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Inside co-op

How it works. How it feels. How to max out your experience.

Northeastern makes it all possible

“Co-op helped me see what my career could look like.”

Northeastern makes it all possible

“Co-op helped me see what my career could look like.”

Get to know your support system  

How to find the best co-op for you

Meet your co-op coordinator
  • Connect with co-op peers and mentors at welcome events, orientations, and co-op info sessions throughout your first year.   
  • Identify first-year experiences—clubs, research, summer internships—to build out your resume.  
Enroll in our co-op prep course  
  • A one-time course that meets weekly throughout the first semester of your second year, taught by a co-op coordinator.
  • You’ll explore career paths, get your resume and cover letter reviewed, practice interviewing, learn job search strategies, and more.
  • Graduate students can use this course to refine their CV and brush up on interviewing skills.
1:1 advising  
  • We’ll help you define—and redefine—your career aspirations and connect you to resources.
  • What’s a video game designer vs. a game developer? Small life sciences startup or global pharmaceutical company? For graduate students, what’s the best option for switching careers? We help demystify it all.
Search and apply   
  • Apply for your first co-op during your second year (same for graduate students doing just one co-op) using our online job search platform, NUWorks. Co-op cycles begin in either January or July.
  • Dive into all the employer recruitment events and career workshops we offer.
  • Respond to and schedule interviews promptly and professionally. Then prep and practice interviewing—with your coordinator, a mentor, your roommate, your partner…
  • Apply for any co-op, regardless of major or college, as long as you meet the job qualifications. Explore widely and keep your options open.
Accept an offer  
  • When you receive responses, work closely with your co-op coordinator to navigate and negotiate offers. You should acknowledge all offers within 48 hours.
  • Once you accept a position, you’re committed. Connect with your employer to confirm start and end dates, and work schedule. 
  • Work with Northeastern to arrange logistics around transportation or housing if you’re moving to a new city or country.
  • International students should confirm visa requirements.
During your co-op
  • Once the position is confirmed, work with your co-op coordinator to establish learning goals and objectives. Review those with your work supervisor.  
  • You’ll have a mid-point check-in with your coordinator, as well as regular meetings with your supervisors and mentors on the job.   
  • You must complete three reflective writing prompts at regular intervals throughout your co-op.
Final performance assessment   
  • Your employer will submit a final assessment of your performance. You’ll also complete a self-assessment.
  • Review the assessments with your coordinator against the goals and objectives you set at the start.
  • Your grade—satisfactory or unsatisfactory—will be based on assessments and reflections.
  • Undergraduates: when you’re ready for your second co-op, you’ll skip straight to 1:1 advising and finish again with the assessments.
  • 3 typical co-op schedules  

    No two journeys are the same, but these students give you a glimpse of what’s possible.

  • 5 first-year experiences to boost your co-op resume

    Worried that all you’ve got is two summers scooping ice cream? We’ve got some CV-builders right here.

  • Co-op housing 101

    You just landed your dream co-op—and it’s not near campus. Here’s what to do.

  • The co-op process, from start to finish

    Getting started might seem intimidating, but our step-by-step guide demystifies the co-op journey.

  • The power of a good co-op mentor; 3 tips on how to connect

    Learn how a good leader can help you grow your network and your career.

  • What’s the difference between a co-op and an internship?

    Both are professional work placements that position you for the future, but co-op has some key advantages.

Have questions? Learn more about co-op from our admissions counselors

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