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FAQ

Experiential Learning & Co-op - Employers

The questions below are specific to employers participating in the Khoury College co-op program.

Contact

Karyn Rosen

Assistant Dean - Undergraduate Academic Advising & Experiential Learning

Ek.rosen@northeastern.edu

T617.373.7862

Quick Links

Employers

Undergraduate Co-op

Master's Co-op

Employer New Process FAQs

Do I need to make a long-term commitment with the university to become a co-op employer?

 

Co-op does not require a long-term commitment. You decide every six months whether your organization will continue to hire co-op students.

 

Are students unenrolled from Northeastern University while on co-op and must an employer provide benefits?

 

Students continue to be recognized as full-time students while on co-op and do not require company benefits. Students should be considered temporary, full time hourly workers, but not independent contractors.

 

Is there a fee for employers participating in the co-op program?

 

There are no employer fees for posting a co-op position.

 

Is there an obligation to hire a student after a job description is submitted to the co-op coordinator?

 

While we hope that you will hire, posting a co-op position does not obligate you to hire a student. We understand that staffing needs and financial resources may change.

 

What is the timeframe of the co-op work cycle?

 

Undergraduate co-op students work for six months, full-time. The two cycles run from January through June and July to December. Master’s candidates frequently work January through July/August or from May/June to December. To see all possible timelines, go the employers page and expand the Timeline section.

 

When does recruiting occur for each co-op work cycle?

 

For the January through June cycle, companies should post a position in September. Recruiting begins by mid-October. For the July to December cycle, companies should post a position in January. Since employers now have 24/7 access to their candidates, recruiting can begin as soon as students have applied to the position(s). To see all possible timelines, go the employers page and expand the Timeline section.

 

How do I make an offer to a student?

 

Offers should be made through your normal hiring channels, directly to the student verbally and in writing.

 

Is it difficult to hire an international student and do I need to sponsor their student visa?

 

There are no additional fees or employer paperwork required to hire an international student and you do not need to sponsor their visa. The Office of Global Services (OGS) at Northeastern University coordinates all student documentation to ensure compliance with federal employment regulations.

 

How much do students get paid?

 

Companies determine the salaries for co-op positions. There is a fair amount of variability based on a range of factors. To see salary ranges, go the employers page and expand the Suggested Salaries section.

 

Who do I contact if an issue arises while a student is on co-op?

 

Your co-op contact will assist you with any concerns related to the co-op process or a co-op student. We encourage you to reach out if problems arise.

 

Can students take classes while on co-op?

 

Students are committed to working full-time while on co-op. However, we allow undergraduate students to take a class while on co-op if it fits with their work schedule. We ask students to speak to their co-op job manager before enrolling in a course. In some situations, students can take evening classes, but if a class falls during the workday it is at the manager’s discretion to approve whether the student can take the class and adjust his or her work hours to make up the time. Masters’s level students are expected to seek approval from their advisor if they want to take a class while on co-op.