UVM courtesy photo.
Six students begin full-time, paid Co-op roles at five leading employers starting January 2026
Vermont Business Magazine Six University of Vermont Grossman School of Business students are stepping into full-time, paid Co-op roles at leading employers this January—marking the launch of Vermont’s first undergraduate business Co-op program.
The Grossman Co-op Program, supported by a $15 million gift from the Grossman Family Foundation announced in September 2024, transforms classroom learning into immersive, career-building experiences. Students work full-time for four to six months in roles aligned with their academic focus, then return to campus to complete their degrees equipped with real-world skills and insights.
What’s the Difference?
Unlike traditional internships, which typically last 8–12 weeks, Co-op positions are longer-term, full-time, and paid. This extended engagement allows students to take on deeper responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to projects while employers evaluate talent, build pipelines, and reduce recruitment costs. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 98.3% of surveyed employers hire Co-op students for full-time roles.
Meet the First Cohort
- Grace Berry – Operations Associate, Wayfair
- Jordan Dawley – FP&A Co-op, BETA Technologies
- Domenic Denapoli – Accounting Co-op, Gallagher Flynn & Company LLP
- Lillian Girod & Zachary Neuman – Audit Co-ops, National Life Group
- Michael Stockbridge – Finance & Accounting Co-op, engageCFO
Student Perspective
“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, Audit Co-op at National Life Group. “Being able to apply what I've learned in courses thus far to a longer-term, structured role was a significant draw. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse myself in a real professional environment in a way that a typical 10-week internship may not.”
Why Employers Are Joining
Employers gain access to highly prepared students for 4–6 months—longer than a typical internship—building a talent pipeline and reducing recruitment costs without long-term commitments. “Co-op programs create powerful connections between education and industry,” said Craig Ross, Founder & CEO of engageCFO. “Students build skills, confidence, and lasting relationships—whether it’s mastering debits and credits, developing financial models, or sharpening Excel expertise.”
Building Partnerships
To date, the school has conducted 130+ employer conversations to cultivate relationships nationally and locally, align roles with curriculum, and expand strategic networks across major cities. “This is more than job preparation,” said Stephanie Meunier, Director of the Grossman Co-op Program and Lecturer. “It strengthens the organization’s talent pipeline in the Green Mountain state and beyond. At the Grossman School of Business, we are equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to adapt and explore their passions, preparing them for graduation and their career paths. It’s a dream realized.”
A Regional First
The Grossman Co-op is the first undergraduate business Co-op program in Vermont and joins a small but growing group of U.S. institutions offering structured, full-time career experiences while earning a degree. Nationally, only about 60 colleges and universities have formal Co-op programs, most concentrated in STEM fields—making Grossman School of Businesses Co-op a distinctive addition to experiential learning in the region.
Looking Ahead
The program runs two Co-op cycles annually: Spring/Summer (January–June) and Summer/Fall (July–December). Employers interested in hosting Co-op students can learn more. Students can join a hybrid info session by viewing dates and times online.
Multimedia and Interviews
- Interviews are available with students, employers and UVM Co-op program leaders.
- Courtesy image available for media use. Caption: UVM business student Grace Berry is working at Wayfair, the online furniture and home decore store.
- Read this story online: https://www.uvm.edu/business/news/uvm-grossman-school-business-debuts-vermonts-first-business-co-op-program
About UVM: For People and Planet
Founded in 1791, UVM is the leading public university where discovery, creativity, community, and action coalesce to secure a thriving future for people and planet. Recognized among the nation’s top R1 research institutions, Vermont’s land-grant university attracts $240 million annually for groundbreaking research and enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 50 states and 75 countries. At UVM, students, faculty, and staff work together in pursuit of a healthier, greener future. Learn more at uvm.edu.
1.20.2026. BURLINGTON, Vt. — UVM
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