Co-op Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is cooperative education?
A: Co-op is an educational program in which you alternate periods of academic study with periods of employment in positions related to your academic and/or career interests. This combination provides an integrated learning experience that enhances both your studies and career development. Although Northeastern offers a variety of resources to help prepare you for co-op, it is up to you to ensure your success by meeting with your co-op coordinator as often or frequently as required, preparing for face-to-face interviews as well as phone interviews, performing well on the job, and drawing on your workplace and classroom learning to sharpen your professional and academic goals.

Q: When do I start co-op?
A: Typically, students start their first co-op the second semester of their sophomore year or during the summer after their sophomore year. 

Q: What is the difference between my academic advisor and my co-op coordinator?
A: Your academic advisor works with you to develop your academic program and ensure that your graduation requirements are met. Your co-op coordinator helps you prepare for the interviewing process as well as identifying co-op jobs that meet your academic, professional and personal goals. Your two advisors work together to integrate the classroom and co-op experience.

Q:  How do I get assigned a co-op coordinator?
A:  You will be assigned a co-op coordiantor based on your major.  Before your first co-op experience, you will be required to complete a "co-op preparation course" given by your co-op coordinator. 

Q: What kind of co-op preparation does Northeastern offer?
A: Students are required to take a co-op preparation course that covers important topics such as career exploration, writing resumes, interviewing, and professional etiquette in the workplace. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the Department of Career Services, which provides workshops, mock interviewing sessions and individual counseling to graduating seniors, alumni, and students preparing for co-op. Career Services can also help find a summer internship to build your skills in preparation for your first co-op.

Q: How do I get a co-op job?
A: Once you have completed the co-op preperation course, you will begin working with your  co-op coordinator.  You'll meet individually with him/her to review appropriate positions and apply for jobs that you find interesting and for which you are qualified. Similar to any job search, the employers review resumes and select students for interviews. Employers make the final hiring decision.  

Q: Do I work full time and take classes at the same time?
A: Most co-op positions require full-time work.  In other cases, it's possible to take a class (on campus or on-line) during co-op.  The co-op coordinator will assist the student in determining whether it is possible to balance coursework with specific co-op positions.  It's not possible to take a full load of classes and also do co-op.  

Q: Is there tuition while on co-op?
A: Tuition is charged only for academic experiences, so you do not have to pay tuition on
co-op, unless you and your co-op coordinator determine that it's appropriate to take a class during co-op, in which case you will pay tuition for just that class. The cost per class will be the same as for any class during full-time coursework. While on co-op, whether you take a class or not, you will still be considered a full-time Northeastern student, which means you may partcipate in student organizations, athletics, and other aspects of campus life.

Q: Do I earn credit for co-op?
A: No, you do not earn academic credit for co-op.  However, the co-op experience is reflected on your transcript and you can earn a grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory for the co-op.

Q: Are all the co-op positions in the Boston area?
A: No. The majority of students do work in the greater Boston area. However, co-op jobs are available in over three dozen states and in approximately 50 countries. We encourage you to be flexible about location in order to ensure the best possible experience and future career paths. We are supportive and encourage students to take advantage of doing an international co-op as another way to gain a different work experience, and to explore the world.  To help students who are interested in international co-op cover the additional expense often associated with such opportunities, the Presidential Global Scholars Program provides financial aid (over and above all other financial aid) for students who need assistance in order to take an international co-op position. We encourage you to discuss the guidelines of the Presidential Global Scholars Program with one of the international co-op counselors in the Office of International Co-op.
These counselors work closely with the co-op coordinators in the individual colleges.

Q: What happens if I don't get a co-op?
A: Northeastern has many co-op jobs available, and your co-op coordinator will work with you closely to help you land a suitable position. However, in rare cases, due to market conditions, economic circumstances or other factors, a student may not get a co-op job in a given semester. In that case, you return to classes and begin the process of applying
for co-op jobs for the next semester.

Q: Do I have to participate in co-op?
A: Co-op is the cornerstone of a Northeastern education, and more than 90% of students participate. However, it is not required. Undergraduates who choose not to pursue co-op can fulfill Northeastern's experiential learning requirement by participating in research, service learning, or study abroad programs.