Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research connects students with research opportunities through a variety of programs. Research includes many different types of activities and opportunities, but all research projects start with a question and a desire to find out more about a topic. Some research opportunities are paid and are a great way to prepare for graduate school. You can get involved in research as soon as you step onto campus. You do not need to come up with your own project, but you can!
Learning Abroad and Away
The Learning Abroad Center offers a number of classes and experiences outside the United States. Programs range from short term like over winter and spring break to year long programs. You can choose a program based on location and subject and some programs fulfill certain graduation requirements. There is financial aid and scholarships available.
The National Student Exchange program gives you the opportunity to study away for a semester or academic year at one of the 200 member institutions throughout the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For many programs, you pay the same U of M tuition and fees!
Volunteering and Service-Learning
The Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL) focuses on immersing students in the local community through volunteering, service-learning classes, and other unique experiential opportunities. CCEL partners with organizations to provide students with opportunities for community work and place-based educational programs.
- Community-engaged learning classes - academic courses that offer hands-on project or project based work within the community
- Volunteer peer advising - advising to students and student groups who want to volunteer at organizations outside of the U of M
- Community Engagement Scholars Program - helps guide students to make meaningful contributions to local communities that compliments your undergraduate education and provides recognition on your transcript when you graduate
My advice to other first-generation college students is to look for supportive mentoring relationships and build your community of support.
- Melissa, first-gen undergrad student
Career Services and Your College's Career Office
Each college has its own career center to specifically support the industries and fields for its students. Find your college's career office and get support in:
- finding jobs
- interviewing
- resume writing
- networking
- negotiating offers and more.
They also offer career resources for specifically identified populations: students with disabilities, international students, LGBTQIA students, multicultural students, women, or veterans.
Find Your College's Career Office
On-Campus Student Jobs
On-Campus Jobs
Opportunities to work on campus while you are a student are plentiful and diverse. When you are looking for an on-campus job, it can be helpful to inform people in offices you visit or programs you're involved with that you are looking for a job. They may know of or have positions that come up on a regular basis.
Work-Study
Work-study is a form of financial aid awarded as part of your financial aid package from the University of Minnesota. You receive this award through your work-study job as part of your earned paycheck distributed every two weeks. Remember, you can apply for any student job and then let them know you have work study. For questions about your work-study award, contact the Office of Student Finance at 612-624-1878.
Internship & Career Search
Finding Jobs, Internships, and Careers
Explore the U of M's online career network tool, Handshake, and post your resume, search for jobs, internship, and volunteer opportunities with local, national, and international employers, and register for career events.
Career Fairs and Events
The University of Minnesota and employer partners host a variety of career events and fairs including:
- Information sessions for organizations around the world
- Networking events
- Practice interview sessions
- Alumni panels
Visit Handshake for a full list of events. Sort by type, key word, career office, and more.
Network with U of M Alumni
The Maroon and Gold Network is a free, online platform connecting current students and alumni. Discover your path. Build social capital. Explore different majors and industries. Get resume advice and hone your interview skills. Employers are looking for specific skills and experience - alumni mentors may hold the key.
"Never doubt what you can do. You became the first in your family to make it to college; You control your future. You made it to one of the best educational institutions in the nation, there is nothing that you cannot do."
- Chasse, U of M first-gen alumni