What is the mission of the OCS?

The Office of Career Services (OCS) is committed to supporting Mailman students and alumni in the career education and job search processes. Our services and resources are designed to 1) assist you in developing/refining your career management competencies; 2) provide a context for successful job searching, not only while you are matriculating, but also following graduation and 3) market you and the School to a diversity of employers.

At what point in my studies should I visit the OCS?

Since it is never too early to start the career planning process, you are encouraged to visit us as early as possible in the Fall of your first year of study. You need to be aware of the scope of our services and resources so that you can supplement and enhance them as needed based on your specific career goals.

How can I network with alumni working in my field of interest?

Visit the Recent Graduates' Database.

In addition to the career resources at the School of Public Health, can I also use the services and resources of the Center for Career Services on the Morningside Campus?

The Center for Career Education on the Morningside Campus officially supports only Columbia College, the School of General Studies, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Fu School of Engineering. However, students at the School of Public Health may attend workshops sponsored by the Center, job/career fairs hosted by the Center and employer presentations coordinated by the Center. For a calendar of events, access www.columbia.edu/cu/ccs. School of Public Health students may not interview through the on-campus recruiting program offered by the Morningside Center for Career Services. 

If I am a joint degree student, to what career services am I entitled?

Joint degree candidates are typically entitled to use the services at both of the Schools in which they will be enrolled. However, since timelines and procedures vary from school to school, you should contact the Career Services Office at the school in question as early as possible to familiarize yourself with services and deadlines. For general information about the typical range of services, contact staff in the School of Public Health OCS. The general career office numbers of other Columbia Schools are:

Business School - 212.854-5471
Law School - 212.854.2666
School of International & Public Affairs - 212. 854.4613
School of Social Work - 212.851.2320
Teachers College - 212.678-3140 

If I am not a joint degree student, can I visit the Career Services Office at another Columbia school? If I plan to relocate to another part of the country, can I visit the Career Services Office of an institution in another state? What is reciprocity?

The OCS maintains reciprocal relationships with Columbia University career services offices and with the career services offices of institutions that are members of the Associated Schools of Public Health. Through these arrangements, you can visit the career office of another institution and utilize those services and resources that fall within their reciprocity guidelines. (NOTE: Joint degree students do not need a letter of reciprocity to utilize the resources of their joint Columbia school.) Typically, these services are limited to the use of the career resource center and career library. However, some offices are more generous with their services and resources than others. An official request, in writing, must be made on your behalf by the OCS. If you plan to use this service, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the date that you want to visit the career center of another institution/Columbia school. The reciprocity request will be faxed to the institution/school you request, and a copy of the request with specific instructions for you will be mailed to you .

The information that we will need to effectuate your request is as follows:

• Your name
• Your degree and division
• Your graduation date
• Your mailing address, phone number and e-mail address
• The institution(s)/Columbia school(s) you wish to visit

What career services are available to me following graduation?

Currently, alumni may access job postings, volunteer to participate in the Alumni Mentoring Program and schedule to meet with career services staff during the off-season (early January and June and July), schedules permitting. Additionally, alumni can take advantage of lifetime e-mail forwarding. Please check with OCS prior to your graduation for additional services.