It is often said that networking outside of the classroom is as important as the skills acquired in class in graduate school. For students at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), every connection in the school is a professional networking opportunity. SPS students have unrivaled access to diverse networking opportunities that connect them with industry leaders, faculty, alumni, and peers. Steve Cohen, Senior Vice Dean and Program Director for the M.S. in Sustainability Management comments on the value of the scholar-practitioner faculty model in creating networking opportunities for SPS students, saying “All of the faculty at SPS are leaders and experts in their respective fields, not just through study, but through practice and experience. Students are given the opportunity not only to learn from experts, but to leverage our faculty’s professional networks for their own opportunities.”
Through exclusive events, career services, clubs, and more, students can cultivate professional relationships that enhance their academic experience and career trajectory. Shepherd, the SPS alumni and student-led team that won the fifth annual Greater Good Challenge, noted how the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the SPS community allowed them to develop a product that they hope will have a positive impact on the world, said, “This experience has left us more motivated than ever to elevate our business and demonstrate how our product– an AI-driven browser extension designed to detect bots online– can drive meaningful societal change across fields like journalism and finance.” Scott Rosner, Director for the M.S. in Sports Management, hosts a Friendsgiving every year, which allows students to celebrate their successes and form connections that will persist long after they graduate. Speaking of the event, Scott Rosner says, “Friendsgiving very quickly became an annual highlight for everyone - our students, me and my family. The ability for our Columbia family to get together in a relaxed setting and enjoy each other's company while celebrating, eating and - of course - watching football is a tradition that we all truly enjoy."
Industry-Focused Networking Events
Industry networking opportunities arise in myriad ways at SPS, including in the classroom, through the connections of our professional faculty, and in the Career Design Lab (CDL), which supports students and cultivates relations with organizations across the city and the globe. SPS organizes specialized networking events, including industry nights, career panels, and employer meet-and-greets, where students can engage directly with professionals from fields such as finance, technology, media, sustainability, and public affairs. These events provide opportunities to explore career paths, gain industry insights, and help with job or internship searches. Kelly Ahn, Associate Dean of the Career Design Lab, said “Events like these are a great way to connect current SPS students to SPS alumni to help build their career networks… Students get first-hand guidance from recent alums on how to translate their SPS education into fantastic jobs.” Students can also opt for offers of one-on-one career coaching and attend employer events tailored to SPS students’. CDL also connects students through industry forums, employer information sessions, and company visits with leading companies and organizations.
Exclusive Access to the SPS Alumni Network
The SPS Alumni Network is a valuable resource, connecting students with accomplished alumni across industries, regions, and oceans. “We encourage our alumni to stay involved, for many reasons,” said Sonal Pande, associate dean of Alumni and Development. “It’s a wonderful way to connect to others in your industry and easily find others who share common interests and passions. Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate.” Through formal mentorship programs, networking receptions, and online platforms like SPS Alumni Connect, students can receive career guidance, explore job opportunities, and build meaningful professional relationships. “Some [former classmates] have become like family members,” said Unathi Mtya (’18SPS), a Technology Management alum and current group chief information and digital officer at African Bank. “I still go to them when I’m experiencing challenges in my career.” The Office of Alumni Relations fosters lifelong connections through social events, learning and networking opportunities, and career resources. The recently launched SPS Connect platform actively facilitates professional networking and connects alumni with mentors and peers worldwide. The SPS Global Alumni Clubs in China and India are playing a vital role in fostering connections between alumni, students, and employers in the region. Through their organized events, both in-person, such as the SPS Global Receptions in Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Mumbai, and virtual, such as 'Meet Your China Network,' they bridge relationships that facilitate networking and collaboration. These initiatives not only strengthen the growing alumni community in these regions but also provide valuable opportunities for career development and professional growth for all students and alumni involved. Sonal Pande adds, “With over 15,000 alumni in 96 countries, our alumni network is the heartbeat of SPS, bringing incredible value through meaningful connections and mentorship. We've intentionally designed platforms like SPS Connect and hosted domestic and global networking events to break down geographical barriers, ensuring our community can engage, support, and inspire each other. Whether it's an alumnus returning to campus to guest lecture, joining us at a virtual or in-person networking session, connecting a current student with a professional mentor, or creating recruitment opportunities for our students, we're committed to creating vibrant, dynamic pathways for professional growth and collaboration."
Professional Associations and Student Organizations
SPS students can join industry-specific student organizations and affinity groups, such as the SPS Consulting Club, Women in Leadership, and Data Analytics Club, which provide networking opportunities through speaker events, corporate partnerships, and alumni panels. These groups help students develop industry connections and leadership skills, as Rollie Carencia, the Executive Director of Student Life, remarks: “SPS Student life is all about building connections that matter. Our student-led clubs and organizations, whether focused on academics, entrepreneurship, sustainability, community, or professional development create incredible networking opportunities. Through socials, speaker events, and workshops, students bring fresh ideas to life and form relationships that go beyond the classroom.” Students in the Bioethics program are encouraged to contribute to the Voices in Bioethics journal, which operates in partnership with the program, to publish op-eds and research at the cutting edge of ethics and health. Students in the Sustainability Management program (SUMA) are encouraged to join Sustainability Management Net Impact (SUMANI), a community of students, alumni, and professionals dedicated to building a sustainable world.
Thought Leadership and Speaker Series
Special events and conferences also provide students with access to high-profile speakers and faculty-led discussions. These events give students direct exposure to influential leaders, allowing them to expand their networks and gain insights into emerging trends in their fields. From a fireside chat with Dr. Anthony Fauci, to expert discussions of the 2024 election, to virtual panels with experienced nonprofit professionals, SPS students are constantly in touch with leaders in their respective fields.
Capstones and Coursework
Networking is built into the fabric of SPS programs themselves, to provide students with opportunities for professional advancement, and to ensure students get the most out of their graduate school experience. Many of the programs at SPS require students to complete a capstone or other culminating project, which require students to serve real clients and solve real problems for their organizations. For example, the Sports Management Supervised Research Projects have had NFL staff as clients; Sustainability Management M.S. students have consulted with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Technology Management M.S. students have worked with mentors from BP, Goldman Sachs, HBO, Prudential, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Kitty Kay Chan, Program Director of the M.S. in Applied Analytics, speaks of her program's capstone, saying “The program’s Capstone Project offers students a valuable opportunity to collaborate with industry partners to apply what they have learned in the program to real-world challenges. Through this hands-on experience, students build strong portfolios while expanding their professional network— paving the way for future success."
Digital Networking and Global Connections
Networking is not limited to in-person opportunities; students can leverage a whole digital domain to make connections and advance their ambitions. Columbia SPS-exclusive platforms like SPS Talent, LionLink, and LinkedIn alumni groups connect with professionals worldwide. These platforms offer virtual networking opportunities, mentorship matching, and access to job postings curated for SPS students. Online students at SPS are also eligible for virtual one-on-one career coaching through the Career Design Lab. Danielle Barrios (‘23SPS), a Wealth Management Alum, and current Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, says that her career coach, Mariela Torres, Associate Director of Employer Industry and Engagement at the Career Design Lab, and Mariela’s contacts at Morgan Stanley, were indispensable in acquiring her current position, saying “I obtained this job with the help and guidance of my career coach, Mariela Torres. I could not have done this without her! From the day I completed my degree program to my hiring at Morgan Stanley, Mariela was there every step of the way. She revised my resume, helped me organize my job search, and connected me with her contact at Morgan Stanley, who, in turn, put me in touch with the recruiters in my target market. Mariela and the team at the Career Design Lab prepped me for the interviews, and when the time came, Mariela was there to review the offer letter with me. The Career Design Lab does precisely what it says it does: We designed the career of my dreams.”
SPS student and SPS Student Government President Emily Taylor summarizes the networking opportunities at SPS by saying, "The robust networking potential at the School of Professional Studies is uniquely dynamic and has enhanced my experience at Columbia. In my role as both a student and the SPS Student Government President, I've witnessed firsthand how networking at SPS fuels collaboration and success, empowering everyone—students, faculty, and administration— to learn, lead, and innovate. Every connection made here at SPS can spark a new way of thinking and change the course of your journey." By taking advantage of these tailored networking resources, SPS graduate students can build lasting professional relationships, gain industry insights, and accelerate their careers in competitive global markets.
