SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

Skip Navigation

Global Links:

Home > Resources and Services > Career Services > Alumni > Career Events

Career Events

Career Panels and Workshops
Throughout the academic year, OCS sponsors a number of career panels and career-related workshops in which alumni and other professionals speak about selected fields.  By participating in these events, you greatly contribute to keeping SIPA students abreast of the nature of the job market, current industry trends, various options available in the field, and what they can expect after graduation. All of this helps students approach the job search from an informed, knowledgeable position. If you are interested in being involved in career panels and workshops, please contact Dina Hanna, Assistant Director for Career Events and Alumni Relations, at dh2166@columbia.edu.

Annual Washington DC Career Conference and NYC Career Series

In addition to career panels and workshops, OCS organizes two major events every year: the Washington, DC Career Conference and the New York City Career Series.

Both events provide various opportunities for alumni in Washington, DC or New York City to meet current SIPA students and share information about their field or career experiences --though serving on a career panel, attending an alumni/student networking reception, conducting informational interviews, and/or hosting an employer site visit. Your willingness to give career advice to current students is greatly appreciated.

 

Washington, DC Career Conference

The annual Washington, DC Career Conference is meant to introduce students to Washington, DC and inform them of employment opportunities in the area through the participation of SIPA alumni and other professionals based in DC. The Conference is a three-day event consisting of 18-20 career panels featuring SIPA alumni, employer site visits, an alumni/student networking reception, and a day for informational interviews with alumni.

Career Panels at the 2012 Conference included:

  • Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
  • Corporate Social Responsibility, Philanthropy and Foundations
  • Development Consulting
  • Economic Development and Microfinance
  • Education Policy
  • Energy Policy
  • Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Federal Government/Capitol Hill
  • Foreign and Civil Service
  • Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
  • International Media and Communications
  • International Security Policy
  • International Trade and Finance
  • Multilateral Organizations
  • Political Risk Analysis
  • Public Sector Consulting
  • Urban and Social Planning and Policy

 

NYC Career Series

The NYC Career Series serves as a forum and opportunity for students to gain direct exposure to alumni and other professionals in their respective fields of interest who are working in New York City. The NYC Career Series consists of:

  • Career Panels: A series of 16-18 panels, broken down by concentration or sector, featuring SIPA alumni working in a variety of companies or organizations based in NYC. The career panels are spread out throughout the academic year, with relevant panels coinciding with recruiting seasons. Private sector panels are held in fall, when most private sector recruiting takes place (e.g., international finance, consulting, energy, corporate social responsibility).  Nonprofit and public sector panels are held in the spring semester, similarly when most of their recruiting occurs (e.g, development, foundations, human rights, NYC government)
  • Networking Receptions: Each semester, an evening networking reception for SIPA alumni and students will be held at a midtown-Manhattan venue.