Real Jobs, Real Pay, Real Experience: Inside UVM’s New Co‑op Program

If you’ve ever wished your first job out of college came with a “try before you buy” option, studying at The University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business might be the right move for you.

INSIDE THE CO-OP

The school recently announced this month that six students at The University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business are stepping into full‑time, paid Co‑op roles at major companies, which officially marks the start of Vermont’s first ever undergraduate business Co‑op program. This program is supported by a sizable $15 million gift from the Grossman Family Foundation.

By definition, a Co‑op is essentially a longer, more immersive version of an internship. Instead of working part‑time for a few weeks, students pause their classes and work full‑time for four-to-six months, earning a paycheck while gaining real experience in their field. After the Co‑op, they return to campus and finish their degree, often with a much clearer sense of where they’re headed.

Employers tend to like co-ops because they give companies the chance to evaluate talent, build relationships, and reduce hiring costs without committing to a full‑time role right away.

Co‑op programs are still a relatively new in the U.S., and only about 60 colleges and universities nationwide offer formal Co‑op programs, shares Elizabeth Suneby from CollegeVine. Most of those offered are in the STEM fields.

All-in-all, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) says that these programs have great value for students looking for employment straight away after graduation. Nearly all (98.3%) of surveyed employers go on to hire their Co‑op students full‑time.

GROSSMAN’S CO-OP PROGRAM KICKS OFF

Grossman’s first Co‑op cohort is already off to an exciting start, with students joining companies across operations, finance, accounting, and tech.

“I chose the Co-op program at GSB because it’s a unique opportunity to step outside the typical classroom and build hands-on skills in the real world,” said Zachary Neuman from the first batch of Co-op students at UMV Grossman.

“Being able to apply what I’ve learned in courses thus far to a longer-term, structured role was a significant draw,” Neuman continues. “It’s an opportunity to fully immerse myself in a real professional environment in a way that a typical 10-week internship may not.”

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