Students

The Office of Career Services maintains a calendar as a guide for students to important milestones in your career development and job search process. Career planning and job searching should begin sooner, rather than later, in your academic career. Therefore, some of the events and deadlines listed might appear earlier than you expect.

September Reminders

• CAREER DAY: RSVP in late September or early October for Career Day which typically occurs in October or November.
• CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES: Visit the Resource Room at OCS to review career education material and to take advantage of job search resources, including computers, fax and copiers.
• FALL CAREER EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND ON-CAMPUS EVENTS: Sign up for these important events.
• CAREER EDUCATION GUIDES AND HANDOUTS: Request Career Choices and other such publications from OCS.
• LOOKING FOR A CONSULTING AND/OR CORPORATE OPPORTUNITY?: Consider attending a resume/cover letter development workshop as early as possible in the fall to prepare yourself for Fall Career Day and/or to respond to opportunities with consulting firms. If you are unable to attend a workshop, view cover letter and resume templates (PDF) online. Consulting firms typically begin the interviewing process for full-time employment in the fall and for summer internships in January.
• JOB SEARCH FOR OCTOBER GRADUATES: Schedule a meeting with a career services advisor to discuss job search strategies and job offers.
• JOB FAIRS ON THE MORNINGSIDE CAMPUS: You may attend specific job fairs on the Morningside Campus hosted by Center for Career Education. These events will be listened on the Mailman OCS Workshops/Events calender. You are not, however eligible to interview on-campus through the Columbia Morningside Campus Center for Career Education's on-campus recruiting program.

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October Deadlines

• HRTP INTERNSHIPS: Applications for spring internships with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are typically due in mid to late October. Find details
• CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: This National Academies program in science and technology policy accepts applications through March 1 for its June program, though June 1 for its September program, and through November 1 for its January program. Please find additional information, as well as application and reference forms.
• PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: Application deadline typically falls in late October. Application paperwork requires an official School signature, so please stay in contact with OCS. Learn more at the PMF website or contact Liz Sung, Assistant Director, OCS. 

October Reminders

• FALL CAREER EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND ON-CAMPUS EVENTS: Sign up for these important events.
• CAREER DAY: RSVP for and ATTEND Career Day. Prepare for Career Day by visiting Career Day Tips.
• JOB POSTINGS: Review job postings for full-time jobs (graduating students) and internships (for continuing students) and conduct general career exploration at OCS.
• RESUME: Finalize your resume and make arrangements to have it reproduced.
• GRADUATES SURVEY: October graduates, be sure to complete the online Graduates Survey. If you prefer, you may complete the survey at OCS during business hours. This survey provides us with important information about your job search experiences and employment plans, so please take the time to complete it.
• CAREER EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND ON-CAMPUS EVENTS: Consult the OCS event calendar for details on fall employer information sessions.
• MEET WITH A CAREER SERVICES ADVISOR: Make an appointment to discuss your specific job search/career development issues and the Recent Graduates' Database. Utilize the knowledge you have gained from attending resume and cover letter development workshops to develop/refine your basic cover letter and resume. If you did not attend a workshop, review cover letter and resume samples for guidance. Consider using the Office's resume review service for a "quick and dirty" critique of your resume and cover letter.

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November Deadlines

• CDC/PUBLIC HEALTH PREVENTION SERVICE: Application period typically runs from November 1 to January. For more information, call (404)639-4087 or visit the PHPS website.

November Reminders

• RESUME: Finalize your resume and make arrangements to have it reproduced.
• RESUME REVIEW: Schedule an appointment with an OCS advisor to review your resume and cover letter, or drop off your resume and cover letter for a "quick and dirty" critique. 

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December Deadlines

• ASPH/CDC, ASPH/HRSA, AND OTHER ASPH PARTNERSHIP INTERNSHIPS:  Deadlines typically fall in mid-January. Check with OCS prior to leaving for vacation. If you plan to apply, contact Liz Sung, Career Services.  Information also available at the ASPH website.
• CORO FELLOWS PROGRAM IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Deadline for application typically arrives in early January. For more details, visit the program's website.
• NYC URBAN FELLOWS PROGRAM: Deadline for application typically falls in early January. Materials are available at the program's website.
• TITLE X INTERN PROGRAM: Information typically becomes available from OCS in mid-December. Visit the OCS office or contact the California Family Health Council at (213)386-5614 ext.4515.
• US PHARMACOPEIA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: Deadline for applications is typically in late December. For more details, visit the USP website.

December Reminders

• LOOKING AHEAD: Spend some time over vacation researching employers for whom you wish to work during the summer or following graduation. A little work now will pay off later, allowing you to write more convincing cover letters and to interview with greater breadth and depth.
• GRADUATES SURVEY: December graduates, be sure to complete the online Graduates Survey. If you prefer, you may complete the survey at OCS during business hours. This survey provides us with important information about your job search experiences and employment plans, so please take the time to complete it.
• DECEMBER OCS ANNOUNCEMENTS:  INTERNSHIP, F/T AND OTHER DEADLINES DURING/AFTER BREAK:  This is the definitive document on deadline dates for major summer and post-graduate opportunities.  Take time during break to review it.  

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January Deadlines

• INSTITUTE FOR TRIBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY SUMMER INTERNSHIP: Offered through the School's American Indian Air Quality Training Program, this internship provides Native American and other students the opportunity to assist governmental facilities (primarily EPA) and Indian tribes with special projects. Students will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research at sites throughout the United States, including projects covering a wide range of topics such as: Air/Water Quality, Community Outreach/Education, Environmental Health, Information Collection/Data Analysis, Environmental Justice and Youth Environmental Education. Visit the program's website for more details. Applications are typically due by late January.
• W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION SCHOLARS IN HEALTH DISPARITIES PROGRAM: Deadline typically falls in early January for postdoctoral investigators in economics, sociology, political science, public health, and law. Please advise Liz Sung, Assistant Director, OCS (email) if you plan to apply. Visit the foundation's website for further information and for application materials.
• THE NYC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM (HRTP): The program typically stops accepting applications on or around February 1. Application materials and more information available from OCS and from the HRTP website.
• PASTEUR FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP: The Pasteur Foundation conducts biomedical research for the worldwide amelioration of public health. Fellowships are available for postdoctoral research at the Institut Pasteur laboratories in Paris; deadline typically falls in early February. Please advise Liz Sung, Assistant Director, OCS if you plan to apply. More information is available at the foundation's website.
• RESOURCES FOR THE FUTURE DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIPS AND SUMMER INTERNSHIPS: Applications are typically due by the end of February. Check the organization's website for details.
• ALBERT SCHWEITZER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: Application deadline typically falls in mid-January. See the program's national website for additional information.
• WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS: This program, America's most prestigious for leadership and public service, typically accepts applications until early February. Please advise Liz Sung, Assistant Director, OCS if you plan to apply. More details available at the White House Fellows website.

January Reminders

• NETWORKING: Utilize the knowledge you have gained about networking to begin contacting friends, faculty members, and others to inform them of your career plans. Give them copies of your resume.
• ON-CAMPUS EVENTS: Regularly check the Career Development Workshops and On-Campus Events to identify programs of interest.
• ALUMNI NETWORK: Schedule an appointment with an OCS advisor to discuss the Recent Graduates’ Database.
• RECIPROCITY: Ask about reciprocity at Columbia University and elsewhere if searching outside the metropolitan area.
• FEBRUARY GRADUATES: Don't forget to schedule an appointment with an OCS advisor to discuss job search strategies and job offers. Also, be sure to complete the online Graduates Survey. If you prefer, you may complete the survey at OCS during business hours. This survey provides us with important information about your job search experiences and employment plans, so please take the time to complete it.
• SPRING CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS AND INDUSTRY CAREER PANELS: Sign up now!
• LOOKING AHEAD: Keep researching employers for whom you wish to work during the summer or following graduation. A little work now will facilitate more proactive outreach and interviewing down the road.
• JOB POSTINGS: Review job postings regularly for full-time jobs for graduating students, internships for continuing students, and general career exploration.

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February Deadlines

• CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: This National Academies program in science and technology policy accepts applications through March 1 for its June program, through June 1 for its September program, and through November 1 for its January program. Please access additional information, as well as application and reference forms.
• COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PUBLIC POLICY CONSORTIUM FELLOWSHIP: Fellowship available to PhD students in public policy. Applications typically due mid-March. Call SIPA at 212-854-2167 for additional information.
• GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL INTERNSHIPS: Applications are typically due by April 1 for summer internships, June 1 for fall internships, and October 1 for winter internships. For more information, visit the GHC website.
• NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE SIX-MONTH INTERSHIPS: Paid internship in the areas of health communications and science writing. Applications are typically due by September 15 for the January through June term and by March 15 for the July through December term. Learn more.
• NIH RESEARCH AND TRAINING SUMMER INTERNSHIPS: Applications typically accepted through late February. Visit the program's website for complete information.
• USAID INTERNSHIPS IN WASHINGTON DC: USAID typically offers a limited number of summer internships in its Bureau for Africa, located in Washington, D.C. This is an excellent opportunity for outstanding students interested in pursuing careers in international development. The internships are unpaid positions; applications are typically due by March 26. Details available at the USAID website.

February Reminders

• RSVP FOR CAREER DAY: Career Day typically takes place in March or April. RSVP in late February and start preparing for the event.
• MAKE YOUR BEST IMPRESSION ON CAREER DAY: Review OCS's Career Day tips.
• RESEARCH CAREER DAY EMPLOYERS: Visit employers' websites and review advance job descriptions at OCS.

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March/April Deadlines

• ADDITIONAL ASPH/CDC FALL/WINTER INTERNSHIPS: When such internships are available, the application deadline is usually in early May. Check with OCS and at the ASPH website.

March/April Reminders

• CAREER DAY FOLLOW-UP: Follow up with Career Day employers and other employers of interest. Schedule interviews (follow interviews with thank you letters) and discuss employment options.
• RECIPROCITY: Ask about reciprocity at Columbia University and elsewhere if searching outside the metropolitan area.
• JOB POSTINGS: Review job postings regularly for full-time jobs for graduating students, internships for continuing students, and general career exploration.
• NOT-FOR-PROFIT JOB FAIR: This event typically occurs in late March on the Morningside Campus. View details.
• All IVY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CAREER FAIR:  This event typically takes place in March on the Morningside Campus.  Learn details.
• NYC SUMMER INTERNSHIP GUIDE: This publication typically becomes available in late April/early May. Information is also available on the NYC government website and from OCS.

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May/June Deadlines

• CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: This National Academies program in science and technology policy accepts applications though June 1 for its September program, through November 1 for its January program, and through March 1 for its June program,. Additional information, application forms, and reference forms are available on the program website.
• GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL INTERNSHIPS: Applications are typically due by June 1 for fall internships, October 1 for winter internships, and April 1 for summer internships. For more information, visit the GHC website.
• LEADERSHIP NEW YORK, CORO FOUNDATION: Applications are typically due in early May. Visit the Coro Foundation website for more details.
• NYC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE'S HEALTH RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM (HRTP): Now is the time to familiarize yourself with this program. Pick up a brochure from OCS and/or visit the program website. Applications are typically due in mid-July.
• UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS SECRETARIAT INTERSHIP PROGRAMME: Application deadline for the fall internship typically arrives in late May or Early June. Visit the program's website for more details.

May/June Reminders

• NETWORKING: Maintain communication with your network of contacts.
• RESUME AND COVER LETTER: Revise, if necessary.
• INTERVIEWS: Keep interviewing. Don't forget to follow up with thank you letters.
• RELOCATION: If you are relocating, contact OCS to find out about reciprocity arrangements with universities throughout the country.
• MONITORING JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Keep an eye on all available options, and consider each carefully. If necessary, ask for additional time to consider offers.
• THE RIGHT FIT: Accept the job offer that provides the best match for your personality, interests, competencies, and short and long-term career goals. Inform all associated with your search of your acceptance.
• GRADUATES SURVEY: May graduates, be sure to complete the online Graduates Survey. If you prefer, you may complete the survey at OCS during business hours. This survey provides us with important information about your job search experiences and employment plans, so please take the time to complete it.

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July Reminders

• OCTOBER AND FEBRUARY GRADUATES: It's never too early to develop a wish list of prospective employers. Use the summer to start your research.
• NEWLY ADMITTED AND CONTINUING STUDENTS IN THE NYC AREA FOR THE SUMMER: Consider setting up a meeting with a Career Services advisor to discuss career development strategies for the coming year.

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