Low Library

SIPA Alumni

Career Volunteers

SIPA’s graduates are making an impact across the globe as leaders in government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations. There are many ways SIPA alumni can get involved in supporting the professional development and career advancement of SIPA students and alumni. Please contact SIPA’s Office of Alumni Relations at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information about the volunteer opportunities below. 

Washington, DC Career Conference
The Washington, DC Career Conference is an annual event held each January to introduce current students to career paths in Washington, DC. Alumni are invited to share their experience and career advice with students through career panels, employer site visits, career chats with small groups, and a networking reception. Please email [email protected] if you would like more information about this year’s conference (January 12-14, 2027).

Attend Alumni-Student Networking Events
The Career Advancement Center and SIPA Alumni Relations host several alumni-student networking events in New York City each year where alumni volunteers return to campus to share their career experiences and advice with current students.  

  • Private Sector Career Night - Tuesday, October 13, 2026
    • Volunteer Interest Form - Please fill out the interest form by September 25 to be considered, and confirmed volunteers will be notified by September 30.
  • Public Sector/Nonprofit Career Night - February TBD

Speak on a Career Panel
There are various opportunities to join alumni career panels (virtual and in-person) throughout the year for alumni to share their experiences with current students. If you are interested in participating as a presenter in future programming, please complete this form or email SIPA Alumni Relations at [email protected]. 

Alumni-Student Mentoring Program
SIPA’s Alumni-Student Career Mentoring Program offers a unique opportunity for alumni to work one-on-one with a student over the course of an academic year as a mentor. Alumni mentors volunteer their time to share career guidance and professional advice with students to enhance their SIPA experience and prepare for graduation, while also building a stronger community and professional network for students and alumni. Applications close September 4, 2026. 

Post an Internship or Job
Please share internship or full-time employment opportunities of interest to SIPA students and alumni with the Career Advancement Center by sending job announcements to [email protected].

Help Arrange an Employer Information Session
Encourage recruiters or hiring managers to add SIPA to their target schools list or help arrange an employer information session, either on campus or virtual. Please contact Stephanie von Stein, Director of Employer Relations, for more information.

Sponsor a Capstone Project
The Columbia SIPA Capstone workshops apply the practical skills and analytical knowledge learned at SIPA to real-world issues. The workshops partner a team of graduate students, led by an expert faculty advisor, with an external organization to analyze real policy issues and recommend actions for client organizations. Learn more about SIPA Capstone workshops.