Internship & Co-op Information and Definitions

What is “registering my experience”?

Registering your internship means to record your experiential learning experience, whether that be an internship, co-op, assistantship, practicum or field experience, in the “Experiences” tab of your Handshake account. It takes about 5 minutes of your time and is valuable information for the College to have. The reason we ask you to register your internship is two-fold: the value of your degree will increase as it increases the value of Merrimack College in the market, as well as offering the opportunity for other Merrimack Warriors to learn from your experience and potentially experience it as well. Most academic departments require internship registration for credit to be awarded. 

Where do I find internship, co-op and employment opportunities?

The first place to begin your initial search for internship, co-op and employment opportunities is Handshake, Merrimack College’s online job platform. This is the best place to start your search since the employers connected on Handshake are specifically looking to hire Merrimack College students. It is also beneficial to meet with you career advisor, as they can help to find opportunities specific to your interests as well as career and professional goals. 

Can I take more than 16 credits per semester?

Yes! According to Merrimack College academic requirements and policies outlined in the Course Catalog, any full-time student may take up to 19 credits in any semester (additional fees may apply). Additionally, sophomores, juniors and seniors whose preceding semester GPA is at least 3.0 may take 20 credits in a given semester (additional fees may apply). Please review the academic requirements and policies for additional information on registering for an overload and maximum credit limits.

What is an internship?

An internship is a professional experience in an industry and discipline that is related to your interests or area of study. It can be part or all of the semester, taking place in the fall, spring or summer. Internships can be for academic credit, or non-academic, also known as an independent internship. Internships can be paid or unpaid, dependent on the employer. Questions about academic credit should be directed to your academic department or obriencenter@merrimack.edu.

Why should I get an internship?

An internship, co-op or other experiential learning experiences are critical when it comes to being competitive in the job market. You are able to gain applicable industry knowledge and skills while building your professional network in your intended career path. 89% of Merrimack College students participate in an internship, co-op, assistantship, clinical or field experience or practicum during their time (Class of 2024 First Destination Survey). It is very much part of the normal here at Merrimack, so make sure you don’t miss out on making your career a priority.

Are internships paid?

There are a mix of paid and unpaid internships, depending on the industry. Some unpaid internships offer additional financial benefits such as parking, housing/ relocation, mileage reimbursements, etc. You are also able to receive college credit for your internship, either in the form of a required class in your program or as an independent internship, OBR1000. 

Can I get an internship as a first year student?

Absolutely! We encourage our Merrimack Warriors to begin looking for internships as early as the summer after your first-year. In order to be best prepared, we recommend to make an appointment with your career advisor in your first-year to update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

When should I apply for an internship?

Recruiting timelines for internships depend on the industry. Typically engineering, information technology, accounting and finance internships and full-time positions recruit in early fall. Nationally competitive internship programs frequently have fall deadlines as well. Local companies, non-profits, and other industries typically recruit in the early spring or year round. Be sure to check Handshake frequently for opportunities. Our Search Process Career Guide is available to support students in pursuing next steps. 

Can I complete an internship for credit?

Yes, there are opportunities for students to complete internships for credit. Please consult with your academic advisor or program faculty to learn more about credit-bearing requirements by major.

What is a co-op?

A co-op is very similar to an internship, but is almost always paid, full-time and usually you do not take classes for the 3-12 month duration of the co-op. The co-op typically occurs during the academic year, January – June or July – December. If you have questions about whether your experience is considered a co-op or internship, please contact us at obriencenter@merrimack.edu or (978) 837- 5480.

Why should I participate in Warriors at Work co-ops?

Warriors at Work co-ops are an exclusive opportunity for ambitious undergraduate students to participate in a full-time, four- to six-month, paid co-op experience at prestigious companies. Students may earn credits to stay on track to graduate in four years. Warriors at Work provides a career development course (OBR1050) and multiple workshops throughout the year to enhance your skills and readiness for the co-op search process. Learn more.

When should I apply for a co-op?

Recruiting timelines for internships depend on the industry. Co-op searches typically start earlier than internship searches because there are fewer opportunities available. You should keep an eye on Handshake frequently for opportunities, but starting to look for co-ops six months to a year prior to an expected start date is appropriate. Our Search Process Career Guide is available to support students in pursuing next steps. 

Can I complete a co-op for credit?

Yes, there are opportunities within the Warriors at Work program to complete co-ops for credit. Email warriorsatwork@merrimack.edu to learn more.

What are other forms of experiential learning beyond internships and co-ops?

There are quite a few names for other forms of experiential learning.

• Education uses the phrasing of practicum or student teaching. When you first enter the classroom, it may be called a Pre-Practicum Experience.
• Nursing will call the in-unit experiences clinicals and during their senior year will complete a preceptorship.
• Research opportunities can be completed across a variety of academic disciplines, on- and off-campus.
• Additional areas include: Study Abroad, Service-Learning, Apprenticeships, Fieldwork and Job Shadowing.

Can I participate in research as an undergraduate student?

Yes, research opportunities at Merrimack are posted on Handshake when they become available. We also encourage you to talk to faculty in your major to learn about specific projects underway in their specialty areas. In addition to on-campus research, you can pursue opportunities at other colleges and universities, national research laboratories and similar organizations.

When and where can I study abroad?

Merrimack has many partnerships to support students looking to study abroad for a full semester or for a short term trip. Attend an information session hosted by the Global Education team to learn more about options.