UMN Undergraduate Student Job Guidance

Here at the University of Minnesota we are dedicated to the success of our student employees. Below you will find guidance to help undergraduate student applicants be as successful as possible.

On this page

System Campus Employment Information | Understanding Work Study | Off-Campus Work-Study Jobs | Eligibility | Minimum Credits Required to Hold a Student Job | How to Find a Student Job | When and How to Start Your Student Job | Student Employment Policies

System Campus Employment Information

Learn more about employment and work-study at your campus:

Understanding Work Study

Work study is a state and federally funded program that supports part-time jobs for students who need help to meet the costs of attending college. The program provides income and job experience to students and funding to the employers who hire them.

Having work study makes you a more attractive candidate to University employers. The money you earn is yours to keep and does not need to be paid back after graduation, unlike student loans. To find out more about your eligibility for a work-study award, check with your campus OneStop Student Services:

Off-campus Work-study Jobs

The University of Minnesota also partners with public service organizations outside the University to provide work-study opportunities off-campus. For the Twin Cities campus, these Community Service Program job opportunities are posted on Handshake with “CSP Employer” in the job posting title. If you are an off-campus employer near the Twin Cities campus and wish to participate in the Community Service Program, contact [email protected] for more details.

Eligibility

As a University of Minnesota student, you are eligible to work if you are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and you meet minimum registration requirements.

Students who hold a F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to work on or off campus. Please see the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website for more information.

High school students in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program are also eligible to work on campus. See the PSEO Student Handbook for more information.

Minimum Credits Required to Hold a Student Job

Fall and Spring Sessions
Student StatusRegularWork-study
Undergraduate66
Non-degree6N/A
International Undergraduate12N/A
International Non-degree12N/A
Summer Session
Student StatusRegularWork-study
Undergraduate0*6
Non-degree6N/A
International Undergraduate0*N/A
International Non-degree12N/A

*If you worked on campus during spring semester and intend to register for fall semester, you do not need to register for summer to hold a student job.

How To Find a Student Job

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Search current openings

  • Browse online postings for all students, including first-year students. Job listings are updated daily. Posted jobs often fill quickly, and new jobs are posted every day.
  • Make sure to review your financial aid award to see if you’re eligible for work study. If you’re eligible, you can apply for jobs listed as work-study only. Learn about work study from OneStop.
  • See the Using the Job Application System webpage for help using the job application system.

Review the job requirements and description

  • Make sure the work interests you, that you meet the qualifications, and that you can work the schedule given, if applicable. 
  • Contact the hiring department directly if you have questions about the job posting. 

Apply for the position

  • Use the link in the job posting to apply. For most positions, all you’ll need to do is upload a resume and answer a few simple questions. 
  • Include information about your work-study funds, if applicable. (You can simply say, “I have work-study funds available.”)
  • Make sure to include a cover letter if the job posting requires one.
  • If you need help with resumes and cover letters, visit the Career Services website to learn how to write resumes and cover letters.

Schedule and prepare for an interview

  • Work with the department directly to schedule an interview. Note that there may be many applicants for the same position. You may not get an interview for every position you apply for.
  • Promptly reply to any inquiries for interviews. If you wait too long, the hiring manager may move forward with other candidates.
  • Prepare for the interview, reread the job description, and compile any questions you have about the interview and hiring process. 
  • Call the hiring manager if you are delayed or unable to interview at the time scheduled.

Questions a hiring manager might ask:

  • What hours are you available to work?
  • What is your class schedule for the term?
  • How many credits are you taking?
  • What type of work experience have you had?
  • What is your major?
  • Do you have work-study funds?

Interview tips:

  • Be on time.
  • Smile and relax as much as you can.
  • Speak clearly.
  • Think positively.
  • Dress appropriately.
  • Bring your resume and any materials the hiring manager asks for (e.g., writing samples).

Be persistent

  • Check the job listings daily and apply as soon as possible.
  • Apply for any job for which you are qualified.
  • Network with instructors, departments, and other students.

Additional help

  • If you are having difficulty finding a job, contact the Student Employment Office at [email protected].
  • Keep in mind that you may not find your "dream" job immediately. Be patient and persistent during your job search.

When and How to Start Your Job

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When can I start working?

Depending on your student and registration status, you may not be able to work before or after certain dates.

Student Employment Begin and End Dates

SemesterSemester DatesEmployment Begin DateTermination Date
Fall 2025

9/2/25–12/18/25

Finals week: 12/12/25–12/18/25

8/11/25

The first day a student can work (provided the student has sufficient credits).

12/28/25
Spring 2026

1/20/26–5/13/26

Finals week: 5/7/26–5/13/26

12/29/255/17/26
Summer 20265/18/26-8/9/265/18/268/9/26
Notes
  • Fall 2025 semester: Fall work-study runs 8/11/25–12/28/25.
  • Spring 2026 semester: Spring work-study runs 12/29/25–5/17/26.
  • Summer 2026: Summer work-study runs 5/18/26-8/9/26.

What do I need to start my job?

Once hired, you must fill out the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification and provide documents to show that you are eligible for employment on or before your first day of work for pay. (Your supervisor will send you the document to fill out after you accept the job.) View acceptable I-9 documents.

Student Employment Policies

These policies apply to students working in on-campus jobs. Students employed in off-campus positions are subject to the rules and policies of the company for which they work.

General

Compensation and Classification

Leaves/Time Off

Performance

Workplace Rules