Co-op FAQs

Co-operative education is an educational program in which students alternate periods of academic study with periods of employment in positions related to their academic, career, or personal interests. The combination of academic study and work produces an overall learning experience that gives greater meaning to studies and more direction to career development. Co-op faculty coordinators and co-op courses help students prepare for co-op success and identify opportunities that match goals and interests. The University will do everything it can to help students find the best opportunities, but it is up to students to ensure their success. That means preparing for interviews, performing well on the job, and drawing on their workplace and classroom learning to sharpen professional and academic goals.

All students in CAMD have the opportunity to participate in the co-operative education program.

If students change their major, they will likely be assigned to a new co-op faculty coordinator who specializes in the new major. Students should notify their former co-op faculty coordinator so their records can be transferred and they can be referred to a new coordinator. Students are responsible for meeting promptly with their new co-op faculty coordinator.

To qualify academically for co-op, students must maintain the annual grade-point average required of their major.  Should students fail to make appropriate academic progress in their program, they might not be permitted to participate in co-op. Students may also be precluded from interviewing for co-op positions if they experience disciplinary problems or demonstrate unsatisfactory performance on an earlier co-op job. In addition, some co-op employers may require certain pre-employment and/or during-employment screenings, including physical examinations, criminal record checks, and drug testing. Failure to participate in, complete, or pass these types of qualifying screenings may impact a student’s eligibility and/or opportunity for co-op positions.

Yes, student-athletes are eligible to participate in co-op.  Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to obtain local placements with flexible schedules that allow them to work at their job while practicing and competing in their sport. Students should discuss their athletic and work schedule with their co-op faculty coordinator.

Planning for housing needs is important. If students live in a residence hall and accept a local position, they may continue living in the residence hall. If students get a position outside the Boston area, they may transfer their housing deposit to another semester, and are responsible for finding their own housing and transportation in the other locale. Some companies may provide housing and relocation assistance. co-op faculty coordinators will inform students of housing options regarding specific out-of-state employers.

For assistance for out-of-state housing, please contact Co-op Connections Office.

For CAMD majors, there are many opportunities for positions outside of the Greater Boston Area, throughout the United States and globally. Coordinators have many established contacts in multiple regions and may be able to give advice on how to develop leads. Students interested in global opportunities will be assisted by their co-op advisor and the CAMD International Co-operative Coordinator.

Northeastern has a range of resources available to help students find a co-op position.

If students find their own positions, keep the following in mind:

• Students should discuss their plans with their co-op faculty coordinator well in advance of the co-op period. Students’ coordinator must approve their proposals and will verify positions with employers before employment can be accepted.
• It is the responsibility of students to inform their employers that they are Northeastern University co-op students and they will return to the University at the end of the co-op term.
• Co-op students cannot be employed as consultants or independent contractors. 

Compensation is set by the employer and depends on the industry, the level of the position, and the local economy. The rate CAMD students typically get paid depends on experience and level of education. Students do not pay tuition while they are on co-op. 

Vacations usually occur only at the end of academic semesters. The University calendar does not allow for vacations at any time during co-op terms. Students are expected to work from the beginning of the co-op term to the end of their assignment.

Discuss exact start and end dates with your employer and co-op faculty coordinator.

Employers expect students will be responsible and that their attendance will be regular and punctual. As employees, students must arrange for their personal and college-related commitments to take place outside of regular working hours. If they must take time off from work for special circumstances, students must contact their co-op faculty coordinators before requesting permission from their employer. If students have military training obligations or student athletic team obligations that require time off from work, they should notify their co-op faculty coordinator and prospective employer prior to the start of their co-op assignment.

Whenever work and student activity conflict while on co-op, the needs of the job must come first. Students may enroll in classes that take place outside of their regular working hours. However, students should check with their academic advisers in advance or review their individual program’s policies. If students are interested in taking a course that interferes with their co-op commitment, they must petition and receive approval from both their co-op faculty coordinator and their employer prior to accepting your co-op position.