The Future of Work

As globalization, technology and demographics dramatically shift, these combined forces are fundamentally changing how individuals, organizations and industries work. SPS is shaping the new world of work with market-responsive programs and a commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive workforce at all levels. Through convening leading-edge discussions and forums, incubating the next generation of leaders, and applying the latest research in the real world, SPS helps individuals and organizations not just prepare for the future, but create it. Three pillars guide the Future of Work:

Adaptability / Future Shaping

In order to survive and prosper, individuals and organizations must adapt to and influence market forces. Our Forum on the Future of Work brings together scholars, practitioners and leaders from across sectors to discuss how the field of professional studies can evolve to meet these needs.

Talent Pipeline

In order to better recognize and act on external opportunities and threats, organizations must leverage a broad range of perspectives in decision-making at all levels. An inclusive culture is also a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Our Columbia Girls in STEM Initiative and Columbia HBCU Fellowship programs work together to foster the next generation of diverse leadership.

Design Thinking & Learning

In order to thrive and lead through change in the new world of work, individuals and organizations must constantly  acquire new knowledge, skills and capabilities. Access to education is thus critical to people at all ages and all stages. SPS's community of scholar-practitioners and Executive Education programs unite scholarship with real-world experience to translate insight into impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Dean’s Council

Columbia University faculty who oversee SPS programming, policies, and full-time faculty appointments, promote academic excellence, and offer the Dean strategic counsel.

Kitty Kay Chan, Ph.D.
Professor of Professional Practice;
Academic Director, M.S. in Applied Analytics Program, School of Professional Studies
 

Matthew Connelly, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of History, Columbia University
 

Siddhartha Dalal, Ph.D.
Professor of Professional Practice in Applied Analytics, School of Professional Studies

Geraldine Downey, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology;
Director, Center for Justice
 

Robert Klitzman, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry, Mailman School of Public Health;
Academic Director, Bioethics, School of Professional Studies
 

Arthur M. Langer, Ed.D.
Professor of Practice in Technology Management, 
Academic Director, Technology Management, School of Professional Studies;
Director, Center for Technology Management
 

Brendan O’Flaherty, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, Department of Economics,
Arts and Sciences

Samuel Kelton Roberts, Jr., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History, Sociomedical Sciences, and African American Studies
 

Scott Rosner
Professor of Professional Practice;
Academic Director, M.S. in Sports Management Program, School of Professional Studies
 

Josef Sorett, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religion and African American and African Diaspora Studies, Columbia University;
Director of the Center on African-American Religion, Sexual Politics and Social Justice
 

Brent Stockwell, Ph.D.
Professor, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Columbia University;
Director, Columbia University Chemical Probe Synthesis Facility;
Co-director, High-Throughput Screening, Columbia Genome Center
 

Gregory J. Wawro, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science, Arts and Sciences
 

Josh Whitford, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Arts and Sciences