The mission of the Center for Career Education (CCE) is to help students and alumni develop the key competencies necessary to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to achieve their career goals. The Center establishes connections and facilitates interaction among undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, employers, and organizations to generate opportunities that help students pursue their personal and professional objectives.

CCE serves students of Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, The School of General Studies, The School of Continuing Education (Degree Programs and Post-Baccalaureate Program), The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The School of the Arts, and The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. The center collaborates with the career centers of other schools at Columbia University and its affiliated institutions. CCE is organized in six departments: Undergraduate Career Development, Graduate Student Career Development, Experiential Education, Employer and Alumni Relations, Programming, and Planning and Administration.

The mutual goal of both faculty and the Center for Career Education is the education and success of students. By working together, faculty and CCE can ensure that students have the education they need to transition into the world of work.