Starting in April 2009, Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies launched a pilot phase of an experiential learning program for our students matriculated in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Experiences will range from full-time co-ops to part-time internships. These assignments allow students an opportunity to practice the concepts they are learning in class and explore their career interests in a practical way. Opportunities are designed with the following characteristics:
Employers will appoint a supervisor with expertise in the area of the internship/co-op. This person will serve as a guide and professional resource for the student during the term.
The supervisor will help monitor the student's progress and encourage the student to apply the skills and techniques he/she has learned in class.
Internships/co-ops should be productive work experiences in a field related to a student's academic and career goals.
Internships/co-ops include a project with goals and objectives that meet the student's skills and knowledge level.
Interns may not work from a home office and they must be on-site (whether at a company or community based organization) 80% of the time. We request this in order to ensure that students benefit from direct supervision, mentorship and professional development activities that occur at their internship site.
Internships/co-ops should be minimally clerical in nature.
Supervisors will provide periodic feedback on the student's performance directly to the student and the student's NEU advisor.
The College of Professional Studies' programs are designed to reflect our students’ career goals and provide students with the opportunity for advancement. We have developed a rich academic curriculum that corresponds to thriving industries such as healthcare, education, business, creative media, and information technology. These programs can provide specific training targeted to a single industry or corporate sector, or provide foundational post-baccalaureate education that enables professionals to advance in their field or to embark on a new career path. Co-ops and internships are meant to enhance this dynamic academic curriculum.
