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COOP INFORMATION
In selecting the Behavioral Neuroscience major at Northeastern, you have chosen to explore an exciting and swiftly expanding field. In addition to your coursework, you now also have the opportunity to gain professional experience and explore career options through the Co-op Program.
What is Co-op?
Co-op is the cornerstone of Northeastern's curriculum whereby students alternate quarters of academic study with quarters of full-time work experience. Although co-op is optional for Behavioral Neuroscience majors, most students participate in co-op at least once during their years at the University. Students may be on co-op for 3 or 6 month periods. Due to employer demand, most jobs are 6 months in length and are available for either the Winter-Spring or Summer-Fall quarters. To participate in the co-op program, a student must have at least a 2.0 Q.P.A. and be a second quarter sophomore. For additional information about co-op at Northeastern, see the Department's list of Frequently Asked Questions. For specific regulations and policies for co-op students, see the Co-op Student Handbook.
It is recommended
that you meet with your Co-op Faculty Coordinator, Michelle Israel,
every quarter to discuss your co-op plans. You will learn about the co-op
program during Psychology 1001 (Behavioral Neuroscience Seminar), a newly-required
course for freshman BNS students. You will learn details how the co-op
job search process works during a mandatory meeting you will attend with
Michelle Israel each quarter prior to starting a co-op job.
What are the benefits of the Co-op program?
Co-op Program benefits are extensive and varied. These benefits include, but aren't limited to the following:
- Gain
and understanding of how your theoretical knowledge gained in courses
applies to the "real world".
- Develop
professional experience and confidence.
- Acquire
connections for graduate school and/or full-time employment.
- Explore
the field of behavioral neuroscience.
- Gain research experience early in your career.
To learn more about the benefits of co-op for Behavioral Neuroscience students, see the list of Cooperative Education Program Goals.
What job opportunities exist for Behavioral Neuroscience students?
As a behavioral neuroscience major, you have many opportunities available to you. Clinical (direct-care work with patients and/or clients), research, and administrative positions have been established with interests of our BNS students in mind. Recognizing that students who select the major have diverse interests, the Department of Cooperative Education has established opportunities in a variety of industries (health care, biotechnology, social services, business) that are interested in the skills that Behavioral Neuroscience students can provide.
You may access all Co-op Job Opportunities online. Note that this site is password protected. You will need your student ID number and PIN to access this site. After gaining access to the on-line program, you will be able to scan jobs made available specifically for BNS students by entering your co-op coordinator's name (Michelle Israel). Many BNS students will be interested in jobs managed by other co-op coordinators. Those coordinators include: Mr. James Black (Psychology), Ms. Veronica Porter (Biology). Links to some employer web sites may be found in the Professional and Academic Resources section of this site.
Important Note: You must obtain a referral slip from Ms. Israel if you are interested in speaking with any other coordinator about a job they have posted.
What steps are required of BNS students who want to participate in the Coop Program?
Behavioral Neuroscience students interested in participating in the co-op program must attend a mandatory meeting, research possible jobs, develop a resume, complete a series of forms, and prepare for an undertake a series of job interviews. All of these activities encompass the Preparation Stage of the Co-op Learning Model. These activities will require a significant amount of your time at various points during the quarter prior to starting your co-op job. Therefore, to manage this process as successfully as possible, you must plan ahead, meet with Ms. Israel to discuss your plans, and find out about the dates for the mandatory meeting and resume deadline (These dates will be posted in the Student Lounge portion of this web site).
The steps required of ALL students interested in securing a co-op job can be found in the Co-op Preparation Checklist developed specifically for Behavioral Neuroscience Majors.
What will be expected of me on the job?
After successfully completing the Preparation Phase of the Co-op Learning Model, you will enter the Activity Phase as you begin your co-op work period. One of the key factors that will enable you to excel in your co-op position is the degree to which you take initiative and take responsibility for your own success. See the Professional Behavior Guide for a list of behavioral strategies expected of all co-op students.
Beginning in the Spring Quarter 2000, students will be expected to participate in on-line discussions and/or complete journal entries about their experience on the job. Specific details and requirements will be posted early in Spring 2000.
What is required of me once I return to campus after completing my co-op work period?
The final phase of the Co-op Learning Model that you will undertake is the Reflection Component. During this time that you will be integrating what you learned on the job with your thoughts about your academic and professional future.
You will be required to complete some of these Reflection requirements after you finish your co-op work period. Specifically you will be required to:
- Submit an employer evaluation to Michelle Israel by the end of the third week of the quarter you are back in class. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete. You will receive a blank form in the mail towards the end of your co-op work period.
- Schedule an individual appointment with Ms. Israel within your first month back on campus to discuss this evaluation and reflect upon your future academic and professional pursuits.
Where can I go if I have more questions about the Co-op program?
It is recommended that you meet with your Co-op Faculty Coordinator, Michelle Israel, every quarter to discuss your co-op plans. You will learn about the co-op program during the Freshman Seminar, a newly-required course for freshman BNS students. During each quarter prior to starting a co-op job you will be required to attend a mandatory meeting with Michelle Israel. There is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions produced by the co-op department that may be helpful as well.
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