# Inside co-op

**Source**: https://www.northeastern.edu/co-op/inside-co-op/
**Parent**: https://www.northeastern.edu/co-op/

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

QUICK LINKS

QUICK LINKS

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## Northeastern makes it all possible

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

[Watch video](https://studentlife.northeastern.edu/)

## Northeastern makes it all possible

Jamie Wong, ’23

Design and engineering\
**Co-ops at Hot Press, Hasbro,** \
**Universal Studios**

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

[Watch video](https://studentlife.northeastern.edu/)

## Get to know your support system

Your team

An academic advisor and co-op coordinator, working lockstep with you to map your co-op, classes, and other experiential opportunities.

Your resources

That includes our Career Design office with resume and application tips, co-op recruiting events, a co-op prep course, and visa advising for international students.

Your network

NUworks, our online job search tool with more than 25,000 postings, and 3,800+ employers and alumni networking programs worldwide.

Want to learn more about co-op support?

[Check in with our admissions counselors](https://admissions.northeastern.edu/visit/counselor-resources/)

## How to find the best co-op for you

Yes, getting your dream co-op is competitive.\
But we’ve got you throughout the process.

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.

## Tips for getting the most out of co-op

What’s the difference between a co-op and an internship? Both are professional work experiences that position you for the future, but co-op has some key advantages that internships lack.

- 3 typical co-op schedules

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

  By: Ryan Neuzil

  On: Sep 06
- 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.

  By: Ryan Neuzil

  On: Sep 06
- Co-op housing 101

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

  By: Ryan Neuzil

  On: Sep 06
- The co-op process, from start to finish

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

  By: Ryan Neuzil

  On: Sep 06
- 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.

  By: Ryan Neuzil

  On: Sep 06
- What’s the difference between a co-op and an internship?

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

  By: Ryan Neuzil

  On: Sep 06

Have questions?

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

[Get in touch](mailto:admissions@northeastern.edu)

Have questions?

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

[Get in touch](mailto:admissions@northeastern.edu)

Take Action

[Co-op](https://www.northeastern.edu/co-op/)

[For employers](https://www.northeastern.edu/co-op/for-employers/)

[Get in touch](mailto:HireACoop@northeastern.edu)

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