This summer, CCE’s Employer & Alumni Relations Team (EAR) has traveled to several cities around the United States to meet with companies from a variety of industries. These visits allow us to build new relationships with employers around the country, strengthen connections with existing employer partnerships, and create opportunities for Columbia undergraduate students. As a result, we gained a deeper understanding of organizations’ work, mission, internship, and career opportunities.
Karla Puga, General Studies Alum and Associate Director, and Jazmin Lesane, Assistant Director, led our inaugural employer visits in Boston, Massachusetts.
Why Boston, Massachusetts?
Among the first cities on the team’s list was Boston, Massachusetts. According to a recent Forbes article, Boston ranks in the top 10 cities to live as a young professional and is also known to be a great place to kickstart entry-level careers. Boston is the largest city in New England, the financial and cultural center of the region, and home to some of the most successful Finance and Consulting organizations nationally. In addition, Boston is beautiful and clean, with a lively urban environment, which is riding a wave of development. The EAR team was eager to experience the city for themselves and build some valuable relationships with local employers in the finance and consulting industry.
Which companies did our team meet with?
The team engaged a diverse group of employers in order to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available in the Boston area. We connected with finance and consulting firms from various sectors, including private equity, investment management, financial services, global strategy consulting, and life science consulting firms.
For a closer look at the companies visited, view their profiles on LionSHARE:
Bain Capital | Simon & Kucher | Massachusetts Financial Services (MFS) | Baystate Financial
Back Bay Life Science Advisors | State Street Global Advisors | Arrowstreet Capital
Key Takeaways:
Our meetings were filled with insightful information from employers! We narrowed them down to four areas:
Resume Insights
Across the board, employers advised students to make sure they consult with CCE on their resumes and ensure there are no major formatting or spelling errors. Brendan Wang, Engagement Manager from Back Bay Life Science Advisors, mentioned that a resume is looked at by multiple members of the team, so it’s important that it is up to standards. Additionally, he stressed the significance of making sure there is a clear connection to the role you’re applying for and the experiences you highlight on your resume, even if it’s listing relevant coursework or club activities. He noted that adding a cover letter can only help! Cover letters provide an opportunity to elaborate on your background and passion for the industry, which is crucial to show when companies are deciding between applicants.
“Showing genuine interest in the sector makes the student stand out.” — Back Bay Life Science Advisors
Skills
Many of the employers emphasized the importance of interpersonal skills. Catia Sylvester, Recruiting Manager at MFS, shared that being able to collaborate on a team, being coachable, and having genuine curiosity are skills that will allow students to be successful in the professional space. If you’re applying for a highly technical role, make sure to highlight your coding skills!
An MFS intern shared that she had the opportunity to develop skills such as “taking initiative, approaching the workplace authentically, and building a personal brand.”
Candidate & Applicant Profile
We discovered that many of the employers we met placed greater emphasis on a holistic approach when evaluating applications. They highlighted the significance of not only excelling in the classroom but also actively participating in leadership positions and engaging in extracurricular activities. These employers sought well-rounded individuals who demonstrated a multifaceted skill set and a commitment to personal growth beyond academic achievements.
Diversity & Inclusion
The employers’ commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident in their recruitment initiatives such as Early ID programs, rotational programs, and the active involvement of employer resource groups (ERGs). These organizations truly understand the significance of fostering inclusivity and embracing diverse perspectives to fuel innovation and achieve success, both within and beyond the workplace.
Additional Boston Highlights:
Columbia Connections:
Employers in Boston boasted many connections with the Columbia University community. There were distinguished alumni, former interns, and even current leaders who served as Columbia staff members. These organizations maintain close relationships with the university, highlighting their familiarity with the high-achieving and diverse Columbia student population. As a result, they expressed interest in meeting students and participating in upcoming fall recruiting events.
“We had such a positive experience with our Spring intern from Columbia University, so we are excited to get connected to more talent from your school!” — Arrowstreet Capital
Office Spaces & Culture:
The Boston employers we met with embraced a hybrid work schedule, emphasizing the value of in-person collaboration while offering a flexible work environment. During our visit, we were treated to a sneak peek of their vibrant office cultures and stunning workspaces. From offices situated within shopping malls like the Prudential Center to boutique-style spaces with iconic architectural views and panoramic city skylines, the range of environments was amazing. Many employer offices had perks, including impressive employer cafeterias, communal kitchens, cozy game rooms, maternal suites, and collaborative areas. Some offices even welcomed furry friends!
“Office spaces refect our work culture. We want them to be cozy and inviting.” — Simon Kutcher
Final Thoughts:
Our Boston trip left us invigorated by the potential the city holds for students and recent graduates. With its abundant early career opportunities, particularly within the diverse job market of finance and consulting institutions, Boston stands as a great option for those seeking to launch their professional journey after college.
It was evident that there is significant interest in connecting with talented individuals from Columbia, and our employers expressed their excitement about meeting you in person on campus this fall to share their internship and full-time finance and consulting positions.
Don’t forget to check LionSHARE for upcoming career fairs, info sessions, coffee chats, and other recruiting opportunities organized by the Center for Career Education. To stay informed about these events and other fall programming by following us on social media @columbiacce. We look forward to seeing you take advantage of these exciting opportunities and make the most of your Columbia experience!
