Deluxe E-ternship Program - Students

Semester Part-time Paid Internships with Top Startup Companies

The Deluxe E-ternship Program connects early-stage companies and undergraduate students in mutually beneficial collaboration on cross-functional projects. This program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to become members of high-potential entrepreneurial teams. At the same time, the program provides companies with student resources for cross-functional projects. Projects can range from market research to evaluation of new products/services/markets to business planning to support the launch of a new venture.

Program Goals

Student-Focused

• Test student's interest and capability in an early-stage innovative venture
• Gain first-hand exposure to an entrepreneur as they build their business
• Apply student's entrepreneurship coursework in a real-world environment

Entrepreneur-Focused

• Provide early-stage companies with student resources and new perspectives
• Encourage mentorship opportunities and experience in bringing on new team members
• Support the overall growth of the Twin Cities Entrepreneurial community by providing resources and expertise

Eligibility

Applicants must be a current student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits* during the semester they will be participating in the program and not studying abroad. (*If you are a senior this minimum may be waived contact the program coordinator.)

The Deluxe E-ternship Program is offered only during the Fall and Spring semesters (September – May).

Process

Application

• Apply via Handshake 
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Copy of Unofficial UMN Transcript
• Students are selected based upon a demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship, leadership skills, and academic record.

Next Steps Meeting

• All selected students will attend a "Next Steps Meeting", where we will discuss the overall program, student-company pairing process, and hiring information, and invite companies to introduce themselves in a 2-minute pitch.
• We do not hold formal interviews for this program and students do not apply directly to companies for internships. The networking portion of this event provides the opportunity for students and companies to connect and learn more.
• Prior to this meeting, students will receive a list of all internship opportunities available for the semester.

Company Preferences 

• Students will be asked to complete a Top 5 Preference form to identify the companies they are most excited to work with for the semester. This form plays a part in the pairing process for companies and students.
• Being passionate about what you are working on is a key ingredient to success.

Pairing Students with a Startup

• Companies and students will be notified by the program coordinator of their pairings shortly after the Next Steps Meeting.
• The pairings will be based on needs for the internship as identified by companies, students' experiences/skill sets, and the student's top 5 identified preferred internships.

Hiring Information

Students will be hired by the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, and paired with external companies for the semester. This process allows for the Deluxe E-ternship Program to be available for both international and non-international undergraduate students.

The program coordinator will email accepted students an offer letter and all hours will be submitted through your MyU account.

The internship will be jointly funded by the participating entrepreneurial company and the Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship. The commitment is 10-15 hours/week and the compensation is $15.00/hour.

Spring 2023 Semester Schedule

• Applications Open: Monday, October 31st
• Applications Close: Monday, November 21st
• Selected Students Notified: Wednesday, November 23rd
• Kick-Off Meeting: Friday, December 2nd
• Company Preferences Due: Monday, December 5th
• Matches Finalized: Friday, December 9th

Questions

Contact Kailin Oliver at olive322@umn.edu.