By Paul Lehnus
Every college, every university, tries to offer something unique to prospective students, something each claims others cannot – community, diversity, athletics, location, affordability, prestige or the latest technology.
Northeastern is no different and its baby is co-op. Despite all the fanfare surrounding the university’s acclaimed program, it is clearly stated in the co-op division’s FAQs, “Northeastern cannot guarantee that you will have a job each co-op term,” and “compensation is set by the employer and depends on the industry, the level of the position and the local economy.”
According to Jason Zaler’s commentary two weeks ago (“Poli sci advisors: Get better jobs, now,” Feb. 23), NU’s political science advisors Bill Wray and Lester Lee run a “farcical operation.” In his opinion, jobs available to political science majors are “underwhelming” and “close to pathetic.” It is unfortunate he thinks this is true.
As a political science major, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work in the public sector. Like Mr. Zaler, I completely agree good pay is not necessary to have a successful co-op experience, even though my bank statements frequently tell me otherwise. Nevertheless, I am cognizant the lack of paying co-op positions within my major is largely representative of the compensatory realities I will face pursuing a career in government or public service and not an indication my co-op advisors are failing to do their jobs.
Up on Beacon Hill most offices are understaffed, underpaid and overworked, so it’s no wonder they can’t afford to pay interns. The reality should be simple enough to grasp – law firms and businesses can afford to pay students, while government and non-profit offices cannot.
Thus, what is farcical in this discussion is the assumption that the availability of political science co-ops has anything to do with a “lack of relationships” between co-op advisors and “good employers.” Are we ready to conclude that if Bill Wray and Lester Lee simply shake a few hands, make more phone calls or log extra hours they will be able to find employers offering students full-time paid positions?
If you see an entertaining movie trailer but are disappointed after you visit the theater, don’t blame the projectionist. If you believe you are owed easy access to an incredible co-op experience but it doesn’t work out, don’t blame your advisor.
We should all work to maximize our relationships with our co-op advisors and attempt to make the program even stronger than it is today.
– Paul Lehnus is a middler political science major.
