Graduate Co-op

Gaining experience is key to moving up in any organization, whether it's a small startup or a large company. At the D'Amore-McKim School of Business, we offer graduate co-op and experiential opportunities for our MS in Business Analytics and MS in Quantitative Finance students that can boost your employability and set you up for success. Typically, they last 8-12 weeks during the summer.

Our faculty will ensure that you're well-prepared to work on projects that are business-critical and deliver valuable work that makes an impact. You'll come away with the skills, confidence, and network you need to boost your career and leave a lasting impression on future employers.

Program details

Build experience
Gain real-world experience executing a project. You'll gain confidence, a new perspective on business issues, and a head start on your professional network.

Experience company culture
Work directly with company leaders and team members, building your cultural awareness and sampling what work is like at the company or startup.

Own a project
Apply classroom knowledge to projects at top companies or startups. Your project may stand alone or continue on a larger, ongoing project begun by previous graduate co-ops. 

Dedicate your summer
Take a break from your classes in the summer to complete your co-op. This gives you the chance to build your resumé, earn professional references, and begin your full-time job search.

Once you've completed two semesters of coursework and maintained a minimum grade point average in the following programs, you'll be eligible to apply for a graduate co-op:

If you're an international student with F-1 immigration status, you're eligible for a graduate co-op using Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization. CPT authorizes experiential learning opportunities that are completed before your program ends and integral to your Northeastern University academic curriculum.

Curricular Practical Training authorization
F-1 international students must request and receive authorization to engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before they can begin any experiential learning opportunity. If you are interested in pursuing CPT, Northeastern University's Office of Global Services (OGS) offers resources and advising to help you maintain immigration compliance. F-1 international students must obtain CPT authorization from OGS. Schedule an advising appointment with OGS

To secure a graduate co-op, you'll need to start early and be prepared for a competitive process. Many candidates will be vying for these opportunities, so it's important to take the time to polish your resumé and cover letter. The Graduate Career Center team offers resources to support you with this.

While some positions are listed on the Global Talent System, you'll often find the most comprehensive listings on employers' websites or job search platforms. You'll start the application process once you identify positions that match your career interests. Remember, landing a co-op is a competitive process and isn't guaranteed.

Portrait of Sarocha

I worked as a business data analyst at Point 32 Health for my graduate co-op. I partnered with vendors to extract and retrieve data while working closely with the data management team holding meetings to discuss our work and act as a project manager.

Sarocha Promsombat, MS in Business Analytics'22
Previous work experience: Business partner support associate at Amazon
Graduate co-op: Business Data Analyst at Point 32 Health
Portrait of Ayush Goel

This position played a significant role in preparing me for my future career after graduation. At ING, I could talk to people from all different domains and backgrounds. I greatly improved my communication skills and it helped me better understand what it means to be professional in this environment.  

Ayush Goel, MS in Quantitative Finance'22
Previous work experience: Financial analyst at TrueBlue Inc.
Graduate co-op: Market risk analyst, Commodities Division at ING

Timeline

You have the option to participate in a graduate co-op over the summer, and you'll be ready to make an impact right away. After completing two semesters of rigorous STEM-designed quantitative curriculum and benefiting from career coaching from our Graduate Career Center advisors, you'll be ready to hit the ground running for your host firm.

Employer Testimonials: How Graduate co-ops make a difference

As a graduate co-op at Sanofi, you'll engage in projects that truly matter for our company's growth. For example, our recent graduate co-op completed a thorough analysis of our forecasting process, resulting in substantial time savings and process enhancements.” 

Elliott Bowles, Director of Enterprise Analytics at Sanofi

The innovative impact of data analytics in the real estate industry

“I wholeheartedly endorse the D'Amore-McKim graduate co-op program. Its experiential learning approach connects businesses with skilled, adaptable, and innovative talent. In our experience, having our co-op on board not only opened my eyes to the significance of data analytics but also positively influenced our company culture and contributed to our growth.”
Matt Ramey, Real Estate Broker at Concept Properties

How analytics and adaptability help fuel success

“Our graduate co-op's preparedness for the role profoundly impacted the organization, stemming from her education at D'Amore-McKim. She came on board during a critical time after a key team member's departure, and her educational background equipped her with the skills needed to manage essential projects that were falling behind efficiently.”
Sylvia Konopka, Accounting Manager at Trillium Flow Technologies

Sanofi's Strategic Impact with D'Amore-McKim Graduate Co-ops

“Our graduate co-ops gain professional experience, working on meaningful projects that contribute to our company's goals. This experience helps them develop practical skills and insights they can't gain from classroom learning alone.”
Elliott Bowles, Director of Enterprise Analytics

Student Testimonials: Transformative Experiences in Graduate Co-op

For my graduate co-op, I worked in the finance department at CooperCompanies for six months, focusing on financial and variance analysis, reporting, benchmarking, and expense accrual calculations. Courses like Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis and Valuations prepared me to succeed in this role.” 

Khushbu Dudani, MS in Quantitative Finance'22
Previous work experience: Audit executive, KPMG India
Graduate co-op: Finance intern at CooperCompanies
Portrait of Daewon Yoon

Exploring how data impacts the world of business

“I am grateful that this program opened my eyes to the business world and made me curious about data and how companies use it. I am confident that I can bring the lessons I've learned and skills I've gained into my future career.”
Daewon Yoon, MS in Business Analytics'22

From accounting to fintech—building skills for the future of finance

“For my graduate co-op, I worked in the finance department at CooperCompanies for six months. This experience helped me further develop my financial analysis and reporting skills while establishing a network that will be useful in my future career.”
Khushbu Dudani, MS in Quantitative Finance'22
Portrait of Sai

Fusing computer science with a passion for data-powered decision-making

“My previous work experience taught me to make data more digestible for computers, but my time in the program has shown me how to do the same for people. Learning to analyze data for people and businesses has made me successful.”
Sai Prasad Sashank Urlam, MS in Business Analytics'22
MSF Student Portrait

Gaining progressive experience in portfolio management

“I earned a promotion to sector manager, where I managed a team of 14 analysts and developed my skills further, especially as a leader. I mentored the analysts by sharing my thoughts and reviewing their valuations. Overall, the 360 Huntington Fund helped me grow as an individual.”
Parth Patel MS in Quantitative Finance'21

FAQs 

You can work remotely, in person, or in a hybrid format. You'll find the location and work arrangement expectations in the job description. 

No. We encourage you to work closely with your academic advisor to find the co-op that most closely aligns with your career goals.

Yes. Midway through your graduate co-op, your advisor will check in with you and your employer (either in person or virtually) to see how things are going and assess your progress. At the end of your co-op, you'll complete a self-evaluation and receive constructive feedback from your employer.

Graduate co-ops are paid positions. Your employer will determine your pay rate according to your responsibilities. Job postings usually mention the pay for each position.

prepare for your graduate co-op

Prepare for your interview

Making a positive impression in a job interview comes down to thorough research—and diligent practice.

Customize your cover letter

Spark a connection with a personalized cover letter that shows you're an ideal match for your potential employer.

Craft your elevator pitch

Develop a quick, well-crafted speech designed to give a succinct and effect way to answer the question “tell me about yourself”.