Admissions Blog

Finding your Place at SIPA

By Colby Dorcély '25
Posted Jan 28 2025
Colby_Students

 

Life at Columbia SIPA is as dynamic and enriching as the global challenges you will be preparing to address. Each day is a blend of intellectual rigor, professional engagement, and community interaction, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Beyond the Classroom: A World of Opportunities
  • Capstone Workshops:
    A hallmark of the SIPA experience, the Capstone Workshop allows students to work directly with organizations worldwide to solve real-world challenges. Past workshops have included projects like developing strategies for sustainable tourism in East Africa or evaluating digital inclusion policies for a European government. These experiences often lead to job offers or lasting professional connections.
  • Student Organizations:
    SIPA’s more than 40 student organizations provide platforms to explore interests, build leadership skills, and connect with peers. From the Columbia Energy Association to the Women in Leadership student group, these organizations enrich your experience and provide a sense of community.
  • Global Opportunities:
    SIPA students often travel internationally for research, internships, or conferences. Programs like the International Fellows Program or study trips organized by student groups allow you to gain firsthand exposure to global issues.
Tips for Succeeding at SIPA

SIPA’s programs are demanding, but with the right mindset and approach, they are immensely rewarding. 

  • Embrace the Challenge: SIPA is designed to push you academically and professionally. Core courses like economics and quantitative analysis may be challenging, especially for those without a technical background. Don’t shy away—embrace these subjects as essential tools for your future. Resources like tutoring services, study groups, and office hours are invaluable for navigating rigorous coursework.
  • Build Relationships with Faculty: SIPA faculty members are leaders in their fields, and building relationships with them can open doors to mentorship, research opportunities, and professional connections. Attend office hours, actively participate in class discussions, and take advantage of guest lectures to establish a rapport with professors.
  • Network with Intent: Networking at SIPA is not just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building meaningful relationships. Attend alumni panels, participate in student-led conferences, and take advantage of SIPA’s location in NYC to connect with professionals in your field of interest. Remember, networking is a two-way street; come prepared to share your story and offer value to others.
  • Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: While it is essential to focus on your core interests, SIPA also provides opportunities to explore new areas. Whether it is enrolling in a public-private partnerships course or joining a student organization outside your field, stepping out of your comfort zone can broaden your perspective and skillset.
  • Balance Academics with Self-Care: The fast pace of SIPA can be overwhelming. Prioritize self-care by exploring the city, engaging in hobbies, or simply taking a walk in nearby Riverside Park. Building a sustainable routine that balances academics, work, and personal time is key to thriving at SIPA.
The SIPA Network: A Lifelong Community with Global Reach

SIPA’s alumni network is one of its most valuable assets, connecting you to a vibrant, global community of over 23,000 graduates making an impact in virtually every sector and region of the world. However, what truly amplifies the power of these connections is their integration into Columbia University’s broader alumni network. With access to over 380,000 Columbia graduates worldwide, SIPA students and alumni benefit from unparalleled opportunities to engage with leaders across disciplines and industries.

  • Access to a Global SIPA Alumni Network: SIPA alumni occupy influential roles in government, international organizations, the private sector, and academia. Whether your ambition is to become an ambassador, lead a major NGO, or shape public policy as an economist, SIPA alumni have walked that path and can provide invaluable guidance. SIPA-specific events, such as alumni panels and networking receptions, allow students to build relationships with graduates who share their professional interests and passions.
  • The Broader Columbia Alumni Network: As a SIPA student, your connections extend far beyond the walls of the school. Columbia University’s alumni network spans nearly every field imaginable, from business and technology to medicine and journalism. This broader network provides access to cross-disciplinary insights, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. For instance: A SIPA student interested in technology policy might connect with Columbia Engineering alumni working in tech innovation. Entrepreneurs can tap into resources from Columbia Business School graduates or join initiatives like the Columbia Venture Community. Whether attending Columbia-wide events, engaging with industry-specific alumni chapters, or participating in global gatherings, SIPA students and alumni benefit from the diversity and depth of the larger Columbia network.
  • Mentorship Opportunities: SIPA’s Alumni Mentorship Program pairs current students with accomplished graduates who offer guidance on navigating career paths, developing key skills, and seizing professional opportunities. Meanwhile, Columbia University’s global mentorship initiatives connect students with alumni from various schools across the university, offering a multidisciplinary perspective.
  • Building Professional Bridges: Alumni connections often serve as a direct gateway to internships and full-time roles. SIPA graduates frequently return to campus to recruit for their organizations, participate in panels, or lead workshops. Coupled with Columbia University’s expansive Career Design Lab, these interactions provide students with the tools and connections to secure roles at institutions like the United Nations, McKinsey & Company, and the World Bank.
  • Collaborative Opportunities Across Disciplines: Columbia’s alumni network encourages collaboration across fields. SIPA alumni working in international development may partner with Columbia Business School graduates on social enterprise initiatives, while those in public health can engage with graduates from Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health to address global health inequities.
  • Staying Connected Post-Graduation: SIPA’s alumni chapters, integrated with Columbia University’s regional networks, ensure that you remain connected no matter where your career takes you. These chapters host events ranging from professional development workshops to social gatherings, fostering lifelong ties within the SIPA and Columbia communities. Whether you’re in New York, Nairobi, or New Delhi, you’ll find Columbia alumni eager to collaborate and connect.

Choosing SIPA is more than a commitment to academic excellence; it’s a pledge to equip yourself with the tools to create meaningful change from combating climate change to advancing social equity and global security. As you consider SIPA, reflect on the impact you hope to make. The journey begins with a single step—your application. The rewards, however, are boundless. Welcome to the start of something extraordinary.