Students and Employers reap co-op value

Scott Winslow, founder of Winslow Technology Group (WTG), a value added reseller and integrator located in Boston, MA, has been working with Northeastern co-op students since 2003. Scott first discovered the value of Northeastern’s co-op program from another business that was already engaging with co-op students. Impressed by their drive, tenacity and stellar work performance, Scott immediately inquired about the students and soon began hiring Northeastern co-op students for WTG.

Today, Scott employs an average of three students for six months at a time working on projects ranging from vendor relations to new business proposals, inside sales to account management. Often, Scott ends up hiring co-ops full time because their performance is so extraordinary, they become a true part of the WTG team.

One recent example of a WTG co-op success is Coby Lieblein. Coby is currently completing his co-op program at WTG and will begin working full-time in July 2012. "Working at Winslow Technology Group has provided me the opportunity to grow, personally and professionally. This company gives co-op students the unique ability to work directly under the President and CEO of an Inc. 5000 fastest growing privately-held company. Scott Winslow was an amazing mentor and really cared about the co-op students and their development. He sees much value in the co-op program and knows how to motivate the co-ops to perform at high levels. I really enjoyed the company culture and atmosphere Scott created for us. The co-op also gives students the opportunity to learn how a small business is run. This experience has been so great that I have decided to stay and accept a full-time position. This company is growing at a rapid rate, and I am grateful to be a part of it,” says Lieblein.

Winslow is a true advocate for the Northeastern co-op program and believes that the powerful combination of a strong classroom environment and real-world experience is what sets the co-op students apart. “Working with Northeastern College of Business co-op students has been incredibly rewarding for Winslow Technology Group, providing us with a strategic advantage over our competitors. The students bring the business acumen they've learned in the classroom and inject new perspectives into the organization, which generates new ideas and ways of solving problems. The benefits are really multifaceted - the students gain valuable real-world experience and have become such an integral part of our organization that it is not uncommon for us to hire students full-time following completion of their co-op cycle. I have been so impressed with the College of Business co-op program that I have shared my success with other small businesses across the country. I feel fortunate to have such a strong working relationship with Northeastern.”