January 23, 2008

Internship searching intensifies during spring-which is good as this is when most employers start advertising their opportunities and begin considering their summer hiring needs. So keep checking ColumbiaTrak and InterviewTrak (CCE's internship and jobs listing database) for up-to-date information on employers recruiting Columbia interns, CCE's own calendar of events for information on career fairs and career panels, and take advantage of any opportunity presented through CCE and other Columbia programs to network with professionals and Columbia alumni.

Not surprisingly, we have chosen the theme of "Internships" for this semester's supplement. While we expect to have as robust a Campus Recruiting Program as ever, don't feel bound by it. There are literally hundreds of employers who will be seeking interns this summer who will not advertise their internships anywhere-rather they will rely on "word of mouth" referrals. You'll find these opportunities through networking and if you are daunted by that very term, we can help. The alumni-student database, Columbia Career Connections, launched January 2007, is populated with approximately 2,000 Columbia University alumni who have agreed to be networkers for undergraduate students. Professions covered are diverse with more alumni signing up to share their experiences and advice all the time. To access the database you simply need to attend one of CCE's Columbia Career Connections workshops which will arm you with the tips and confidence you need to begin using the system. Check our events calendar for details of the lunch time workshops.

There is no better example of "word of mouth" referrals than the media industry and spring brings our third annual Media Networking Night on March 26, 2008-attended last year by some 250 students and 75 employers and alumni. We expect the numbers this year to exceed last year's so be sure to RSVP early, online. Especially exciting this semester is the launch of the Columbia Arts Experience, a paid internship program managed by CCE in conjunction with the University's Arts Initiative which will see 18 students interning with a range of arts organizations in New York.

Whatever your field of interest, we are always happy to hear about it and help. Walk-in hours are available from 1pm-4pm, Monday-Friday during semester time. And there is no better time than the present to begin planning your summer.

With best wishes for a fruitful semester,

Kavita Sharma

Dean

Center for Career Education

Reprinted from Columbia Daily Spectator, Supplement on January 23, 2008