A group of 11th graders traveled from their chemistry class at Dwyer Technical Academy in Elizabeth, N.J. to the center of atoms and molecules.

Eager to explore this foreign dimension environed by electron orbits, the voyagers clutched atoms, felt them vibrate and got up close and personal with particles as they morphed into molecules. The students assessed radioactivity trends and learned the difference between solids, gases and liquids — and were back in time for the next class period. 

Found your own company and be your own boss upon graduation? Unthinkable?

Not any more. 

In this day and age, founding a startup is a viable alternative to working as an employee in an existing company. Especially in the burgeoning tech sector. Especially in the exciting New York region. All you need is a sound business idea, some good technology to support it, a talented team and a small pot of money to get you to that first prototype.

Is it really that easy? Not quite. What does it take? 

With the help of NJIT’s Career Development Services (CDS), some ambitious students have been able to elevate their academic careers through internships at big-name companies like Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan & Chase and Cisco Systems.

CDS reported a sharp increase in the number of co-op and internship placements facilitated through the career center in 2017.

Nearly 900 students gained invaluable work experience, earning over $6.8 million in wages.

U.S. News & World Report ranks New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT) graduate computer information technology programs 17th among the “Best Online Programs” offered by universities throughout the country — up 21 slots since last year. NJIT also offers other online programs that were mentioned by the report, such as the MBA and graduate programs in engineering.