Register for Introduction to Cooperative Education (COOP2500), a zero-credit co-op prep class taught by your Co-op & Career Advisor. See below for more information

*Note: International students, student athletes and students with specific goals or special circumstances are advised to begin their co-op search two semesters before their scheduled co-op semester.

Research and identify interesting employers, and conduct informational interviews.

• Meet with your Co-op & Career Advisor to get your resume approved
  • This step is required to gain access to view and apply for co-op job postings in WITworks

• Complete and sign your Co-op Terms & Conditions on WITworks (our online job posting platform)
  • This step must be completed in order to report a co-op hire, which is a required step in the co-op registration process.

Begin applying to co-ops. Depending on your major, some students apply to 50+ jobs before they secure a co-op. Meet with your Co-op & Career Advisor and share updates.

Continue applying, begin interviewing, follow up with employers you have not heard back from. Meet with your Co-op & Career Advisor and share updates.

Keep applying, following up, and interviewing!

Meet with your Co-op & Career Advisor to discuss your options. Do not stop applying for jobs until you have accepted a position.

Remember to ask employers for time to review offers to ensure you make an informed decision. Once you accept an offer, report your hire in WITworks!

Participate in hiring events sponsored by Wentworth.

Transfer and alternative-track students should meet with their Primary Advisor and/or Student Success Advisor (found on Navigate or LeopardWeb) to identify all courses required for graduation, and to develop an academic plan of which semester to take each course. The Success Studio acts as the central hub dedicated to helping our students thrive through the provision of Academic Support and Advising Services. This academic plan, which outlines the semesters a student should go on co-op, should be shared with the student’s Co-op & Career Advisor. Transfer students must complete one semester at WIT before being eligible for a co-op semester, as well as meet the academic standing and program requirements of the major.

International students have strict visa requirements and employment eligibility to follow. International students are advised to begin their co-op search two semesters prior to their scheduled co-op semester. It is recommended that international students meet early with their Primary Advisor (found on Navigate or LeopardWeb), their Co-op & Career Advisor, and International Student Services & Engagement (ISSE). A CPT application must be submitted once a paid co-op offer has been accepted. A completed and approved Report of Hire in WITworks is a required attachment to an international student’s CPT application. International students must maintain full-time enrollment status.

Athletes are encouraged to enroll in Intro to Co-op (COOP2500) and start their co-op search early (possibly two+ semesters ahead) as they balance their sport and the co-op search. Co-op & Career Advisors will help athletes highlight their unique skills as a student-athlete in their application materials, and can strategize about how to discuss balancing their sport and co-op work responsibilities with their employer. Athletes must maintain full-time enrollment status.

There are resources to help Military Connected students highlight their unique experiences and skills and connect with military-friendly employers. Students who are Veterans, ROTC, or have other Military Experience can potentially apply for IPC. It is recommended that students discuss this option with their Co-op & Career Advisor. Learn more about Military Connected students at Wentworth’s website, military connected students.

Wentworth is committed to supporting all students in navigating the co-op job search and employment process. Students are encouraged to discuss any questions they may have with their Co-op & Career Advisor. Co-ops & Careers has online resources available to students, including the Work & Identity pages of the website for identity specific resources.

• To gain access to co-op postings, students must:
  1. Complete and sign the Co-op Terms & Conditions in WITworks
  2. Meet with their Co-op & Career Advisor to get their resume approved
• Tip: Bookmark WITworks: wit-csm.symplicity.com/students

• Upload your resume, cover letters, and additional documents to the “Documents” section in PDF format.
  • Save and title your documents using letters and numbers only, otherwise they will appear blank after submission. Ex: “First Last Name Resume General Electric”.

• Search for co-ops in the Jobs tab of WITworks. You may use other job boards and resources as well. See the Online Resources section to learn more about additional search options.
  • WITworks Search Tips:
    • Select “Co-op” from the “Position Type” drop down menu.
    • Use the “More Filters” function to filter* by: DESIRED MAJOR and WORK TERM.
    • Do not filter by INDUSTRY as it may return fewer jobs.
    • Use the “Save Search/Create Job Alert” function to create and save searches.

• Every position in WITworks contains unique directions for how to apply; it is important that you pay close attention to the directions and criteria*.
• Employers most often request one or more of the following:
  • Apply through WITworks by uploading requested documents
  • Apply to the employer’s own website as provided
  • Email your application directly to the hiring manager

*Note: You may receive a message that says you “Do not qualify” for a position. Reasons may include not meeting: GPA, class year, or major requirements. If you believe you meet the criteria and are unable to apply, contact your Co-op & Career Advisor.

• Types of Offers: Offers come in many forms and can be verbal or written, from either the supervisor or Human Resources. Once you accept an offer verbally or in writing, you are committed to that co-op.
• Consideration Period: It is permissible to request up to a week to consider an offer. Use this time to evaluate logistics such as expenses, housing, and transportation and to ensure you have clarity about the role and responsibilities. You can discuss the offer with your Co-op & Career Advisor if you’d like.
• Next Steps After Acceptance: Once you accept an offer, submit your Report of Hire on WITworks. Stop applying to other jobs and inform employers you’ve interviewed with that you’re withdrawing from their searches.
• Careful Decision-Making: If you’re waiting on other offers, consult with your Co-op & Career Advisor before accepting. We understand that it is important to secure co-op for your scheduled co-op semester. We also understand that the first offer may not be the best option for you based on your career objectives. Only accept if you’re fully committed.
• Implications of Reneging: Backing out after accepting an offer is unprofessional and can result in disciplinary action, including failing co-op. Students who fail co-op must move out of university housing immediately. For international students, this may also mean having to leave the U.S. immediately. Always consult your Co-op & Career Advisor – BEFORE making any decisions to renege on an offer.

• Students should meet with their Primary Advisor and/or Student Success Advisor (found on Navigate or LeopardWeb) to identify all courses required for graduation, and to develop an academic plan of which semester to take each course. The Success Studio acts as the central hub dedicated to helping our students thrive through the provision of Academic Support and Advising Services. This academic plan, which outlines the semesters a student should go on co-op, should be shared with the student’s Co-op & Career Advisor. For help with planning your coursework or adjusting your co-op schedule, contact your Success Advisor or Primary Advisor.
• GPA Requirement: Review the “good academic standing” requirements in your Academic Catalog. To participate in a mandatory co-op, students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 at the end of the prior semester. If your GPA is between 1.90 and 1.99, you may be able to appeal for an exception. Discuss this option with your Co-op & Career Advisor.
• Additional Criteria: Students must have completed first-year and sophomore year successfully to enroll in COOP3000. Students must be in Junior standing to enroll in COOP3500. Students must be in Senior standing to enroll in COOP4500.

Co-op must be:

You MUST be registered for your co-op course on LeopardWeb, just like you would for any other class. Be sure you are registered for the section that corresponds to your major and the correct course.

• Co-op 3000 Optional co-op (OPTIONAL CO-OP)
• Co-op 3500 1st required co-op (COOP EDUCATION 1)
• Co-op 4500 2nd required co-op (COOP EDUCATION 2)

See your Co-op & Career Advisor if you are unsure about what to register for.

• You MUST report your co-op hire on WITworks for approval by your Co-op & Career Advisor before the Drop/Add deadline.
  • Start/End Dates: Co-op must occur during dates published by the Co-ops & Careers office for each co-op semester. You may work before or after the semester dates as long as the work does not conflict with the previous or following semester schedule.
    • *Working outside of the start and end dates of the academic semester will be considered “employment” and not be part of the co-op program. International students must discuss work dates with your Co-op & Career Advisor, as you must adhere to both co-op and visa requirements.
  • Job Description: Be detailed! This can be copied from the description on the job posting and based on conversations with your employer.
  • Learning Goals: Write three thoughtful and robust learning goals. Two to three complete sentences are required!
  • Edit and read carefully! Double check your work. Have you correctly indicated the term/major and provided your supervisor’s contact information?

*Note: Your workplace supervisor and your Co-op & Career Advisor will read, review, and approve your Report of Hire if it meets these requirements.

Tuition Payments or Plan: While co-op is a tuition-free semester, your student account must be paid in full, on a payment plan, covered by a certified alterative loan, and/or covered by pending financial aid funds by the due date to avoid late payment fees and holds. Visit the Student Accounts Office website for information about the semester’s due date, enrolling in a payment plan, paying online via your LeopardWeb account, and student health insurance. If you have questions, please email the Student Accounts Office at studentaccounts@wit.edu or call the office at 617.989.5043.

Health Insurance or Waiver: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all students enrolled in nine or more credit hours per semester, or registered for co-op, be covered by comparable coverage, or enrolled in the Wentworth Student Health Insurance. You can waive the Student Health Insurance with comparable insurance by completing the waiver process here or by contacting studentaccounts@wit.edu.

The Co-ops & Careers Office will email students and workplace supervisors links to the end-of-co-op evaluations on WITworks, which must be completed by the posted deadline. Please be thoughtful in your responses. This experiential learning reflection is an opportunity to assess your learning and consider future career goals. You must ensure that your supervisor completes the employer evaluation.

Co-op students earn either a Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) grade, as determined by your Co-op & Career Advisor. To earn a Satisfactory grade, you must:

• Demonstrate professional standards of behavior
• Follow the specifics in the Co-op Terms & Conditions
• Proactively and professionally communicate with your Co-op & Career Advisor regarding any difficulties you may encounter on co-op (we cannot help you if you don’t let us know!)
• Adhere to deadlines provided by Co-ops & Careers Office
• Meet the co-op criteria (see steps 1-6 above)
• Successfully complete the co-op!

Grade appeal: To appeal your grade, visit catalog.wit.edu

No, the Co-ops & Careers Office does not “place” students into co-op positions. Securing co-op is the student’s responsibility. Students receive significant support from the Co-ops & Careers Office, which establishes and maintains industry relationships and creates networking opportunities to help you develop job search skills before graduation.

Yes, as long as it fits the co-op requirements, it can be considered co-op.

Yes, Wentworth offers paid on-campus co-ops in a variety of roles, giving you the opportunity to contribute to important campus projects while building your resume. On-campus co-op options are limited and vary each semester. Some previously offered co-op positions include: 

• Research Co-ops (Office of the Provost)
• Accelerate Co-ops (Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
• Technology Support Specialist (DTS)
• Digital Innovation Support Specialist (DTS)
• Lab Assistant/Lab Technician (Various labs)
• Graphic Design Co-op (Co-ops & Careers)
• Operations Co-op (Co-ops & Careers)
• Project Assistant
• Women @ Wentworth Initiative

These opportunities are limited and highly competitive, so it’s important to express interest early, search for these on WITworks, and work closely with your Co-op & Career Advisor to explore all available options.

Yes! At Wentworth, there are limited number of research co-ops available in the Fall and Spring semesters, which are funded by the Office of the Provost. Faculty must apply to obtain funding. Unpaid research at Wentworth will not be able to count for co-op credit.

If the position meets co-op requirements, you can secure roles at companies not listed on WITworks. Refer to How to Approach New Employers for Students handout here: https://coopsandcareers.wit.edu/resources/how-to-approach-new-employers-for-students/. Refer employer questions to your Co-op & Career Advisor or the Employer Relations Team. More information for employers can be found here: https://coopsandcareers.wit.edu/channels/employer/.

Whether you are working with a previous employer or a new one, the purpose of co-op is to provide opportunities for growth, skill-building and career exploration. If you are interested in returning to a previous employer for another co-op, it will be important to identify how this opportunity allows for your developmental growth and an expansion of your professional skills and experience. You will still need to register for co-op if you return to a previous employer and report your hire as a new co-op experience, making sure to outline new learning goals that correspond to your elevated responsibilities.

Typically, Wentworth does not retroactively grant credit for past internships nor “waive” or “swap” co-op credits. There are very few exceptions. See information on IPC or discuss possible options with your Co-op & Career Advisor.

Students should meet with their Co-op & Career Advisor one to two semesters before their co-op to learn about the available resources and get co-op search support. If a student has not secured a co-op as the semester deadline approaches, students should have a conversation with their Co-op & Career Advisor about their options. Advisors can help students to develop an alternative plan for a traditional co-op semester.

Ideally, you should not be supervised by a family member for your own personal and professional growth. Discuss this with your Co-op & Career Advisor.

Stay in contact with your Co-op & Career Advisor regarding any difficulties you are having on co-op before getting to this point. They can provide support, coaching and help resolve issues with your supervisor.

If you are terminated for cause, and you are registered for a required co-op term, you will either be administratively withdrawn, placed on an administrative leave of absence, or receive a U (Unsatisfactory). You will need to repeat the required co-op. Please note: This scenario can impact your ability to live on-campus housing and your access to financial aid, scholarship, and other funds. If you are an international student, this will result in termination of your visa status.

Please see the section above regarding Employment in the Cannabis Industry considerations.

The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that co-op students cannot be employed as consultants or independent contractors because they lack the necessary experience and skill to be considered experts in their fields. In addition, a co-op is to be a supervised position. This also means that the work cannot be properly termed as a consultancy or independent contractor relationship. Therefore, we cannot approve any positions in which the employer classifies you as a consultant or independent contractor. Please check with your employer at the beginning of your co-op to make sure that you will be receiving a W2 form (not a 1099) at the end of the year. The only exception to this rule is when co-op students are employed in scientific or engineering work for U.S. Department of Defense research and development labs.