Hear directly from alumni about careers and companies across different industries!
The Career Exploration Summit (CES) is a virtual 3-day opportunity for undergraduates to explore and engage with professionals across various industries.
The program will feature a series of 90-minute alumni panels across three days where students will have the opportunity to connect with alumni to explore careers while developing skills alongside a cohort of fellow Columbia students. Students may attend one, two, or all three panels.
Alumni panelists from entrepreneurship, communications, and sustainability will discuss topics from the most pressing trends to what their day-to-day looks like to help you explore different career opportunities and pathways.
You will also receive professional development support from CCE during the week and beyond.
The 2027 Career Exploration Summit will be held on January 12 — 14, 2027.
Career Exploration Summit Schedule
Tuesday, January 12 – Inside the Innovation Economy: Start-Ups, Venture, & Entrepreneurship [Register on LionSHARE]
Wednesday, January 13 – Strategic & Creative Communications [Register on LionSHARE]
Thursday, January 14 – Careers Driving Climate & Sustainability [Register on LionSHARE]
Program Registration opens on November 10, 2026 on LionSHARE.
Program Benefits
By participating in the Career Exploration Summit, you will:
- Hear about day-to-day experiences, industry trends, and career pathways.
- Connect with alumni representatives at companies across a range of industries in entrepreneurship, communications, and sustainability.
- Interact with your fellow students and CCE counselors through participating in alumni panels
- Receive professional development support regarding connecting with alumni
Eligibility
- You must be a full-time undergraduate student currently enrolled in one of the following schools:
- Columbia College
- Columbia Engineering
- School of General Studies
- Students who are on a leave of absence or who have withdrawn from Columbia University are not eligible.
*By submitting an application, you authorize the Center for Career Education to conduct academic and disciplinary checks to confirm program eligibility. Certain University policy violations may disqualify you from consideration for the program
Registration Process & Timeline
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Registration for the Career Exploration Summit (CES) will go live in LionSHARE on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Career Exploration Summit Schedule
Tuesday, January 12 – Inside the Innovation Economy: Start-Ups, Venture, & Entrepreneurship [Register on LionSHARE]
Wednesday, January 13 – Strategic & Creative Communications [Register on LionSHARE]
Thursday, January 14 – Careers Driving Climate & Sustainability [Register on LionSHARE]
REGISTRATION TIMELINE
- November 10, 2026 — CES registration opens in LionSHARE
- January 12 – January 14 — Career Exploration Summit
- Career Exploration Summit program takes place for 2 hours each day. Please note: The exact times for virtual sessions will be between 11:45 am — 1:45 pm ET.