Responsibilities & FAQs

Undergraduate students graduating in the Class of 2022 and thereafter who meet the outlined program requirements are eligible to participate. While participation in this program is not currently open to graduate students, Career Development and Success (CDS) supports students pursuing graduate degrees with their professional development. For more information on how CDS can assist graduate students, please visit the CDS webpage.

To qualify for the Cranberry Investment, new students can begin taking action their first year at Rider while returning students must determine which requirements still need completion prior to graduation. The first step all students should take is to make an appointment, in the fall semester, with their career coach who can help create an action plan so a student is successful in completing the Cranberry Investment student responsibilities. You can schedule an appointment with your career coach using Handshake.

At Rider, your goals are within reach. We have a proven track record of preparing graduates for success with 9 in 10 Rider alumni being employed, in graduate school or volunteering within a year of graduation. 

Rider’s recent Lifting Barriers initiative establishes a new standard for how we will provide students with the experiences most likely to lead to career success. Starting with the Class of 2025, we have set a new goal for 95% of students to participate specifically in Enriched Career Experiences such as internships, guided research, performances and other categories that align with Rider’s signature Engaged Learning Program.

The Cranberry Investment provides additional incentive for students to seek Enriched Career Experiences and is anticipated to improve upon the number of students obtaining entry-level positions or admission to graduate/professional schools within six (6) months of graduation.

We are confident that students who focus on their academics, pursue Engaged Learning Program opportunities, and work with Career Development and Success will secure a job or acceptance to graduate or professional school prior to graduation or within six (6) months. If you do not have a job or acceptance to graduate or professional school upon graduation, one of the Cranberry Investment responsibilities is to continue to work with a career coach on a monthly basis for six months. Please review the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Students who participate in the many academic and co-curricular opportunities Rider offers will be well positioned to qualify for the Cranberry Investment. Rider University is prepared to advise students beginning their first day on campus to ensure they are supported throughout their academic journey and taking advantage of the various hands-on experiences provided by the Engaged Learning Program. Additionally, as part of the undergraduate experience, Career Development and Success coaches students to meet their future goals whether they are intent on a full time job, graduate school, volunteering or military service.

If you’ve met the Cranberry Investment requirements, set up an appointment with a career coach in Career Development and Success. A career coach with knowledge and experience in your area of study, will work with you to evaluate your situation and develop a plan that may include supplemental professional development training, additional undergraduate courses at no cost, or a paid internship based on your degree and individual experience.

For recent graduates who fulfilled the Cranberry Investment requirements, a career coach will assist them in shaping a viable action plan. If the action plan includes an entry-level paid internship, it will align with the graduate’s major or area of study. Additionally, the career coach will continue to support the individual providing professional assistance and follow up for six months while the graduate is employed in the entry-level internship.

Rider University has many employer connections and partnerships across various types of organizations that offer internships, co-ops, jobs, community services and other opportunities for our students. The settings offering entry-level paid internships may be small businesses, arts organizations, non-profits, corporations, hospitals, community-based settings and government departments to name a few. The entry-level paid internship will allow a recent graduate to develop professionally by building skills and knowledge, gaining world of work experience and career competencies.

While we strongly encourage all students to take advantage of the resources embedded in the student responsibilities for the Cranberry Investment, it is an optional program and not mandatory to graduate.