The School of Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell University was the world’s first -- and remains one of the only -- colleges to study issues in the workplace. According to Cornell University’s ILR School, “The ILR School is advancing the world of work through teaching, research and outreach. ILR's mission is to prepare leaders, inform national and international employment and labor policy, and improve working lives.”
Approximately 1000 undergraduate students and over 10,000 alumni have quite a unique college experience for several reasons:
1. Having to explain what ILR is to everyone.
Even though there are so many aspects of ILR, we don’t even fully understand it ourselves. For this reason, family gatherings can be our worst nightmares.
2. Practically living in Ives.
We ILRies spend a lot of time in Ives (and not just because most of our classes are there): cramming for prelims, finishing papers, researching, etc. Early mornings, late nights, whether it’s in the lounge, in one of the classrooms, or in Catherwood; we’ve all been there.
3. Having, at least, one class here a semester.
Whether it’s HR or OB, or both. Shout out to 305!
4. Knowing all the OSS staff on a first name basis and appreciating how helpful they all are.
Can’t forget Jennifer, Nicole and Monica. Thanks for all you do!
5. Having incredible professors, who have extensive knowledge and experience and are top of the line.
We may not always realize it since we’re usually drowning in reading and homework assigned by said professors, but we really do appreciate having you all to look up to. Thanks for never failing to inspire us.
6. Recognizing other ILRies, even though you may not know their names.
Unlike some other schools, we’re a very close-knit, relatively small community. For that reason, we can easily spot other ILRies, even outside of Ives and often feel some sort of connection to them, even though we may not know them.
7. “Being part of a community and it being a part of you.”
We may occasionally get caught up in the busyness of it all, but we have a passion for what we do and know this is where we belong. Love you ILR.
