Corporate Connections
Experiential Learning Through Industry Engagement
Industry professional guest speakers visiting courses in the Environmental and Business Economics (EBE) major in Spring 2026:
- LockGuard Providing security solutions to universities, apartments, and the commercial sector
- JPMorgan Chase & Co
- Rocket Lab An end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management
- Middlesex County Gov Serving Middlesex County residents by providing essential public services, coordinating countywide programs, and supporting municipalities
Externships
The MBS Externship Program is open to SEBS undergraduate students. Externships will run in the summer semester (May – August) and in the fall and spring semesters. The application, answers to common questions, and other information are available on the website: Experiential Learning for Business and Science | Rutgers
The department also runs webinars for students interested in the program. They can be found on the Experiential Learning for Business and Science Events Page.
Participating in the Rutgers Externship program gives students multiple professional and academic benefits:
- Real-World Experience: Students apply classroom theories to real organizational challenges, gaining practical experience that employers value.
- Professional Mentorship: Externs work directly with industry mentors and faculty advisors, building their professional network.
- Career Preparation: The skills developed—such as team collaboration, problem-solving, project management, and presentation abilities—prepare students for future jobs and internships.
- Credentials and Resume Building: Students receive a digital badge and formal recognition of their externship work that they can include on resumes and LinkedIn profiles, helping them stand out to employers.
- Academic Integration: For Honors College students, the externship can also satisfy capstone or degree requirements while earning academic credit.
I-Corps™
I-Corps is an entrepreneurial training program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that helps participants turn research and inventions into viable commercial opportunities. Rutgers is a partner in the NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub. The program includes multiple pathways such as:
Novus – I-Corps: a free half-day workshop introducing the essentials of entrepreneurial thinking and customer discovery.
Propelus – I-Corps: a 4-session regional Training Program. This is for teams of 2 or more people (students, faculty, staff, community innovators) who have a well-thought-out idea or innovation to help them learn if their innovation has market potential. Teams that complete the program are eligible for a $1500 grant from the National Science Foundation.
Why It's Great for Students
- Real market insight: Students learn how to test assumptions about their idea with real customers, which is critical for building successful ventures.
- Funding support: Teams can earn payments after program completion to offset expenses while exploring commercialization.
- Career readiness: Participation builds entrepreneurial skills that are useful in startups, research commercialization, consulting, and business roles.
- Networking: Students connect with mentors, innovation leaders, and regional partners.
More information on I-Corps and upcoming programs can be found on the EcoDevelopment website.
Scarlet Pitch
ScarletPitch is Rutgers–New Brunswick's campus-wide pitch competition where undergraduate and graduate students share innovative ideas — from social impact projects to business ventures — with judges and an audience. It's part of a broader ecosystem that includes opportunities to advance to larger competitions such as UPitchNJ (statewide) and the Hult Prize (international) for selected teams.
Students pitch a problem, solution, business model, and competitive advantage in a short format and compete for cash prizes and advancement opportunities. All students who apply are invited to various training workshops to develop skills and help move their innovations forward.
Why It's Great for Students
- Public speaking and persuasion: Pitching builds communication skills that are valuable in any career.
- Idea development: Structured feedback helps students refine and strengthen their concepts.
- Recognition and incentives: Finalists can win cash prizes and be chosen to represent Rutgers at larger competitions like UPitchNJ, expanding exposure and opportunities.
- Networking: Students meet mentors, industry professionals, and other innovators.
More information can be found on the ScarletPitch program page and on the UPitchNJ program page.
Rutgers Entrepreneurship Coalition
The Rutgers Entrepreneurship Coalition is a multi-disciplinary network of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation on campus and in the region. It organizes and promotes programs (like I-Corps and ScarletPitch), workshops, networking events, and resources to support innovators at all stages.
Examples of activities include pitch competitions, experiential learning opportunities, externships, and innovation expos.
Why It's Great for Students
- Broad support ecosystem: Students gain access to mentorship, cross-disciplinary networks, and exposure to entrepreneurial resources.
- Experiential learning: Through Coalition-supported activities, students put classroom concepts into practice.
- Professional growth: Events and programs facilitate skill development in business planning, innovation strategy, and leadership.
More information on specific resources can be found on the Rutgers Entrepreneurship Coalition website.