person access to the top candidates and increase your brand awareness. 
4. Interview candidates
  • Co-op simulates the real job-search process. It’s not a match-making service. When you find a strong candidate, reach out directly, schedule an interview (in person, on campus, or virtual), and follow up with the candidate.  
  • Note: Our students are well prepared and professional. They take co-op prep courses, get coached on resume-writing and interviewing, and are highly motivated. They don’t just want to land a co-op, they want to excel. 
5. Make your offer
  • You’ll make offers directly to the candidates, as well as negotiate pay and details. Once your candidate accepts your offer, you should send an official offer letter to your Northeastern co-op coordinator for record-keeping (some students will need the letter to get credit). 
  • We recommend giving students 48 – 72 hours to accept or reject an offer. Know that once a student accepts an offer, they’re committed. 
6. Review learning goals and objectives
  • Students are responsible for developing their own goals and objectives with input from their co-op coordinator during the first three weeks of the co-op.  
  • Students will review those objectives with the co-op supervisor assigned to them and adjust as needed. 
7. Co-op day-to-day
  • First and foremost: co-op students are on the job to perform and contribute meaningfully to your teams. Your role is to provide mentoring and guidance toward that end.  
  • Students are responsible for tracking learning goals with their co-op coordinator. They do that through written reflection assignments and check-ins as needed. 
8. Final assessment
  • The one requirement of the supervisor outside of managing the student day-to-day is the final assessment.  
  • You’ll receive an assessment form through NUWorks three weeks prior to your co-op’s end date.  
  • The supervisor will meet with the student to discuss performance assessment and offer professional guidance. Submit the assessment by the student’s last day. 
  • Future co-op positions can be developed with the help of your coordinator or our business development team, depending on the need and scope. 
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