What's the deal with NEU's co-op program?

Guys, I've heard a few things about Northeastern University's co-op program and I'm intrigued. Can anyone fill me in on how it works, and the potential benefits of doing a co-op?

Absolutely, Northeastern University's co-op program is considered one of its strong points and is fairly unique. Instead of traditional internships over the summer, Northeastern's co-op program involves students in full-time, paid employment in their field of interest for six months at a time.

In the nutshell, students at Northeastern pursuing a four-year degree will typically do one or two co-ops, while those pursuing a five-year degree generally do up to three. These co-op positions are scattered throughout the Boston area, other US cities, and even globally. Co-ops don't have to interfere with your academic semester, so you're still able to graduate on time.

With regards to the benefits, there are numerous!

Firstly, it allows for a hands-on learning experience that prepares students for real-world problems, which is a great supplement to academic coursework. You'll learn practical skills that employers are interested in.

Secondly, co-ops can contribute to making more informed career decisions. By working in your interested field, you'll better understand if it's a good fit for you before you graduate. Some students even secure job offers from their co-op placements post-graduation!

Lastly, the income from co-ops can be helpful for managing college costs. They are fully paid positions, thus creating an opportunity to offset tuition expenses or living costs.

Remember that the co-op program is highly competitive, making it important to maintain good academic standing and utilize Northeastern's career development resources to prepare a compelling application. Do keep in mind that certain majors can have more co-op positions available than others, due to nature of the industry. Good luck!