Application Process
The Co-op Program will be using Handshake to receive the application materials to the program. If you are accepted after completing your application, you will be notified within 2 business weeks. After being accepted, you will then be able to use Handshake to search Co-op positions, apply to those you find suitable, and manage your applications and job status through your Handshake account.
Applying through Handshake
- Click on this link: https://umn.joinhandshake.com/jobs/4270404/share_preview and log into Handshake for the job posting.
- Sign in with your UMN password. If you haven’t set up a profile, you’ll be asked to do so and will need to respond to an email verification to confirm your account.
- If you haven't been brought to the job posting, then in the top bar click on Jobs. Then search for “UMN Engineering Co-op Program Student Application” and apply. If you cannot find it, try searching for the job posting number 4270404.
- The Handshake application instructions and forms are listed below for your convenience. You will find it helpful to prepare all of the materials ahead of time, before logging into Handshake. Please do not email the application materials to the Co-op Office but submit them on Handshake.
Application Documents
There are multiple documents needed to apply to the Co-op Program. Click on the Handshake Apply Button to submit them. Please note: If accepted into the Co-op Program, you will also submit all items listed below to any Co-op jobs you apply to after being accepted into the program.
1. You will need to create and/or update your Handshake profile. In your profile, please list your current GPA, your major, and your standing (sophomore, junior, etc.) You will then upload all of the following to your Handshake application to the Co-op program:
2. CSE Engineering Co-op Application Additional Information and Essay. This document is also listed at the bottom of the Handshake job posting under "attachments." After completing the questions and essay, Save your application using this title format:
Your LastName_FirstName_SemesterYear_Application (example: Doe_John_SP21_Application.pdf). Upload your completed PDF to your application to the Co-op Program in Handshake.
3A. Current Unofficial Transcript. If you have trouble requesting your unofficial transcript, make sure you have your popup blocker turned off. (This has caused problems for students in the past.)
The transcript should be a PDF file. Name your transcript in the same way as you did the application (example: Doe_John_SP21_Transcript.pdf) An official transcript is not necessary. If you would like to redact your birth date or ID number on your transcript, you may do so.
3B. Transfer Student Transcripts (Transfer students only) Transfer students need to submit their transfer school transcripts, however Handshake will only accept one transcript document. You need to merge them with your unofficial U of M transcript (you can use the free PDF Mergy on Google Drive) with your U of M transcript first. Please redact (black out) any information you don't want potential employers to view.
Remember, transfer students need to have completed one UMN CSE semester before they can apply to the Co-op Program. See the Eligibility page for more information.
4. Current Resume. This is an important document for making a good first impression with the potential employer. See this resume tips page if you need assistance.The Co-op Program will not be giving feedback on resumes, although the CSE Career Office may do so.
The resume should be current and must be submitted in your Handshake application as a PDF.
Name your resume in the same way as you did the application (example:Doe_John_SP21_Resume.pdf.)
How to Submit the Documents to The Co-op Program
All documents listed above (essay response, resume, and transcript) must be submitted to Handshake as part of your application to the program by the due date. (The spring 2021 due date is February 19, 2021.)
- Make sure all of your documents are PDFs to preserve the formatting of your materials.
- Make sure they are all named in the format of your LastName_FirstName_SemesterYear_Document
You will be notified by email within two weeks of submission whether or not you have been accepted into the Co-op Program. Once you are accepted into the Co-op Program, you will be able to search for and apply to Co-op positions inside of Handshake. They will be listed as "CSE Co-op Employer – Title of Position." So searching for keywords, "CSE Co-op" will help you find a current list of Co-op positions in Handshake.
Reapplying to the Co-op Program
Students may apply and interview no more than three semesters, submitting new application materials each time. Make sure the current application form is being used, the resume and transcript are current, and the essay has been rewritten. Students who have not been hired by a Co-op employer after three interview periods should focus on completing their degree and will not be allowed to interview through a fourth recruitment cycle.
Students who have already been hired by a Co-op employer and have taken the Co-op courses may not go through the program a second time.
Why an Essay?
Many recruiters have stated that the essay is the main portion of the application that they look at and base their interview decisions upon. They said that they understand there will not be a strong work history and concede that most of the coursework among the students is the same, so they use the essay to look for insights into personality, unique skills, clarity of thought, etc.
Tips for Writing the Co-op Application Essay
If you want to save or print out these tips, click on this pdf link. These tips are specific to the Co-op Program.
Carefully write a 3-to-5 paragraph essay to highlight your particular abilities and interests. Read the prompt closely and answer every point in a concise manner. One-paragraph essays or those with poor grammar are quickly weeded out by recruiters.
A 3-to-5 paragraph essay typically starts with an introductory paragraph, which gives a brief outline of what will be discussed. Then proceed with one to three paragraphs that form the body of your essay. Start with your strongest statement in the body’s first paragraph. Give examples of key statements in each part of the body. Your concluding paragraph should summarize the essay, perhaps making a reference back to the introduction.
Shape How You Describe Yourself
- Draw the reader in with a strong opening statement. Your application is one of many, and this will help you stand out in the applicant pool.
- Do not just state that you want practical experience; that’s obvious – be specific.
- Emphasize what's unique about you. For example: classes you've taken, professors you've worked with, or events you've attended. Highlight projects, volunteer positions, jobs, or experiences that relate to your goals.
- What do you think is the most interesting or notable thing about you? How do you think it might relate to the company that you want to work for?
- What do you plan to do with the education/experience you hope to receive?
- Demonstrate that you have a realistic sense of the field and the training required. Provide examples of how you've prepared yourself for this field. (For example, how you conducted research, volunteer work, or related personal experiences.)
- Even if you are not sure what area of engineering you want to focus on, at least mention your areas of interest. What makes you and your interests a good fit?
- Say what the program will gain by accepting you.
- Keep it positive. Do not explain shortcomings in your background or application, or poor grades. That would highlight negatives, which you want to avoid.
Tone and Writing Style
- Come across as genuine, realistic, unique, and enthusiastic.
- Avoid writing vague or generic-sounding statements; they're ineffective. Instead use concrete details.
- Avoid romanticizing your plans. Talk about realistic ways you can contribute to the field.
- Avoid meaningless clichés such as "I've always wanted to..." or "I like to help people."
- Use different sentence structures in your essay. Avoid beginning every sentence with “I.”
- Avoid casual language, use professional wording. For example, instead of writing that you want to “get my hands dirty” use “apply skills and knowledge.”
Final Check
- Edit and proofread your essay. Are you communicating exactly what you want to say?
- Does it look professional and well written? Look at grammar, font size, aesthetics, spelling, and format. Don't forget this is also a writing sample.
- Have someone else proofread the final version for typos, content, and grammatical errors.
Writing an Effective Resume
A resume is an essential part of any job search and is something that you will use and modify throughout your college career and beyond. A resume is often thought of as the first impression, and is especially important for students and employers that do not attend the Job Fair as it is a significant tool employers use to choose students to interview. Your resume should be a compelling summary of your education, skills, and work, volunteer and leadership experiences.
Writing Tips and Guidelines
- Write in a consistent style
- Keep your resume updated
- Use action verbs and avoid using "I"
- Use bullets or lists rather than complete sentences or paragraphs
- Make sure your resume is visually appealing and spaced evenly on the page. Avoid excess white space
- Avoid spelling and grammatical errors. Have someone else review and proofread your resume
- Only include true, relevant information
- Keep the resume to one page. It is easier for employers to view and practically, at this stage in your career, you don't have enough content to go over one page.
- Make sure the electronic file of the resume you submit or email is a pdf. A Word document's formatting often changes when opened by a word processing program or version different from the one you used.
This is a very brief overview of resume writing. You can get more information at the CSE Career Center in 105 Lind Hall and be sure to take advantage of the Career Center Counselors to critique your resume.
Other Helpful Links
Writing an Effective Resume
A resume is an essential part of any job search and is something that you will use and modify throughout your college career and beyond. A resume is often thought of as the first impression, and is especially important for students and employers that do not attend the Job Fair as it is a significant tool employers use to choose students to interview. Your resume should be a compelling summary of your education, skills, and work, volunteer and leadership experiences.
Writing Tips and Guidelines
- Write in a consistent style
- Keep your resume updated
- Use action verbs and avoid using "I"
- Use bullets or lists rather than complete sentences or paragraphs
- Make sure your resume is visually appealing and spaced evenly on the page. Avoid excess white space
- Avoid spelling and grammatical errors. Have someone else review and proofread your resume
- Only include true, relevant information
- Keep the resume to one page. It is easier for employers to view and practically, at this stage in your career, you don't have enough content to go over one page.
- Make sure the electronic file of the resume you submit or email is a pdf. A Word document's formatting often changes when opened by a word processing program or version different from the one you used.
This is a very brief overview of resume writing. You can get more information at the CSE Career Center in 105 Lind Hall and be sure to take advantage of the Career Center Counselors to critique your resume.
Other Helpful Links