University professionals are often members of dual-career couples. When planning to relocate, the employment needs of the spouse or partner are an important consideration. The Relocation Assistance Program offers support and resources to help spouses or partners explore employment options in this community.

Jump to:

• U of M Employment
• Networking in the Twin Cities
• Resume and Career Development
• Balancing Work and Family
• Dual Career Services Brochure (pdf)

U of M Employment

University of Minnesota Employment Web site

If you apply for a particular U of M job, RAP can send an acknowledgment letter to the associated department, indicating your affiliation with the University. For more information, contact RAP at 612-626-0775 or 800-227-8636.

As a spouse/partner of a U of M faculty or staff member, you are also entitled to apply for Professional and Administrative (P&A) “internal candidates only” positions. The University of Minnesota has policies that permit the hiring of a spouse/partner without a search. These policies may help the primary hire to raise the issue of bridge funding and also encourage open dialogue with their respective hiring department about possible options for spouse/partner employment. For more information, contact the RAP office.

Upper Midwest Higher Education Recruitment Consortium

The University of Minnesota is a member of UMW HERC. This consortium is comprised of more than 50 institutions in the Upper Midwest that work together to support dual-career and diversity hiring. Higher education job seekers may submit their resume/CV to the HERC database.

Bridge Funding

To enhance the University's opportunities to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty, the University has established two bridge funds designed to increase diverse faculty hires:

• Bridge Fund for Faculty of Color Hires
• Bridge Fund for Spousal/Partner Hires

More information is available through the Office for Equity and Diversity.

Networking in the Twin Cities

Through a well-developed network of volunteers, alumni, U of M employees, and professional associations, RAP can put you in touch with professionals in your field. RAP works closely with the University's Office of Business Relations to identify employment contacts within the public and private sectors.

You may also want to become a member of LinkedIn, a business-oriented social networking site and join the U of M Alumni Association Group.

Workshop: Conducting a Job Search in the Twin Cities 

This workshop is held each September and focuses on helping spouses and partners of recently relocated new U of M employees learn how to identify potential places of employment, conduct informational interviews, make contacts through networking, and construct effective resumes.

The following materials were distributed at the 2009 seminar:

Employment Partners

Several major Twin Cities companies and public entities partner with the University to help spouses/partners identify opportunities within their organizations. To learn more about an organization, determine its fit with your career goals, and be connected to its University liaison, view the list of organizations. When contacting an organization, be sure to state your affiliation with the University, and that you were referred by the Relocation Assistance Program.

Resume and Career Development

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

RAP staff will also assist you in updating your resume or curriculum vitae and in the writing of effective cover letters.

RAP also offers an opportunity for you to post an online resume/vitae for review by Twin Cities' area employers. To be included in this talent bank, please read the instructions before submitting your resume. To be eligible for career assistance, you must submit your profile and resume/vitae. Contact the RAP office or send an e-mail, with your resume/vitae attached, to rapland@umn.edu.

Counseling

A transition is a good time to reflect on where you are heading in your career. RAP collaborates with the staff of Employee Career Services to provide one-to-one career counseling. In addition to the job search workshop sponsored by RAP, spouses and partners are encouraged to take advantage of career development workshops and courses. Assessment tools, assistance with networking, resume writing, and links to local job banks are available through Employee Career Services.

Career and Lifework Center

The College of Continuing Education's Career and LifeWork Center offers resources in career review and renewal. Through online assessments, workshops, and one-to-one consultations, the Center works to help you explore career options.

International Spouses/Partners

Being an international spouse/partner adds another dimension to the job search. The U of M Office of International Student and Scholar Services sponsors career workshops that are open to all international spouses/partners who are working with RAP and are eligible to work in the United States.

Balancing Work and Family

• The Employee Assistance Program provides free professional consultation and referral services for University employees and their family members who are experiencing work or personal difficulties.
• The Work/Life program offers support for faculty and staff in managing their work, family, and personal responsibilities.