We looked at various job descriptions on NU works, the main site used for job searches for all students at Northeastern, to get a general idea of how employers define the writing they expect from students on co-op. We searched ‘writing’ on NUworks to strictly view postings that are considered mainly writing based. Depending on our search results, we can find specific job postings for English and other humanities and social sciences majors. We looked at the descriptions, the skills needed for each job, and the prerequisites. While students look for jobs on NUWorks, they are required to take a co-op class to prepare for applying to certain jobs, and the co-op itself. They teach students how to use the website as well, and what to look for in a co-op. Co-op descriptions on the website include a general synopsis of what the student would do in their position, and what the company stands for and does as a collective.

We found a mix of writing co-ops, 584 results come up when you look up “writing” in the search bar. Yet, nearly every single co-op posting states that they expect, “Strong written and oral communication skills.” Employers do not consider proficient writing skills as an option. Without these skills, students cannot thrive in their co-ops. Nearly every job requires daily communication skills through anything from having a, “basic understanding of email communications.” A lot of the jobs also included the description of technical writing, such as notes and summaries. English majors look into the ones that are strictly writing based, where you are expected to know what’s going on and be able to write at any time. Grant writing is also mentioned a lot, copywriting as well as social media/advertising and the writing that is required for those positions. They describe very detail-oriented work, a lot of independence with the more specific writing jobs, and you have to be skilled with emailing as well.