Co-op Mentor Program

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The Northeastern Co-op Mentor Program allows alumni and co-op students to engage and expand their personal network. The program is available to all undergraduate students on their co-op placements as mentees and alumni in the Bay Area, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C. as mentors.

Alumni mentors help co-op students navigate their careers and professional development, potentially transforming their co-op experience, while co-op students get the opportunity to gain valuable expertise and knowledge from alumni who are leaders in their fields. Students and alumni can leverage the robust, global Northeastern network to achieve what’s next.

Find program resources here.
Networking Co-op Mentor

Spring 2024 Applications are Now Open Till January 20, 2024.

The Co-op Mentor Program is administered through NUsource, a website designed to encourage professional networking and mentorship. The platform allows easier communication with your mentee and provides access to resources to manage your mentoring relationship. You can apply in three easy steps:

1. Log into your NUsource account. If you do not have an account, go to NUsource and click on “Join our Community.” If you have any difficulties creating your account, please email Michele Rapp.

2. Once complete, you’ll be directed to your Dashboard. Click the “Programs” tab on thered menu bar and select the “Co-op Mentor Program” card.

3. From there, you’ll be directed to the “About” page. Click “Join program,” fill out your Mentor Program application, and submit.

Program expectations
Co-op Program Expectations

attend a kick-off event

Meet your mentor or mentee and celebrate the start of the program cycle with other program participants.

Complete the mentorship agreement

Outline your shared goals and expectations to get the most out of your mentorship pairing.

set up monthly mentor sessions

Connect with your mentor or mentee once a month for feedback, networking, and guidance.

fill out the feedback survey

Help us improve the program for future participants by letting us know your thoughts.

FAQs

Which cities have the Co-op Mentor Program?

Any undergraduate student on their co-op placement is eligible to participate in the program as a mentee. Alumni mentors must be located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, or Washington DC.

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What is the timing of the Co-op Mentor Program?

This program runs alongside the Northeastern co-op cycle, beginning in January and June and ending in May and December of each year.

After the applications have closed, participants will be selected and matched. All accepted mentors and mentees will be notified and invited to attend the kickoff events in September and January.

Fall Cycle:
Recruitment – August/September
Matching and Kickoff – September
Program End – December

Spring Cycle:
Recruitment – January
Matching and Kickoff – February
Program End – May

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What is the commitment of the Co-op Mentor Program?

We encourage participants to make the program work for them. All participants are expected to attend the kickoff event in their community and to connect with their mentor or mentee at least once a month. These connections can happen in person or virtually. The program is flexible to meet the needs of mentors and mentees.

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How do I apply for the Co-op Mentor Program?

The Co-op Mentor Program is administered through NUsource, a website designed to encourage professional networking and mentorship. The platform allows easier communication with your mentee, and provides access to resources to manage your mentoring relationship. You can apply in three easy steps:

1. Register for the NUsource platform by clicking “Join the Community.” Choose the “Northeastern Login” option and register with your Husky Nation Credentials. If you cannot remember your username or password, please email Michele Rapp.

2. Once complete, you’ll be directed to your Dashboard. Click the “Mentor Programs” tab on the top of the screen and select the “Co-op Mentor Program” card.

3. From there, you’ll be directed to the “About” page. Click “Join program,” fill out your Mentor Program application, and submit.

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Who do I contact for more information?

If you have questions of need further information, please contact Matt Lucerto, Director, Affinity and Domestic Engagement.

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Hear from past participants

Mentees

Maggie
O’Brien

washington, d.c.


My Mentor has been an incredible support during my co-op. My mentor was able to share information about D.C. and Capitol Hill culture that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
GABRIELA BETHAM-GARCIA

london


Never assume that someone doesn’t understand what you’re going through. You never know what common experience could forge a connection with someone!
alex
kaneshiro

nyC


I was pleasantly surprised at how closely my mentor’s background aligned with my own professional interests and goals. I had a lot of different thoughts about co-op and my career flying around in my head so it was incredible to have someone give me her two cents and act as a frequent sounding board.

Mentors

Yemi
arunsi

washington, d.c.


When I was a student at Northeastern, I benefitted tremendously from alumni mentors. Having spent 10+ years in government, I love talking to students about a career in government and how to navigate the complicated hiring process.
MJ
Paradiso

london


I think it’s really really useful for the mentees to have somebody local to be able to connect with and just shares ideas with. Typically what it turns out to be is sort of a monthly meet-up, a friendly face when we go to different Northeastern events together and the opportunity to just talk with somebody because you share that Northeastern connection.
brooke
kamanoff

nyc


The ability to empathize is critical for a successful mentoring relationship. In order to provide any kind of relevant feedback or advice, mentors must understand their mentee’s experience, goals and abilities.
Resources
Setting Goals

Setting goals together is a great way to ensure that both mentor and mentee get the most out of the mentorship pairing. See the SMART Goals worksheet participants use to begin those conversations.

Preparing to Meet

The first meeting between mentor and mentee sets the stage for the relationship through the program. See our recommendations for how program participants can prepare for that first meeting.

Discussion Topics and Activities

Conversations between mentors and mentees can cover many topics. See some ideas of how participants can think creatively about what they discuss and what activities will build a bond that lasts beyond the co-op cycle.