MILR Student Experience

MILR students become part of a community of classmates, faculty, staff and alumni who share a commitment to learning together and from one another. The relationships students build during their time at Cornell become an important part of their experience, creating connections that support them throughout the program and beyond.

The MILR community brings together students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Students come from across the United States and around the world with varying levels of professional experience, bringing different industries, cultures and perspectives into the classroom and the MILR community. These differences help students broaden their understanding of the field, expand their professional networks, and learn from the experiences of their peers.

The ILR Graduate Student Organization (GSA) and the ILR International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) bring together MILR, M.S. and Ph.D. students through a variety of events and activities throughout the year, creating opportunities for students to connect and engage with one another across ILR. With more than 400 student organizations and spaces like the Big Red Barn, our graduate students have many opportunities to connect with people from across the university and explore interests beyond the program.

See more ILR graduate student organizations

For many students, Ithaca quickly becomes home during their MILR experience. Our students enjoy a welcoming college town with hiking trails, waterfalls, gorges, local restaurants, coffee shops, farmers markets and community events just minutes from campus.

MILR students learn from faculty experts who bring current research and real-world experience into the classroom. At Cornell’s ILR School, students benefit from decades of research, teaching and industry partnerships that have helped advance the field.

The MILR program combines the depth of a research institution with an engaging classroom experience. Small classes allow students to connect with faculty, explore ideas through discussion and apply course concepts to real workplace challenges. Most students complete the program in two years, with an option to graduate in three semesters.

Early in the program, students apply their learning through the Bundle Project. Working in small teams, students are met with a real business challenge from a sponsoring organization and are asked to address the challenge with their group by using knowledge from their courses and prior experiences. At the end of the semester, students present their recommendations directly to the sponsor company, gaining experience communicating with senior leaders.

All MILR students complete the same core curriculum, building a shared foundation in human resources and labor relations across the cohort. Through a wide range of electives, students can tailor their academic experience to their interests, career goals and areas where they want to grow. Students may also take courses outside of the ILR School when those courses align with the program’s learning goals, allowing them to explore perspectives from across Cornell.

MILR students have access to career support and professional development opportunities throughout their time at Cornell. The ILR Career Development team works with students to navigate their career goals, strengthen their job search strategies, and prepare for opportunities in human resources and labor relations.

Faculty often bring alumni and industry leaders into the classroom and to campus through speaker series, events and other initiatives throughout the year. These opportunities allow students to learn from professionals in the field, gain insight into different career paths and build connections with members of the broader ILR community.

MILR students have access to support services across Cornell, along with internal ILR resources that help set them up for success. 

To prepare for their first recruiting cycle and first semester of classes, students get career advising from ILR Career Development and partake in MILR orientation with the ILR Graduate Office. These sessions help students learn more about the program, connect with their classmates and begin building relationships within the MILR community.

Throughout the program, students receive academic advising, career support and guidance from faculty and staff. Students have a strong support network to help them navigate graduate school, prepare for their careers and make the most of their time at Cornell.