What is CO-OP?
Cooperative Education — Northeastern University’s renowned,
signature program — is an experiential learning model which integrates
classroom learning with real-world work experiences. Through co-op,
Northeastern students are able to gain real-world experience, pursue
transformative careers, and apply academic principles to workplace
challenges, while participating companies are able to cultivate short
and long-term industry needs with exceptional talent.
Our student coaches are here to help maneuver through your Co-op experience, here are some of the ways we can help
Key Approaches to Co-op for student success
- Check-Ins with Managers: Regularly scheduled meetings between Northeastern’s neurodiversity team and managers to provide insights, address concerns, and foster an understanding.
- Site Visits: Organized visits to facilities for Northeastern staff to gain a better understanding of the work environment and identify potential areas for improvement.
- Co-Op Faculty Support: Discuss concerns or worries with co-op faculty as they have guidance on supporting co-op roles and projects.
- Neurodiversity Professional Development: Training programs and workshops for employees and leaders on neurodiversity approaches, inclusive practices, and acceptance strategies.
- Co-Op Student Coaching: Regularly scheduled personalized coaching for neurodivergent students participating in co-op programs, focusing on skill development, workplace adaptation, and career growth is offered.
Student Testimonials
“I would not still be a student at Northeastern without the extensive efforts of Michael and Erik at the Neurodiversity Initiative. They helped create systems and structures in my routine to help me overcome my struggles with depression and ADHD. They worked with academic and co-op advisors to add extra layers of support and accountability to my school and work life. They ensured that I represented myself well in the search for co-ops and helped me navigate the difficulties associated with the job hunt as a neurodivergent individual. They got me in the door for interviews I would never have gotten without their assistance. They facilitated my application to and performance of my job at Pfizer and ensured that I did the best job I could while working there. They have bent over back time and time again to help me overcome my struggles and succeed as a student, as a worker, and as a neurodivergent human being. I am eternally grateful for their help and cannot endorse them enough. I strongly encourage anybody who struggles with any type of neurodivergence to get involved in this Initiative. There is no other place at Northeastern that does what this Initiative does for neurodivergent people.”
Ethan
Student Resources
Learn more about co-op at
Cooperative Education – Northeastern University College of Engineering