Timeline & Cycles of Co-op

UMass Lowell’s Professional Co-op Program runs three cycles of co-op during the year:

  • January – June (Six-month co-op experience)
  • July – December (Six-month co-op experience)
  • Summer only (usually June – August, much like that of an internship)

Employers may recruit for any and all cycles. To assist in understanding the recruitment cycle, we’ve put together a Recruitment and Hiring Cycle guide below which also highlights some of our key recruiting events.

January – June (6 Month Co-op)

  • October
    • Prepare job listing and post on Handshake
    • Start Interview Process
    • Attend a Fall career fair to recruit additional candidates if necessary
  • November
    • Interview candidates
    • Make selection decisions – Sign offer and hiring agreements
  • January
    • Co-op Begins

July – December (6 month Co-op)

  • February
    • Prepare job listing and post on Handshake
    • Start Screening & Interview Process
  • March, April, and May (Early)
    • Attend Co-op Connections (end of February) (A recruiting event designed specifically for co-op students & employers)
    • Interview candidates
    • Attend a Spring career fair to recruit additional candidates if necessary
    • Make selection decisions – Sign offer and hiring agreements
  • July
    • Co-op Begins

Summer (June/July/August) (3 month Co-op)

  • February
    • Prepare job listing and post on Handshake
    • Start Interview Process
  • March, April, and May (Early)
    • Attend Co-op Connections (A recruiting event designed specifically for co-op students & employers)
    • Interview candidates
    • Attend a Spring career fair to recruit additional candidates if necessary
    • Make selection decisions – Sign offer and hiring agreements
  • June
    • Co-op begins