Kick Start Your Career with the Co-op Program
Fully immerse yourself in a professional workplace for a semester before returning to your studies at the University at Albany.
Through the Massry School of Business Cooperative (Co-op) Education Program, you can enhance your classroom studies while gaining paid, hands-on work experience that helps you build valuable career skills before graduation.
During your co-op, you’ll work 35 to 40 hours per week for 4 to 5 months, earning at least $21 per hour. You’ll also benefit from ongoing guidance and support from a co-op advisor and a dedicated workplace supervisor.
Eligibility
To participate, you must:
- Be a sophomore, junior or senior in good academic standing
- Have a declared major in the Massry School of Business or be a direct admit
- Successfully complete BBUS 290: Professional Development for Business Co-op
Note: At this time, international students are not eligible to participate in a co-op.
How to Apply
- Start preparing for the co-op one semester before you intend to apply.
- Create a resume and update your LinkedIn profile.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your academic plan and graduation timeline.
- Please submit your Co-op Application.
- Monitor your email for updates and next steps from the co-op program manager.
Need help or guidance? Contact the co-op program manager.
Co-op Timeline
Spring 2027 Co-op
Applications open: September 21, 2026
Applications due: November 9, 2026
Co-op dates: August to December 2027
Fall 2027 Co-op
Application dates will be posted here when available.
Co-op dates: January to May 2028
Participating Employers
You can work with leading organizations throughout New York State’s Capital Region. Current employer partners include:
- Albany Medical Center
- The Atrium Financial Group
- UHY
- BBL Construction Services
- The Research Foundation for SUNY
- Broadview Federal Credit Union
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Northeast Shared Services (Market 32, Price Chopper, Tops)
- Fenimore Asset Management
Employers interested in participating in the co-op program should submit the Employer Inquiry Form.
FAQ
How is a co-op different than an internship?
Internships are often unpaid and happen over the summer or in addition to your academic workload. A co-op is full-time, paid, professional work that takes place during the academic semester.
When participating in the co-op program, you don’t participate in academic studies while you are working. Once the co-op is complete, you will return to your academic studies.
Note: Although a co-op doesn’t yield academic credit, you are still considered a full-time student during the semester you participate in the program.
Do I need to be in good academic standing to participate in the co-op program?
Yes, you need to be in good academic standing to be eligible for the co-op.
Can I live on campus when participating in the co-op program?
In the co-op program, you may live on campus and will still have access to campus resources, including the dining halls and fitness centers.
When selected for the co-op program, you are responsible for securing your own housing, on or off campus, and arranging transportation to and from your work placement.
Can I participate in the co-op program more than once?
To keep access fair and equitable, you can only participate in the co-op program one time.
Why do I need to take BBUS 290 before applying for a co-op?
You must complete BBUS 290: Professional Development for Business Co-op before you can apply for the co-op program.
During the course, you will complete resume and cover letter reviews, engage in interview preparation and networking, learn job search strategies, and gain access to exclusive co-op job opportunities.
Check the Schedule of Classes to find upcoming offerings, then register for classes.
Do I need to pay tuition while I’m participating in a co-op?
No, you don’t pay tuition while you are part of the co-op program. However, you are still responsible for student fees, which maintain your access to campus services. If you decide to live on campus, you’ll also be responsible for campus housing costs and, if applicable, meal plan costs.
Will my financial aid be affected by participating in the co-op program?
Your financial aid eligibility may vary depending on your circumstances and the type of aid you receive.
If you are not enrolled in any credit bearing courses during your co-op semester, federal Pell Grants and New York State TAP awards will not be applied for that term. However, these funds may be available again the following semester if you continue to meet eligibility requirements.
If you receive the New York State Excelsior Scholarship, be aware that it requires you to complete a specified number of credits each year. You may fall short of this requirement since you cannot take courses during your co-op semester.
It’s a good idea to meet with a financial aid advisor to review how your individual aid package may be impacted.
As an international student, am I eligible for the co-op program?
If you're an international student, you are not eligible to participate in a co-op because it does not carry academic credit.
Does the co-op affect my graduation timeline?
Participating in co-op may extend your graduation by one semester, depending on your academic plan and whether you choose to take courses during the Summer Sessions or Wintersession.
You can work with your academic advisor to create a plan that incorporates your co-op.
What if I don’t get a co-op position?
Participation in BBUS 290 does not guarantee a co-op position or interview with an employer. If you complete BBUS 290 and do not receive a co-op offer, you may return to classes the following semester and seek a co-op position in semester after that.
Where are co-op positions located?
Co-op positions are in New York’s Capital Region and may be either on-site or hybrid, depending on the employers' needs for a specific role.
Contact the Co-op Program Manager
Krystal Griener at [email protected] or 518-956-8320.
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