Applying To Co-op While Studying Abroad

The co-op program drew me in to attending Northeastern, along with its flexible global experience programs. I never imagined I would interview for my current co-op at 3 a.m.. I wanted to complete at least two co-ops, but my application process looked a little different from my first time applying. I went abroad in the fall semester of my third year to study at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. I was on the fence as to whether I should apply for co-op while studying abroad or if I should wait until I returned to Boston to apply. After meeting with my advisor, I ultimately decided to apply for co-op while studying abroad!

The Process 

During the fall semester of my sophomore year, I took a one credit course taught by my co-op advisor. In this course, I learned about everything I could possibly know! I got meaningful advice on how to improve my resume, how to interview well, how to write cover letters, and more. You still get access to NUWorks, which is a Northeastern specific job site where you can see open co-op roles and apply to ones you’re interested in. 

I applied for my first co-op at The TJX Companies as the Store Operations Communications Co-op for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls while I was still taking classes in Boston. This allowed me to attend the TJX Networking Night on campus and network with hiring managers to learn more about the different roles. During the duration of my co-op, I was responsible for publishing daily communications to over two thousand stores across the US and Puerto Rico, supporting operational and merchandising initiatives on internal systems software. 

Applying to co-op while studying abroad is exactly the same process as applying on campus. While abroad, I was able to meet with my co-op advisor virtually and attend virtual information sessions as well. I set aside time in the mornings before class and applied to newly listed roles the way I did when I was in Boston. I did not feel any less prepared than when in Boston! 

Support System 

Another factor that made applying to co-op while abroad easy was my Northeastern support system. My co-op advisor assured me she was always available for any questions I had and was more than willing to accommodate my 13 hour time zone difference. I received frequent communication from her and I knew she was a resource I could rely on. While the extreme time zone difference was difficult and meant sacrificing sleep for some interviews in the middle of the night, Seoul was the perfect place to be! My dorm had a 24/7 convenience store to grab snacks and drinks. My college-friendly neighborhood of Sinchon had 24/7 study cafes that I could potentially visit to conduct my interviews. I also knew other students were going through the same process as me! I had a few friends studying abroad at the same time also applying to co-op, and I was able to chat with them to ask about similar questions. I knew I could reach out to a variety of people for support and help whenever I needed it. 

Communication 

I had envisioned my time zone difference to be a struggle, but clear communication made this a non-issue. I made it clear to my co-op advisor and hiring managers that I was abroad with a significant time difference. We were able to work together to solve issues that came up and set new meeting times that worked. My resume and my email signature, thanks to the advice of my advisor, was updated to clearly reflect my location and time zone. Hiring managers were accommodating and easy to work with! I emailed them about my 13 hour time zone difference and they were always willing to shift interview times to accommodate my schedule. Being clear, honest, and openly communicative made everything seamless. 

Conclusion

I wound up receiving an offer at Later, an influencer marketing agency located in downtown Boston, as an Influencer Marketing Services Co-op. I accepted, and it has been an absolute blast so far! I have had the opportunity to execute marketing campaigns with great brands and explore my future career aspirations. I’m so glad I decided to apply to co-op while studying abroad as it was simple and easy. I was supported by my Northeastern network and the hundreds of resources at my hands!