By Keir Bristol
First come the Introduction to Co-op classes, then on-the-job training and orientation sessions. In many ways, starting co-op is an easy process. But in about a week, co-op jobs are coming to an end for many students, and the big question is, “What now?”
Northeastern’s co-op program was established almost 100 years ago and gives students up to 18 months of work experience at one of more than 2,000 employers across America.
While students are often guided into their co-op jobs, they don’t always get step-by-step guidance coming back from work. For students coming back to classes, there is a significant chance for “culture shock,” with just two days between the official end of the co-op term and the start of Summer II classes.
Students have to learn to adapt to changes in the student’s income as well as the amount of spare time they have. And because their schedules may not match that of their friends, relationships may change as well.
Mark Erickson, the director of Cooperative Education and Advising for the College of Computer and Information Science, said the transition in roles brings new standards to follow.
“Although students learn on co-op, the work environment forces them to act as responsible workers,” he said. “For example, if a student stays out late and blows off a morning class, he might end up with a lower grade, but if that happens at work he can be fired. This requires a shift in mindset.”
The change in schedules may allow students to get a part-time job, compensating for a loss of steady income.
Clara Rice, a junior photography major, has about a week left before the end of her first co-op, a part time job as a designer for two local papers. She said she doesn’t expect the transition back to classes to be too difficult.
“I work three days a week during the days, when everyone else was working or in class anyway, so it didn’t affect spare time or relationships with friends much,” she said.
Erickson also said that as most students progress, the transition between school and co-op gets easier. But some students prefer the academic environment to other work.
Julie Vera, a senior music industry major, said her academic work gave her more opportunities to make contributions and feel valued.
“At my job, I felt like my talents weren’t being utilized,” she said. “If anything, co-op helped me realize that I really prefer academic work to ‘cubicle work.'”
However, Becky Skwira, a senior physical therapy major who has worked two co-op jobs at physical therapy clinics, said she prefers being on co-op.
“I learned so much from co-op that I don’t think I’d learn in class,” Skwira said. “I am a physical therapy major and I got a lot out of co-op because I learned how to interact with my patients and it definitely boosted my confidence, which will help in classes.”
Because co-op is such an integral part of the Northeastern community, there are faculty and staff members around to help students find a job and help them through it. Erickson recommended that students continue to work with their co-op coordinator as co-op comes to a close to ensure a smooth transition back to class.
