FAQs

Projects are typically research-based and conclude with an actionable deliverable that provides the sponsoring company with necessary information to make a critical business decision. Examples of project work include:

  • Development of a stakeholder engagement plan
  • Creation of a marketing communication plan for a new product or service
  • Evaluation of team efficiency and success
  • Development of a strategy for identifying and pursuing grants

XN students have worked with a variety of organizations, including startups, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), public institutions, state and local organizations and institutions, and many nonprofits including leading hospitals, charitable organizations, and educational institutions. Some sponsoring organizations XN has partnered with:

  • Santander
  • Tesla
  • Alliance of YMCAs Massachusetts
  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • MGM Resorts
  • Massachusetts State Police
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • City Year

No. XN projects are considered academic work so students do not receive compensation

Maybe. Some academic programs allow XN projects to be completed for credit. Check with the XN staff to see if you’re eligible.

Absolutely! While we cannot guarantee that we’ll have an applicable project for all students, we encourage anyone who is interested and meets the application criteria to apply.

Yes! XN projects are completed remotely, typically by way of Skype, email, or phone. You are not expected to meet with your project sponsor in person or carry out project work on site.

You tell us. We encourage all students to carefully evaluate what a realistic schedule looks like for them prior to committing to an XN project. Students working on XN projects must be able to devote approximately five hours per week over a six-week period to project execution. Students are also expected to attend a weekly webinar and submit a few course deliverables (i.e. project plan).

Maybe. Some projects are carried out independently, while some are carried out in a team-setting. You will know this information when you are matched with a project.

Aligned with the academic terms. XN serves both the semester and quarter system. Students should apply two to three months ahead of their anticipated term start. Additionally, we occasionally offer half-term start dates.

Sponsors

Experiential Network (XN) gives Northeastern students opportunities to collaborate with sponsoring organizations on short-term projects that impact critical business decisions.

The work is done virtually over a flexible six-week period and our sponsor relationship team will work with you to develop a project valuable to both you and our students. We partner with sponsors and accept projects throughout the year with kick-offs in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Sponsoring organizations are welcome to pitch as many projects as they want in any given term, but we encourage no more than two or three projects per supervisor, with supervisors expected to work remotely with students for about an hour each week over the course of a project.

Contact an Employer Relations Manager at [email protected] for more information.