What “essential skills” do you see as most critical for the future workforce in New Jersey?
Essential skills for the future workforce go beyond technical expertise. NACE highlights eight career readiness competencies—like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking—that support long-term success, but because the job market is constantly evolving and future careers are unpredictable, cultivating a growth mindset is just as important, empowering individuals to learn, adapt, and thrive in a changing world of work.
How is your institution partnering with employers to ensure graduates are workforce-ready?
We’re fortunate to have strong partnerships to ensure students are workforce ready. Verizon sponsors The Career Closet, giving Rutgers—New Brunswick students free access to professional attire, and Johnson & Johnson has funded two Career Portrait Lounges that provide free headshots. We also engage employers as part-time Industry Consultants who meet one-on-one with students, and through programs like the 4WARD Career Pathways Program and countless experiential learning opportunities, students gain the exposure, networks, and skills needed for long-term success.
We’ve built strong partnerships with organizations such as Johnson & Johnson and Verizon, where students take part in research projects and internships aligned with workforce needs—giving them real-world experience while employers gain early access to talent. We also connect students directly with industry professionals through our Intern for a Day Job Shadowing Program, which engaged over 400 students last year in exploring workplaces and career fields firsthand. In addition, more than 200 students participated in our biennial Mastering the Art of Networking Conference and Etiquette Dinner, where employer volunteers led interactive activities such as job offer negotiation simulations to help students build confidence in connecting with professionals.
What efforts are being made to reach underrepresented communities and ensure equitable access to workforce pathways?
We design our programs to help students who may face barriers in pursuing their career goals while remaining accessible to all. Through initiatives such as short-term job shadowing, mentoring, and other experiential opportunities, students gain exposure to career paths, the world of work, and professional networks. We also help students overcome financial barriers through resources like the Bright Futures Internship Fund and the Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship Program, which provides stipends and support for students in internships—ensuring equitable access to workforce pathways across our diverse student body.
