The Career Design Lab (CDL), a comprehensive career services center for Columbia SPS students, held a webinar on how to position yourself in the job market as economies recover from COVID-19. Here are four key takeaways.
1. Work with your Career Coach and utilize SPS Talent as soon as possible.
Did you know that there’s a team of 10 Career Coaches at the CDL who specialize in various disciplines? Coaches are designated based on your specific academic program and use a growth mindset along with data-informed decisions to help you to customize your career plan—at any stage you are in the process. They can also help you gain access to premium subscriptions for multiple resume reviewing platforms and networking tools. The first step is to access your SPS Talent account. There, you can explore job boards and the latest career outcomes/employment statistics, register for events with recruiters, upload your resume for employers, and view your coaching appointment schedule. SPS Talent allows you to be an active participant in your career journey and make yourself known to a professional network. No matter where you are in the job preparation or search process, getting in touch with a career coach and using SPS Talent will be a critical first step.
2. Attend CDL events.
On the new CDL website, students may register for any of the exciting events hosted by the CDL such as the Virtual China Career Fair and the Fall 2021 U.S. Career & Networking Virtual Fair. Through these events—which also include talks, panels, and industry showcases—students and alumni can take advantage of opportunities to engage with industry professionals and gain insights from recruiters and representatives from companies around the world. Working with the CDL will also help you to learn how to highlight yourself and the unique skills you can bring to a company.
3. Learn about yourself.
The CDL’s Career Design Journey, accessible through your CourseWorks account, emphasizes the importance of learning about yourself and what you can bring to the table with your specific skill set. It includes a self-assessment tool that allows you to analyze your goals and skill sets. The customized program will meet you where you are in your career. Whether you’re an emerging professional or already have a decade of experience, the CDL has a strategy and tools to set you up for success. The CDL can also help you craft your pitch and personal brand, highlighting your strengths, accomplishments, and transferable skills.
4. Think globally and consider the pandemic.
To position yourself successfully in the job market, it is now crucial to consider how companies are emerging from the shutdown. Has the organization been able to move forward? Have they had to reduce staff, production, or services? What does the future hold for them and are they actively recruiting? What are their new business needs? These are all important questions to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. In addition, it’s important to keep an open mind to opportunities in multinational organizations as well as American companies with offices overseas. This may be especially helpful for students who require visa sponsorship. Thinking and researching globally can be a key component for planning your career journey.
5. Make an appointment with CDL!
The CDL works with employers like SiriusXM, Goldman Sachs, UNICEF, Madison Square Garden, Aetna, Disney, Google, ESPN, MetLife, and American Express, so get in touch! The Career Coaches are accessible to students in several ways; they hold both in-person and virtual scheduled career coaching appointments Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET and welcome virtual drop-ins Monday and Tuesday from 3 p.m.–5 p.m. ET. Students must have a green pass on the ReopenCU app for all in-person appointments.
