Logo of the ILR School at Cornell University, celebrating its 75th Anniversary

EXPLORE ILR Careers

EXPLORE ILR Careers are opportunities similar to internships focused on career exploration. These experiences allow students to explore a career field of interest and determine if they would want to pursue a similar career path in the future. 

Explore

Opportunities

Field Shadowing Program

The Field Shadowing Program is designed primarily for first-year ILR students (freshmen and transfer students). It is a one-day shadowing program that provides an invaluable opportunity for participants to explore diverse ILR-related career fields, gain firsthand work exposure, and network with alumni/sponsors.

abstract texture
Career Exploration Project

Career Exploration Project is designed specifically for sophomores, juniors, seniors, and first-year MILRs. Opportunities typically last two to three weeks and are intended for participants to explore a particular industry to develop on-the-job experience through a short-term assignment with a project sponsor. 

abstract texture

Learning Goals

EXPLORE Learning Goals: Engage with alumni or an organization invested in ILRies; Examine a potential career path; Participate in the workplace up close and personal; Learn to apply your academic courses in a practical work setting; Observe the day-to-day activities of a sponsor and organization; Reflect on the experience and how it relates to your career interests; Enhance your understanding of a particular organization or career field

Register

To participate in the Field Shadowing Program or Career Exploration Project, you must complete two steps:

  1. Attend the required info session* on September 24
  2. Register for the programs by October 9 and submit your resume through the online application
  3. Attend the Lottery session on November 6
    • FSP 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
    • CEP 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p..m ET 
    • Note: Please come ready with at least 3-5 top choices of opportunities to select from. All of the options are remote this year and not limited to your geographic area, however consider the dates if they match your family’s plans. We will be sending your lottery number with more information of how to review what opportunities are available. 
  4. Attend the Make the Most Session on November 11 at 5:00 p.m. ET
    • Note: This will be after you’ve selected an opportunity and your sponsor information will be shared post session. 

*Important deadlines will be covered at the required info session. Failure to comply with these deadlines may compromise your eligibility to participate in the program.

Selection Process

The Field Shadowing Program and Unpaid Career Exploration Projects use a lottery process for participants to select their opportunity. More details and information are shared after you complete the registration process. Sponsors who offer Unpaid Career Exploration Projects must ensure they meet the six federal guidelines set by the FLSA. Once you select a Field Shadowing Program or Unpaid Career Exploration Project in the lottery, you are expected to complete that opportunity. 

Paid Micro-Internships

There are a limited number of paid micro-internships available each year. For these opportunities, the employers have the option to select a particular participant to fill the position through a résumé collection and an interview. All paid opportunities are posted in Handshake. 

Independent Opportunities

Although OCS has attempted to expand our geographic base for available career exploration opportunities, we are not able to guarantee that we will have an existing opportunity in everyone’s preferred location. In these cases, it is possible to work with a career advisor in OCS to conduct an independent search. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please schedule an appointment with one of our advisors through Chatter. 

What if my plans change?

Students are expected to honor their Field Shadowing Program or Career Exploration Project commitments. Please determine your availability prior to selecting an opportunity on the lottery day. It would be valuable to speak with your family about the program prior to selecting an opportunity to verify plans for the dates allotted and if you will have access to transportation. 

If you are participating in Greek Life recruitment, please verify those dates and select opportunities that fit with your availability. If an unforeseeable circumstance impacts your participation, please notify your sponsor and our office immediately at ilrocsEXPLORE@cornell.edu.

Contact Us

Contact ilrocsEXPLORE@cornell.edu with questions.

If you are a potential sponsor, please go here to find more information.