The 4WARD Career Pathways Program is a specialized and impactful multi-year experience specifically tailored for first-generation undergraduate students and others coming to Rutgers—New Brunswick without a well-established career network. The program aims to support participants in achieving post-graduation career success. Through this program, students can clarify their career goals, access exclusive recruiting resources that unlock valuable internship experiences, and actively engage in various opportunities that enhance their competitiveness in pursuing their future careers. Despite the complexity of the professional world, the 4WARD Career Pathways Program serves as a streamlined pathway to success.
Attend a virtual information session to learn more about the program and the application process. The same material will be covered at all sessions.
Applications for this program will open up on October 1, 2025 and will close on November 15, 2025. You will then be redirected to complete an online application and submit an interview clip using Big Interview.
This program is an exclusive, high-impact, multi-year experience designed to assist participants in reaching post-graduation success. First-year undergraduate participants are assigned a career success strategist for two years and paired with an industry mentor during year two of the program. Students will clarify their career goals, have access to unique recruiting resources to unlock internship experiences, and engage in opportunities designed to make them more competitive in their future career pursuits. The world of work is complex, but the onramp to success doesn't have to be through the 4WARD Career Pathways Program.
Students that participate in the 4WARD Program will have special access to a cohort student model consisting of ongoing sessions with an assigned career advisor, unique networking opportunities with employers, 1-on-1 mentoring with alumni, credit-bearing course options, priority access to career fairs, five stamps in the #Rutgersworks Free Tuition Challenge for each completed semester, and special stole at graduation.
All Rutgers University-New Brunswick first-year undergraduate students enrolled full-time are encouraged to apply for the program. Students do not need to declare a major but should be enthusiastic about exploring career options and committed to long-term participation.
Applications for this program will open up on October 1, 2025 and will close on November 15, 2025. You will then be redirected to complete an online application and submit an interview clip using Big Interview.
Attend a virtual information session to learn more about the program and the application process. Information on virtual information sessions for Fall 2025 will be included here shortly!
"Working with my mentor has been amazing! I've already learned so much about pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology, what it's like in grad school, and her inspiring personal story. She has also been very helpful in helping me find more opportunities, working on my resume, and answering all of my questions. I look forward to each of our conversations and am so grateful that she is my mentor."
Luke Stanton
Psychology and Cognitive Science double major
"My experience with 4WARD has been nothing short of amazing! Entering the program as a freshman, 4WARD gave me the clarity I needed. As I progress through the program, I feel increasingly confident in my ability to enter the workforce."
Fore Odufalu
Computer Science major