Employer Faqs
What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?
Why do architecture students participate in the co-op program?
What are my organization's responsibilities to Co-op students?
Is there an employer fee associated with you co-op program?
How long would Co-op students work for us?
What if there are problems?
How much do students get paid and what benefits must I provide?
Do I get to interview the students?
Can we hire a student when he or she graduates?
How can my organization participate in co-op?
What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?
Cooperative education, also known as co-op, is an educational model that allows students to alternate periods of full-time academic study with periods of full-time work in their areas of interest.
Why do architecture students participate in a co-op program?
Architecture students choose Northeastern because of our required co-op program. Co-op allows them to gain valuable work experience in a firm or organization, explore new interests, learn more about career options, and develop a network of professionals.
What are my organization's responsibilities to a student?
Your organization is responsible for all hiring decisions and providing the student with adequate training to perform the job. The employer is asked to complete an evaluation form at the end of the work period with the student. The evaluation is a valuable instrument for honest communication, guidance as well as suggestions for further professional development.
Is there an employer fee associated with your co-op program?
No, employers do not have to pay a fee in order to be involved in the co-op program.
How long would Co-op students work for us?
Students work for a six-month period. It is possible for you to obtain year-round coverage by alternating students at your work site. Therefore, the co-op program can be used for both short or long-term hiring needs. Students work during the Spring and Summer one semesters (January through June), or during the Summer two and Fall semesters (July through December).
What if there are problems?
Northeastern's co-op program enjoys a high success rate with its employers. Should a problem arise, contact me as soon as possible. Remember that a co-op student is an employee of your organization and should expect to be treated as a member of your permanent staff.
How much do Co-op students get paid and what benefits must I provide?
She salary is determined by you, and is reflective of the architecture industry. The typical salary range for architecture student positions is $11.00 - $16.00 per hour based on skill level and experience. Co-op students are eligible for overtime pay as required by law. Benefits such as sick time, holidays and vacation are allotted at your discretion. The students health insurance- provided by the school (or their parents) remains in effect while they are on the job.
Do I get to interview the students?
Your organization selects the students it wants to interview and hire from the resumes you receive. Students are referred to you that match your specified job qualifications. You are not required to hire a co-op student if you feel that there are no qualified candidates.
Can we hire the student when he or she graduates?
Although you are not making permanent hiring commitments when you employ co-op students, it has proven to be an effective recruitment tool. Co-op provides a trial period during which you can assess a student's long-term potential. Many students return to their previous co-op jobs for permanent employment.
How can my organization participate in co-op?
To participate you should submit a job description - Job Request Form. Feel free to contact Lynn Burke if you have additional questions. By participating in our program your organization will join the thousands of companies and institutions, nationally and internationally, who have become our partners in education.