Job Search

Start with SPS Talent, where we list jobs for all degree areas. We always recommend that you get to know the job search sites in your field and set up alerts so you will automatically receive job announcements according to your interests. Professional associations in your field often have a job announcement section on their website. Other important sites that post jobs in all fields are LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor.

Through your networking and informational interviews, you will be informing insiders about your interests and keeping in touch with them. By building these relationships, you increase the chances that they will think of you and let you know when an appropriate job is open. This is one way to get ahead of the crowd and learn about jobs before they are posted for the public.

It’s best to spend time exploring your ideal path before you begin the job search, but you can do both simultaneously. The greater your clarity on which industry and role are right for you, the stronger your interviews and the more effective and efficient your job search will be.

• Research industries and employers in your field.
• Create job alerts on the key job sites for your field, as well as more general job sites.
• Create a list of at least the top 10 companies you’d be thrilled to join.
• Do in-depth research on the company and careers on their website and by reviewing the LinkedIn profiles of people working there.
• Meet company representatives and connections at professional gatherings or at events at Columbia.
• Contact 2-3 connections at each of these companies, directly or indirectly through introductions—try starting with alumni from Columbia or your previous schools.
• Set up informational interviews and make thoughtful networking calls.
• Let your contacts know about your skills and the types of jobs that interest you.
• Follow up and reconnect with these connections every few weeks.

Please refer to the Career Design Lab Course on your Canvas/Courseworks dashboard to find additional resources. LinkedIn Learning is another good resource for further learning.