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