Ever wonder what SIPAs Office of Career Services offers COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Ever wonder what SIPAs Office of Career Services offers COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog SIPA’s Office of Career Services (OCS) provides students and alumni with the necessary tools to successfully manage their immediate internship and full-time job search as well as their professional development throughout their careers.   Among OCS’s services are individual advising on a range of career-related topics; a required professional development course; career events; recruitment and employer outreach programs; and professional networking opportunities.   Students and alumni are encouraged to partner with OCS and dedicate time to independent research and networking to build bridges with the professional world.  (See more) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENT The Professional Development class, which is administered through OCS, heightens the awareness and involvement of students in career planning.  This mandatory half-credit course develops the skills needed to compete effectively in the international and public affairs job markets.  Instructors provide direction on writing resumes and cover letters, job search tactics, successful interviewing, networking, negotiating employment offers, and other key career topics. INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT Students are required to conduct an internship as part of their degree requirement, and this is also administered through OCS.   The internship is typically done in the summer between the first and second year, although it can be completed at any time during the program. INDIVIDUAL SERVICES On an individual level, OCS career advisers provide students and alumni with career advice, job search strategy tips, resume and cover letter reviews, and general career information.  OCS also maintains the SIPA Career Coaching (SIPACC) program, which is comprised of alumni working in a variety of jobs who provide industry specific information and advice.   Students can arrange appointments once they have registered for classes in August through SIPAlink, our recruitment software.  (See more ) WEEKLY ONLINE NEWSLETTER To update students on programming and services, OCS compiles a weekly newsletter that lists information on career events, fellowship opportunities, upcoming recruitment visits, job/internship postings, and other essential information for their job search.   (See more )