Over spring break, 20 Columbia students traveled to Washington, D.C., for a week of professional exploration through CCE’s Spring Site Visit Program. This immersive experience enabled students to connect with professionals across seven organizations spanning industries like finance, policy, technology, and the arts:
Through office tours, panel discussions, and alumni meetups, students learned the value of staying open to unexpected paths, blending diverse skill sets, and pursuing curiosity across disciplines.
The week also illustrated the power of authentic relationships. From informal dinners to panel conversations, students saw firsthand how meaningful connections and mentorship can shape and sustain a career with impact and purpose.
Employer Insights: Recruitment & Hiring, Skill-Building, Networking & Connections
Employer partners across D.C. emphasized three central themes: Recruitment & Hiring, Skill-Building, and Networking & Connections. Each visit offered a distinct lens on these themes, reflecting the organization’s mission and sector.
Finance & Economics
At Fannie Mae, students gained insight into how housing finance operates, particularly around affordability and sustainability. Devang Doshi CC ’05, current Senior Vice President of Single-Family Capital Markets, and Paul Tietz CC ’08, Vice President of Markets & Trading in Single-Family Capital Markets, shared a brief history of the organization, its core functions, and common pathways into careers there. A standout moment from the conversation was their advice on thriving at Fannie Mae. They emphasised that success comes from bringing both aptitude and the right attitude, and having a genuine commitment to the mission and the work.
The Brattle Group offered a glimpse into the world of economic consulting, where analysis informs high-stakes decisions in policy and litigation. The visit began with a panel featuring team members from various divisions who spoke about their career paths. Josh Figueroa CC ’12 shared with students that he began his career in the energy field as a Physical Natural Gas Trader before transitioning into his current role as a Senior Associate. In this position, he applies his industry knowledge to economic and financial topics within the energy sector, providing expertise in energy markets, infrastructure development, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. His story reinforced the theme that all experience is valuable and that keeping an open mind is essential when considering career trajectories.
Media, Data, & Technology
During their visit to Bloomberg Industry Group, students learned how data, media, and technology intersect to drive global financial markets. Over lunch with various industry professionals, they discussed the value of innovation, diversity, and mentorship in career development. Bloomberg staff highlighted roles like Product and Tech Managers, who lead product development and engineering teams. They encouraged aspiring engineers to develop data reporting skills, learn from mistakes, and craft compelling stories from data. Bloomberg also shared its strong commitment to nurturing talent and embracing AI, providing employees with access to AI tools and the training needed to use them effectively. AI is currently integrated into data processing pipelines and newsroom operations, where it helps summarize content through carefully designed prompts.
Policy, Research, & International Affairs
At the New Lines Institute students saw how research informs foreign policy and international strategy. These visits highlighted how professionals from varied academic backgrounds — science, humanities, economics, technology — contribute to global dialogue. Some career advice that panelists shared from the New Lines Institute was the importance of networking and gaining hands-on experience. While the job market can be tough, persistence pays off. Authenticity is also crucial. Sharing your views, backed by facts, demonstrates strength of character. Practicing “empathetic analysis,” or seeking to understand the world through others’ perspectives, and maintaining a balance between ideology and practicality were also highlighted as key qualities for success in this field.
Two of our first-year cohort participants, Rama AL Namee CC ’28 and Liane Bdair CC ’28 moderated an impactful panel at the Wilson Center. The panel featured Robert Daly, Director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States, who explored global diplomacy and international relations with a focus on U.S.-China dynamics. Raul Pangalangan, Wilson International Competition Fellow, shared insights on human rights and governance, highlighting international criminal cases brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Claudia Del Pozo, Program Coordinator, concluded the discussion by outlining internship opportunities at the Wilson Center and offering valuable career advice to students. Students left the conversation feeling hopeful about the future and inspired by the possibilities that skill development can unlock. Robert Daly spoke to the value of diversifying your skill set and staying open to opportunities beyond your original plans. He encouraged students to explore their true interests and remain adaptable in a changing world.
Arts & Culture
From the Smithsonian Institution to The Phillips Collection, students saw how cultural organizations advance public knowledge and community engagement through art, history, and education. These institutions reminded students that careers in the arts are also grounded in transferable skills like project management, communication, and public service.
The Phillips Collection panel featured professionals working in museum education, digital tools, and archival research, with a focus on digitization planning. Panelists encouraged students to explore broadly, seek mentorship, and embrace challenging experiences. Community partnerships are central to their work, including collaborations with local schools, cultural organizations, and initiatives supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Their commitment to inclusivity is reflected in efforts to collect and exhibit works by historically marginalized artists and to amplify local voices through active community engagement.
Panelists included Monica Cohen Lenoff, Phillips Educator for Education and Responsive Learning Spaces; Emily Ames, Marketing Manager; and Amanda Acosta, Digital Archivist in the Library and Archives.
The Student Experience: Insight, Growth, and Real-World Application
The site visits to D.C. offered more than just career exposure; they helped students reimagine what’s possible. One major takeaway: there’s no single “right” path into a field like policy, finance, or strategy. Nearly every professional shared a nonlinear career story, underscoring the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and openness to the unexpected.
Many students found themselves surprised by how transferable their skills were across sectors. Engineering students, for example, discovered that their technical strengths (data analysis, problem-solving, systems thinking) were in high demand in think tanks, financial institutions, and policy forums. One student, initially uninterested in finance, left Fannie Mae energized by its mission to create affordable housing and saw how their interests in sustainability and social impact could merge in new ways.
Conversations at Bloomberg and other sites made clear that employers value a blend of technical and interpersonal skills: communication, collaboration, and the ability to think critically in fast-changing environments. Students also gained insight into what mentorship really looks like, how connecting with someone just a few steps further along in their career path can help illuminate the way forward.
One standout moment of the week was an intimate dinner with Mozelle Thompson, CC ‘76, SIPA ‘80, Law ‘81, former Federal Trade Commissioner and Columbia alum. In a relaxed setting, students heard stories that went beyond resumes. Thompson’s advice was both empowering and personal: “Don’t chase easy goals. Pursue the ones that challenge you to grow.” One student later reflected, “Networking isn’t about proving yourself; it’s about learning, growing, and creating real impact.”
By the end of the week, students weren’t just thinking about potential jobs; they were thinking about how to build careers rooted in curiosity, purpose, and lifelong learning. They left with new connections, a clearer sense of direction, and a reaffirmed belief that their Columbia education could carry them anywhere.
Looking Ahead
The Spring Site Visit Program gave students a front-row seat to the evolving world of work and a clearer picture of how they fit into it. As industries continue to shift, and technologies like AI reshape the future, students are more prepared to lead with adaptability, critical thinking, and confidence in their ability to learn.
Interested in future site visits or connecting with employers? Explore our website to learn how Columbia CCE can support your career exploration.