Employers

The NMSU Aggie Career Studio created the Co-op/Internship Program to award students a permanent transcript notation upon successful enrollment in and completion of an approved co-op or internship experience. This program provides experience-based learning through paid, curriculum-related employment tailored to each student’s major, interests, abilities, and career goals.

It is a collaborative partnership in which the student, employer, and NMSU work together to enrich the student’s educational journey. We welcome and encourage employers to hire NMSU students for their co-op and internship opportunities!

Benefits to Employers

Access Top-Caliber Students

  • Train and mentor highly talented NMSU students.

  • Gain access to individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to support your organizational goals and project needs.

Create a Recruitment Pipeline

  • Increase your organization’s visibility on campus to attract strong future candidates.

  • Reduce training and recruitment costs by hiring skilled NMSU student interns.

Enhance Public Relations

  • Partner with NMSU to address real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful solutions.

  • Invest in the community by helping develop the future workforce.

If you have any questions about your role as an employer please contact our office (coop@nmsu.edu | 575-646-4115)

Best Practices:

  • The employer should implement a rigorous selection process (i.e. application, interview, etc.)
  • Employers must adhere to program deadlines to adequately support the student
  • Employers should designate a supervisor who is an expert in his/her field, NOT an HR representative, corporate recruiter, or administrative assistant
  • The employer must provide the student with adequate training and tools to complete the co-op/internship experience
  • The employer must establish and maintain reliable communication with NMSU’s co-op/internship coordinator
  • A co-op/internship experience is NOT FREE LABOR intended to replace the role or duties of a paid employee

NMSU Employer Agreement

 

The Co-op / Experience Process for Employers

The process below illustrates what employers must do so students can successfully complete a co-op/internship experience.

Connect

Connect with NMSU Students via Handshake (Step-by-step instructions)

Marketing your Co-op / Internship position

With Handshake, the NMSU Aggie Career Studio can send targeted email announcements to inform students about your co-op or internship opportunities. Targeted emails help increase visibility, generate interest, and drive meaningful engagement from students.

To request a targeted email, simply contact coop@nmsu.edu and include the title of the co-op or internship position you would like advertised.

You can also connect with NMSU students through additional engagement opportunities offered by the Aggie Career Studio.

Job Postings Disclaimer

Job postings on Handshake are provided for student access and do not constitute an endorsement by the Co-op/Internship Program or the Aggie Career Studio. Students are encouraged to review each opportunity carefully, assess any potential risks, and determine whether the position aligns with their goals and comfort level.

 

Commit

Selecting an NMSU Student for Your Co-op/Internship

Extend the Offer

  • Provide the student with a formal offer and allow adequate time for consideration. We recommend a minimum response window of two weeks.

  • Any verbal offer should be followed by a written confirmation. Students must submit this written offer to the Aggie Career Studio (ACS) to begin the certification process.

Provide Required Documentation
To certify the experience, the student will need the following documents from you:

1. Job Offer Letter (on official company letterhead)

  • Employment dates (start and end)

  • Note if the experience will run concurrently with another role

  • Compensation details

  • Expected weekly hours

  • Supervisor’s full contact information (title, address, phone, and email)

2. Job Description (posted on your company website and/or Handshake)

  • Job location

  • Required qualifications and responsibilities

  • Employment type (full-time or part-time)

Direct the Student to ACS
Once the student accepts the position, please instruct them to contact the Aggie Career Studio to begin submitting all required documentation. Students who do not complete the process cannot be certified.

Approve the Co-op/Internship in Handshake

After the student submits their experience request, offer letter, and job description, ACS will initiate an electronic approval workflow in Handshake. As the employer, you will:

  • Receive an approval notification via Handshake

  • Review and confirm all experience details

  • Review and download the NMSU–Employer Agreement

  • Approve or deny the experience

The Aggie Career Studio is committed to maintaining strong communication between NMSU, the student, and the employer to ensure a successful co-op/internship experience for all parties involved.

Mentor

Mentor the Student Throughout the Experience

Once the student’s co-op/internship is approved by the Aggie Career Studio (ACS) and they have been hired, we ask that employers provide consistent mentorship and support throughout the experience.

To promote a successful placement, ACS recommends that employers offer:

  • A safe and supportive work environment

  • Thorough training and access to necessary tools and resources

  • Ongoing supervision and meaningful mentorship

  • Fair and timely conflict resolution

  • A comprehensive evaluation of the student’s performance and learning

Employer FAQ

How can I list our co-op or internship with NMSU?
NMSU uses Handshake as its career management platform. Employers are invited to create a free Handshake account and connect with NMSU to post co-op/internship opportunities. All postings are reviewed by Aggie Career Studio (ACS) staff to ensure they meet program expectations.

How does ACS define a paid co-op/internship?
A paid co-op/internship is an experiential learning opportunity that provides an hourly wage or salary at or above the New Mexico minimum wage (currently $12 per hour).

How is a paid co-op/internship different from a part-time job?
While similar in structure to part-time employment—such as tax withholding and workers’ compensation—a paid co-op/internship emphasizes learning, mentorship, and professional development. All co-ops/internships, paid or unpaid, must include training, supervision, defined learning outcomes, and skill-building opportunities.

Are there special requirements for hiring an international student?
Yes. International students may accept paid co-op/internship positions related to their field of study through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students must complete the CPT Request Form after receiving a job offer.
For questions: International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
Email: isss@nmsu.edu | Phone: 575-646-2834
Location: Educational Services Building, Suite 850
Employers are encouraged to make offers early—ideally 2–3 months before the start date—to allow time for CPT processing.

How do we start a new co-op/internship program?
ACS recommends the following when creating a strong co-op/internship program:

  • Define clear learning outcomes.

  • Set program parameters (dates, compensation, supervision).

  • Conduct a professional recruitment and hiring process.

  • Support the student throughout the experience.

  • Provide high-quality training, mentorship, and evaluation.

  • Consider offering full-time employment to high-performing interns.

If you have any questions about your role as an employer in the co-op/internship program please contact our office (coop@nmsu.edu | 575-646-4115)