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Science graduate students are not just seekers of knowledge; they are future trailblazers driven by a passion for discovery and a desire to push the boundaries of what is known and understood. Experiential learning opportunities are essential for these students, providing a unique platform for them to explore new concepts and develop their skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. This especially rings true at Northeastern University — where no academic journey is complete without industry experience.
While there are several other universities that provide internship opportunities to their students, the focus is generally on undergraduate students. Northeastern specializes in making cooperative education (co-op) offerings accessible to students of all levels — undergraduates, master’s and PhD. Here, undergraduate and MS students alternate semesters of academic study with periods of full-time work, while the PhD student is strategically placed on co-op in collaboration with the research advisor, at a time that makes sense with their thesis work. The robust structure and culture for co-ops is precisely why Northeastern is a well-respected leader in the experiential learning arena — a fact backed by 100 years of experience. The university’s prowess is further supported by the US News and World Report, which ranks it first for internships and co-ops. Through large co-op faculty teams working collaboratively to form partnerships with industry and other organizations, there is a multitude of dynamic positions for students to experience a work environment during their time at Northeastern.
Source: Northeastern University College of Science
Thanks to the university’s ever-growing network, the Northeastern experience provides a rare perspective on the vast career options available to students after graduation. “Northeastern University has a robust job board called NUworks. Our employer partners post positions on this board for all students to see and apply based upon skills, major and education level,” explains the College of Science Director of Graduate Co-op Programs Vanecia Harrison-Sanders. “Northeastern has many employers we partner with across all disciplines that provide opportunities for both part-time and/or full-time post-graduation.” Harrison-Sanders spent over a decade in human resources before eventually deciding to leverage her expertise to empower students. “Northeastern had been a place I always wanted to work because of the co-op program and my passion for helping students find their niche and teaching them how to get there,” she says.
For College of Science students, the university works with employers from a diverse range of sectors, including bio/pharma companies, research labs in hospitals, other universities, start-ups, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Think Harvard University, Moderna Therapeutics, Acceleron Pharma Inc., Pfizer Inc., Boston Medical Center, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Northeastern students understand first-hand what it is like to work outside of academia.
The number of students opting for co-op opportunities at the graduate level has risen tremendously over the years, and Harrison-Sanders and her team work tirelessly to keep up with placing them at the most relevant companies with maximum returns on the experience. Alumni are just as enthusiastic when it comes to helping students land fulfilling roles. Some even bring current students to their respective workplaces.
The co-op team goes virtual, too. “We search for opportunities using resources, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, checking that they are based on the skills students learn in their programs. Cold calling is also an important way that we increase our network of companies. We phone companies directly with the intention of developing a relationship,” says Harrison-Sanders.
Off-campus, the passionate faculty member is regularly spotted at networking events. On campus, you might find her browsing publications like the Boston Business Journal to see what is going on in the industry — such as which companies are on the up or which start-ups are expanding. Harrison-Sanders and her team are constantly developing new partners and maintaining a relationship with all partners. Companies know the quality of Northeastern students and often give input to their curriculum and programs. At Northeastern, there is real collaboration between the COS Grad Co-op Team and the industry partners, with each being known and respected by the other.
Northeastern University
Once companies are added to the NUworks network and a co-op coordinator considers them a good fit for a candidate, they get the chance to see just how talented Northeastern students are. Each student is assigned an advisor to help determine suitability and ensure all expectations can be met — for both parties. Once a match is made, advisors remain available to add to the support they have already provided in abundance; but they also take comfort in knowing that wherever their students go, they arrive ready.
“Students are required to take a Co-op Prep course, offered online and in person, where our co-op faculty covers topics, such as resumes, cover letters, interviewing and professionalism in the workplace and the Title IX module, which educates them on the laws, rules and policies related to Harassment and Discrimination,” explains Harrison-Sanders.
Such keen guidance sets students up for success. Plenty of placements have evolved into full-time roles. “One of my favourite stories is when we had a student that accepted a co-op at one of our partner employers,” enthuses Harrison-Sanders. “She was doing very well on her co-op and was truly seen as an asset. It just so happened that her supervisor was going to be leaving the company. The advisor thought so highly of her student that she trained her to do her role, recommended her for her position, and the student later continued as a full-time employee who is now hiring, training and supervising new students from the program.”
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