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Gaining valuable experience over the summer can provide you with a competitive edge when searching for a full-time job or admission into graduate programs. It is also a great way to determine what career paths to explore.

Photo: High Road Fellows Jumping

ILR and Cornell offer a variety of summer opportunities to develop transferable skills and gain work experience. We also encourage you to search for opportunities outside Cornell that align with your interests, strengths, and values.

High Road Fellowships 

Since 2009, the High Road Fellowship program has provided opportunities for Cornell undergraduate students to participate as a group in research, engaged learning, and service while working to advance community-based economic development in Buffalo, New York. *** 

Summer Internships 

Gain real-world work experience, explore an industry, and build your resume through a summer internship. You can search for internships through Handshake, or utilize dozens of other resources to help find the perfect opportunity for you. For more info on the internship/job search process, access the ILR Career Space on Canvas. 

Summer Shadowing Opportunities 

Job shadowing allows you to spend a few hours observing a professional as they perform their job, and can provide you with “real-world” insight into a certain occupation or career field. Access CUeLINKS to connect with Cornell alumni that are open to shadowing opportunities, or network on LinkedIn to find additional options. For more info on networking, access the ILR Career Space on Canvas. 

Research Opportunities 

There are several to conduct research through the ILR School, such as summer research fellowships and academic-year independent study. Many of these opportunities are either paid or confer course credit. 

Other Ways to Gain Experience 

Though internships and full-time jobs are great, there are plenty of other valid ways to gain experience and develop transferable skills. Visit Experience Cornell and access the ILR Career Space on Canvas to learn about other key opportunities, such as summer study abroad programs, fellowships, summer classes, and on-campus involvement.