Job Search Tips and Resources for Students

We know this is a hectic time for everyone, whether you are strategizing your post-grad job search or looking for summer opportunities. If you’re seeking some direction, see some highlighted tips below to get you started. Additional tools and resources, including links to 50+ job search sites, are also available within Career Connect.

Graduating Students

Getting started can be the hardest part. Break down the process into smaller, achievable parts and create a timeline and action plan using organizers to track your progress. This will allow you to recognize and celebrate mini-wins that you achieve along the way, which in turn can help you stay motivated and focused.

There is foundational work that can be achieved now as part of the process, which includes 1) building a target list of organizations and opportunities you’re interested in based on your skills, interests, and goals, 2) networking to learn more about them, and 3) preparing resumes that highlight relevant skills and accomplishments. You can also register for upcoming employer events, including our MSW Job Fair on Friday, March 26, to learn more about different organizations and opportunities.

International Students

Job searching can be a multi-hurdled process for international candidates seeking to work in the US, which requires additional knowledge and action steps. Review these tips for guidance. Make sure to also attend ISSO’s workshops on Optional Practical Training (OPT) if you haven’t already, and get in touch with their advisors to learn more about legal steps for pursuing employment.

If you need more support, we welcome you to join our Job Search Support Group for International Students, which will meet bi-weekly on Wednesdays starting February 3 until March 31, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. You can choose to attend as many sessions are you want. Join us via Zoom.

Continuing Students

Summer is a great time to practice a new skill, find meaningful work, and build connections with professionals in the field. Review the career and volunteer pages of organizations of interest for the most up-to-date information on potential opportunities. Most of these organizations do not post on school job boards but may do so on sites such as Idealist. Volunteering is always a substantive way to build experience, if a feasible option.

For those who are more experienced in the field, sites like Taproot offers skills-based and pro-bono opportunities for organizations in need, and UN Online Volunteers and Columbia Global Centers offer remote opportunities with international organizations. Visit our fellowships page to find sample opportunities. Note that the pandemic may have impacted the needs and capacities of many organizations and the opportunities they are able to offer during the summer.

2021 Master’s Level Social Work Virtual Job Fair | Friday, March 26

Hosted by the Metro New York Social Work Consortium, this is an exclusive opportunity for students and graduates from Columbia School of Social Work and member schools to meet and connect with employers seeking your talent.  Register today!

Note: Please use your Columbia email when registering. It will be used to verify your eligibility to attend.

If you are an employer, please register here.

NASW-NYC Cares Virtual Social Work Job Fair | Tuesday, January 26

Shared by the NASW-NYC Chapter:

The NASW-NYC New Professionals R&R SubCommittee in partnership with the NASW-NYC CARES Initiative presents the first virtual Social Work Job Fair!

Designed specifically for social workers in NYC, this event is meant to support social workers in their job search and provide them access to numerous NYC organizations offering specifically social work positions.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST

This is a virtual NASW-NYC event.

FREE and Open to NYC social workers ONLY.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please ensure you have an electronic version of your cover letter and CV/Resume prepared.

To register, visit https://www.naswnyc.org/page/CARESEvents

 

AGPP Alumni Career Panel | Wednesday, January 27

Want to learn more about potential AGPP career paths after graduation?

Join AGPP Caucus Leaders on January 27 at 12:30pm where they will be speaking to alumni about their career paths post Columbia and how their careers have been impacted by their experiences of being in the AGPP track! See below for details.

If you have any questions for the panelists, please fill out this survey.

Date: Wednesday, January 27
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 958 0656 2839)

Making the Most of Virtual Recruitment Events

Want to learn about organizations seeking your talent? During the spring term, a number of employers will be hosting recruitment and information sessions on opportunities for graduating students and alumni.

Take advantage of these events to connect with recruiters and hiring managers, learn about their organization, gain insight into what they’re looking for in candidates, and enhance your chances of landing a job!

Here are some tips to make the most of the events and to stand out:

    • Research the organization beforehand to get a sense of their services, impact, and the communities they serve.
    • Be prepared to share a quick introduction about your interests, strengths, and career goals.
    • Present your best self to make a strong first impression by following good video meeting etiquette, which includes keeping an appropriate background and dressing for the workplace (i.e. no pajamas!)
    • Prepare and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your knowledge, interest, and curiosity to learn more about their organization, values, and culture. You can also inquire about opportunities for growth, training, and professional development, as well as transferable skills they value, especially if you are a career changer or don’t yet meet certain requirements.
    • Have an updated resume readily available. Some employers ask for resumes before or after the event. Follow the instructions provided by the career office or employer on how and where to submit your resume for consideration.
    • After the event, follow up to personally thank them (BONUS: Reference something you learned from the session to make yourself even more memorable!)

NOTE: Some events may be presentation style, while others, interactive. Be prepared to engage accordingly. We recommend keeping your camera on or at least when asking questions but understand if that may not be feasible for some. Engagement can also include commenting in the chat and unmuting to ask a question when appropriate.

Welcome to our Spring 2021 Class!

The Office of Career Services and Leadership Management would like to extend a warm welcome to our new class of students! We look forward to working with you and supporting your career journey throughout your time at CSSW and thereafter.

See below for information regarding appointment scheduling and other resources that will be further discussed at our Career Q&A Webinar this afternoon at 2:00 PM.

Career Connect / Appointments

    • Career Connect is your go-to career management tool that you can use to schedule appointments, register for events, explore opportunities, and access resources including career guides and tip sheets. Please bookmark the link for future use: https://candidate.gradleaders.com/ColumbiaSW/Candidates/Login.aspx?pid=3455
    • You will receive access to the system later this afternoon via a welcome email titled “Welcome to Career Connect” that will be sent to your Columbia email. Instructions on how to set up your account will be included.
    • To schedule an appointment, go to Advising > General Advising > Add Appointment, and choose a time that’s convenient for you. All appointments are being held virtually or by phone at this time.

Spring Calendar

All upcoming events and activities will be posted in Career Connect in the Events section. They will also be announced via email and in our enews.

    • Company Events are primarily employer-related activities (e.g. recruitment sessions).
    • Workshops include career and professional development training as well as talks and panels with alumni and other professionals in the field.

Most CSSW-based events will take place Tuesdays through Thursdays during the afternoon breaks. Please make sure to register for each event directly using Career Connect or the links provided within the system. This will allow the career team to anticipate how many to expect and plan accordingly with employer, alumni, and other guest speakers.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please email [email protected]. Once again, welcome!

Tomomi and Rawlisha