Rutgers Business School is proud to introduce the Rising Business Stars (RBS) Under 30 Program, a prestigious initiative designed to honor and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our young alumni. This program recognizes RBS graduates who have made significant contributions across various industries, embodying the values of resilience, resourcefulness, responsibility, and reinvention that define the RBS community. From corporate leadership to social impact, the honorees exemplify what it means to be an RBS alum, demonstrating professional excellence, innovation, and a commitment to positively impacting their communities.
The selected awardees will be celebrated during the RBS Under 30 Awards, where they and their special guests will be invited to a special event. Winners will be notified in February, and the selected 2025 RBS Under 30 honorees will be publicly announced in Spring 2025. This program not only showcases the achievements of our young alumni but also strengthens the connection between Rutgers Business School and its thriving alumni community.
RBS Under 30 Categories
Entrepreneurial Trailblazers
Highlighting young alumni who have founded or co-founded innovative businesses or startups, demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and leadership. These individuals have successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, bringing innovative products, services, or business models to market and making significant impacts in their industries.
Social Impact & Sustainability Leaders
Highlighting individuals leading initiatives that drive social change, philanthropy, and community development. This subcategory celebrates those making strides in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship within the business world, with a focus on innovative business practices that promote long-term social and environmental benefits.
Academic Achievements & Research Excellence
Celebrating outstanding academic achievements, research contributions, and scholastic excellence among students and alumni, reflecting the high standards of Rutgers Business School. This category honors those who have excelled in academic endeavors, contributed valuable research to their fields, and demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual advancement.
Industry Pioneers
This category celebrates young alumni who have made groundbreaking contributions and demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective fields. Whether through innovative solutions, transformative strategies, or trailblazing achievements, these individuals have set new standards and inspired future generations. Recognizing young alumni excelling in diverse industries, including finance, investment banking, private equity, venture capital, financial analysis, marketing, branding, digital marketing, advertising, technology, innovation, consulting, strategy, accounting, supply chain management, logistics, operations, healthcare management, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. (Within this category, a subcategory will be selected to honor specific areas of excellence and impact.)
- Finance and Investment - Featuring individuals excelling in areas such as investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and financial analysis.
- Marketing and Advertising - Recognizing talented professionals making significant impacts in marketing, branding, digital marketing, and advertising sectors.
- Technology and Innovation - Spotlighting those driving technological advancements and innovation within their organizations or the tech industry at large.
- Consulting and Strategy - Honoring consultants and strategists who have provided exceptional insights and strategies to improve business performance.
- Operations and Supply Chain Management - Recognizing experts optimizing supply chains, logistics, and operational efficiencies in various industries.
- Accounting Excellence - Celebrating alumni who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession, whether in public accounting, corporate finance, or advisory roles.
- Healthcare and Biotechnology - Featuring alumni contributing to advancements in healthcare management, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.
Application Details
Nominations open- September 3, 2024
Nominations close- November 15, 2024
Criteria for nominees:
- Must be a graduate of Rutgers Business School.
- Nominees must be 30 years old or younger on June 30, 2025.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
- Multiple submissions for the same nominee do not influence the selection committee’s decision.
- Nominees should demonstrate a significant contribution to their field, career, society, or community.
- Nominees must consent to being featured, along with a photograph, in Rutgers Business School and University publications and marketing materials.
Questions?
Contact us at RBSUnder30@business.rutgers.edu with questions regarding this program.