It is important to keep in mind that On Campus Interviews (OCI) are just one resource to use in your career search. On-Campus Interviews can be found in LionSHARE, under “Jobs” and then selecting “On-Campus Interviews.”
What are On-Campus Interviews?
On-Campus Interviews are employers who come to Columbia to conduct interviews at CCE. Employers participating in OCI:
- Have the resources to interview on campus in the fall and/or spring
- Often represent the finance, tech, and consulting industries
- Hire full-time and summer “classes” or a “cohort” from select schools every year
- Expect you to follow a demanding interview timeline
- Conduct first-round interviews at CCE unless noted otherwise
If you do not see companies of interest conducting interviews on campus, it does not mean they aren’t hiring. Most companies hire “as-needed” and post opportunities in various ways from postings in LionSHARE to tweeting their positions and interviews at their offices.
What do you need to know?
While OCI is a fairly straightforward process, it requires attention to employer-specified deadlines and demanding interview schedules. Before participating make sure you are interested in the jobs and companies in LionSHARE, be sure to review the job description carefully as well as the timeline associated with the schedule.
Before your interview:
- Review the On-Campus Recruiting Webinar for policies and procedures
- Complete the Interview with Confidence worksheet
- Set up a practice interview with a career counselor
- Practice, practice, practice!
Day of your interview:
- Print out your resume before coming to CCE
- Arrive 10 minutes early for your interview
- Check in at the CCE front desk
- Wait in the lounge for your interviewer to come to get you
What are employers saying about Columbia students?
When choosing to recruit at Columbia, the top three skills employers seek are:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Oral and written communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
“I would encourage {students} to read more about the company and how they can tie relevant experience to specific role{s}.”
“The candidate pool was great and I look forward to seeing who is successful in joining our company.”
Employer Survey Feedback:
- 80% of employers said that Columbia students had good to excellent verbal communication skills
- 90% of employers said Columbia students were able to link their skills and experience to the position they were interviewing
- 60% of employers said Columbia students were knowledgeable about the position they were interviewing
Have more questions about interview schedules? Check out this how-to guide or visit us during Quick Questions Monday through Friday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
