Your path forward begins here—on your own terms. At the First-Gen Student Success Center, we offer the tools and connections to help you confidently navigate your future. Whether you're exploring career paths, building networks, or preparing for graduate school, our career services, alumni networks, job platforms, and faculty connections are all here to support your unique journey.
Resources
Career Exploration & Resources
Your College’s Career Services
Each college has its own career center to specifically support students going into those industries and fields. Find your college's career office and get support in:
They also offer career resources for specifically identified populations: students with disabilities, international students, LGBTQIA students, multicultural students, women, or veterans.
Career Fairs & Events
The University of Minnesota and employer partners host a variety of career events and fairs, including info sessions, networking events, interview practice sessions, and alumni panels.
Visit Handshake for a full list of events. Sort by type, key word, career office, and more.
University of Minnesota Career Fairs & Events
Job Search
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.
Network with U of M Alumni
The Maroon and Gold Network is a free, online platform connecting current students and alumni. Alumni mentors can help you discover your path, explore different majors and industries, get resume advice, and hone your interview skills.
Graduate School & Beyond
If you are thinking about graduate school, there are things you can do during undergrad to help you prepare!
Connect with Faculty
Developing relationships with professors is important when it’s time to get letters of recommendation. Make sure to attend office hours, participate actively in class discussions, and find opportunities to assist with research projects.
Get Experience
Hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities helps you gain experience in your field of interest. This can strengthen your grad school application and give you practical skills and knowledge!
Find Programs
There are over 130 master’s and doctoral programs at the U of M. Make sure to explore your options and find the right program for you!
Prospective Student Toolkit
The Graduate School at the U of M has all the information you need regarding how to prepare for graduate school—find the resources, support, and information you need to begin navigating the Graduate School admissions process.
Learning Abroad and Away
Learning Abroad
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.
National Student Exchange (NSE)
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!
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Can I do research as an undergraduate student?
Yes! You can get involved in research as soon as you step onto campus. Additionally, some research opportunities are paid and are a great way to prepare for graduate school.
How do I get involved with 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. You do not need to come up with your own project, but you can!
Volunteer & Service-Learning Opportunities
Community Engaged 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
Academic courses that offer hands-on project or project based work within the community.
Volunteer Peer Advising
Advising for 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.
Working on Campus
On-Campus Jobs
There are many wide-ranging opportunities to work on campus while you are a student. On-campus positions become available all the time, so if you are interested in a student job, it can be helpful to let staff in various departments know that you’re looking!
Work Study
What is Work Study?
Work Study awards are a form of financial aid that is available to students with financial need. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a work-study award. Work-study awards are included in your Financial Aid Award Notice.
How does work-study connect to my student job?
Your work-study award is distributed as part of your earned paycheck 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.