[ILR] The John George Cressey Master of ILR Graduate Career Search Assistance Fund

The John George Cressey Master of ILR Graduate Career Search Assistance Fund, established by donation, provides graduate financial assistance to MILR students enrolled in the ILR School and still searching for employment by the month of their graduation. PhD and other master’s degree recipients are not eligible to receive this funding.

The award is for maximum of $X [insert amount here].

Selection is not based solely on financial need and receiving financial aid is not an eligibility requirement. However, interested students must demonstrate a specific need in their application.

What Expenses Can Be Funded?

The grant funds are intended to help subsidize a student’s budget and should not be seen as an exclusive source of financing for their employment search. Assistance could be used for, but is not limited to:

  • Travel for the purpose of interviewing or relocation
  • Temporary housing
  • Professional attire
  • Other activities necessary to break into the field of human capital management

What is not eligible:

  • Graduate School Exam prep materials/ courses and exam fees
  • Graduate school-related expenses (application fees, travel, etc.)
  • Tuition or fee-based programs (clothing can still be covered)

Who Can Apply?

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria in order to apply for funding: 

  • Currently enrolled, matriculated graduate student in a degree-granting program in Cornell ILR School (MILR only) in final semester of graduation
  • Demonstrate unmet need. (Students are not required to be eligible for financial aid)
  • In the pursuit of professional employment in the field of human resources or human capital

Students are NOT eligible to apply for funding if:

  • They are on a leave of absence
  • They are currently studying abroad
  • Students with Career Services Campus Recruiting policy violations may not be eligible and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Funding Eligibility and Priority Details:

  • Students who are traveling to or whose permanent address is within a 100-mile radius of the destination are not eligible for overnight expenses
  • Transportation may be reimbursable
  • Only domestic travel is eligible
  • Receiving financial aid is not a requirement; however, students with the highest financial need are given preference