The Formula

Gaining experience BEFORE you graduate is key to securing a job or getting accepted to graduate school. Degree + Skills/Competencies + Experience = Career Options. Be intentional about pursuing opportunities that will help you develop career core competencies and specific skills needed for your plans after graduation. Not sure what career interests you? That's ok, these experiences will help you to narrow down your options--jump in and try something!

Internships

Internships are paid or unpaid experiences that are connected to learning and career goals, as well as professional and skill development. Benefits of doing an internship include:

  • Test out potential career choices and organizations
  • Explore what type of job tasks you enjoy and don't enjoy
  • Develop professional skills and build a network
  • Connect the learning you are doing in the classroom to the world of work
  • Get work experience at an organization, which could lead to a full-time position

When to do an internship

Getting career-related experience early is highly recommended. Most students do internships in their sophomore and junior years, but they are possible for first-year students as well.

Finding an internship

Use Handshake, the University's free database of internships and jobs. See the Internship & Job Search Guide for other search strategies.

Getting academic credit for internships

Check with your academic department for internship and/or directed study for credit options.

Interning abroad

Visit the Learning Abroad Center

Become a competitive applicant

Gain experience through research, volunteering, part-time and on-campus jobs, abroad experiences, student groups, and leadership roles.

Make the most of your internship

Talk with your supervisor to get guidance on what their expectations are, ask a lot of questions, take initiative, follow-through on your responsibilities, and take time to connect with your professionals at the organization to learn more about the organization, their current job, and their career path.

Research

Why do research?

  • Develop skills that will benefit you in your career
  • Build relationships with faculty
  • Explore research as a career path
  • Learn about a subject in depth to develop expertise
  • Earn money and/or earn academic credit

Get started with research

Find a faculty member expert in your field of interest. You can reach out to a faculty member you have had a class with, ask your academic department for recommendations and/or read faculty profiles on their website, search experts.umn.edu or contact [email protected] for help.

Remember, faculty are doing research all the time and often need help, so you don't need to have a completely fleshed out research plan or even a specific research idea. All you need is an interest that matches the faculty member and a willingness to ask how you can get involved!

Volunteering

Why volunteer?

  • Build your resume and further develop and apply skills
  • Develop relationships with professionals
  • Create positive change in your community
  • Gain experience to explore career interests

Finding volunteer opportunities can often be posted in Handshake.

Part-Time & On-Campus Jobs

Why do a part-time or on-campus job?

  • Gain exposure to the professional world, co-workers, supervisors, and mentors
  • Get hands on experience related to your career goals
  • Financial support for education and living expenses
  • On-campus employment provides flexibility to schedule work hours around your classes
  • Examples of how part-time jobs help you develop skills:
    • Working as a camp counselor to develop skills for a teaching career
    • Working as a social media assistant for an office on campus to develop skills for a marketing career
    • Working as a student technology specialist to develop skills for a computer science career

Finding an on-campus and part-time jobs

Search for positions through Human Resources Student Employment and Handshake, and Indeed

Talk to friends, family, advisors, and others in your network to ask for any job leads.

Go Abroad

Why go abroad?

  • Study, volunteer, intern, work, or do research in a new country and culture
  • Hone your skills such as: language ability, adaptability, effective engagement with diverse populations, and communication
  • Fulfill major or minor requirements and/or liberal education requirements

Get started exploring abroad options 

Go to the Learning Abroad Center’s website to explore resources and complete the first step meeting, then meet with an advisor to discuss program options that may be a good fit for you. 

Explore programs 

There are opportunities to study, work, intern, volunteer, teach English, and research abroad! Experiences can vary from a few weeks during winter break, may session, or summer and can be as long as a year. There are all kinds of programs depending on your interests and goals offered in an array of countries. 

Financial support for abroad experiences 

Abroad experiences vary from program to program, there are many options that cost the same (or even less) than attending the UMN. Also, there are many scholarships, grants, and fee reductions available.

Student Groups & Leadership

Why get involved with student group and leadership

  • Develop teamwork/collaboration and leadership competencies (great for future jobs)
  • Build friendships with other students who share a similar interest
  • Connect to alumni and employers 

Finding student groups

Contact Student Activities to find organizations that fit your interests.  

This guide is adapted from the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Career Resources