SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

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Recruitment Services

SIPAlink

SIPAlink is an online job posting and recruitment database that connects you with full-time and internship opportunities as well as on-campus events. SIPAlink enables you to search and apply for opportunities online; manage multiple resumes, cover letters, and other employment related documents; schedule on-campus interviews; sign up for career events and employer information sessions and maintain an online personal calendar.

Resume Collections

Resume collections are conducted through SIPAlink. You have until midnight of the collection deadline date to submit your cover letter and resume to the system. Many employers who conduct resume collections may also do an information session. You can search for information sessions in your SIPAlink account under Career Fairs and Events link.  

Employer Information Sessions

Many recruiters visit the campus to present information about their organizations. You are encouraged to attend all information sessions to network and learn about different career options. It is especially important that you attend the sessions of the recruiters with whom you plan to interview. You must RSVP for information sessions through SIPAlink. All details, dates, and locations of the information sessions are noted in SIPAlink under Career Fairs and Events and in the current issue of OCS Career News. Employers allocate valuable time to come on campus to do an information session. Therefore, it is vital that you attend any information session for which you have registered. Some past employers have chosen not to return to SIPA when they were disappointed with the attendance.

On-campus Interviews

To check on-campus interview schedules, log in to SIPAlink, put your cursor over On-Campus Recruiting and select Interview Schedules I Meet the Requirements for. Click on the Schedule ID to see the specifics of the position and how to apply. If this is a Preselect schedule, then you will be submitting a request to be interviewed. If this is an Open schedule, then you will be allowed to choose an open interview timeslot.

Off-campus Interviews

If the employer is conducting off-campus interviews, typically at their offices, you will be notified directly by them if you were selected. The employer will work with you to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

Mock Interviews

SIPA students are encouraged to practice their interview skills with an OCS Career Counselor in the office. Please call 212.854.4613 to set up an appointment.

Off-Campus Work-Study Program

Office of Career Services administers the Off-Campus Work-Study Program. If you are a US citizen and have Work-Study allocation in your financial aid package, you may apply your Work-Study funds toward off-campus internships with nonprofit and public sector employers.

Travel Grant Program

Office of Career Services supports overseas work experience through grants to students who intern abroad during the summer. To learn more, please click here.