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.

Expert Advice Shared in the Job Search Forum

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives on many levels, leaving many uncertain on how to approach the changing market and job search.

To address these concerns, over the past three weeks, we welcomed members of the CSSW community and other experts in the field to provide insight on how to tackle the search process during these challenging times.

Below are some of the strategies that were shared:

  • Make sure you’re taking care of yourself first and going at your own pace. This pandemic is already emotionally and physically taxing, so don’t feel like you must be going at full speed during the job search. You don’t want to overwork yourself, as we must be able to take care of ourselves to be able to help others.
  • Be flexible and open to opportunities that may seem out of the norm. Take into consideration positions that at first glance may not be your first choice (title, salary, location, etc.), but could lead to better opportunities. Remember, every experience is a learning experience.
  • Be innovative. Build and market your brand to the current needs. Think thoughtfully and strategically about these needs and how you can offer a solution. Think outside of the traditional social work box.
  • Network! Network! Network! Keep in contact with your CSSW community and connect with those throughout the social impact space. Virtual networking platforms like LinkedIn are an easy way to stay connected and build new connections.***Continuing and graduating students currently have access to 1:1 career mentoring with an alum every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM until May 28. For more information, check your email or review this program overview (UNI login required).***

If you missed the series or any of the individual sessions, feel free to refer to our notes and handouts from the sessions (UNI login required).

Thank you to the Office of Field Education for collaborating with us on this event, to all our guest speakers, including last week’s guests, Andrez Carberry, Head of Global Talent Supply and Diversity and Inclusion at John Deere, Cassandra Walker, Human Resources Recruiter at Henry Street Settlement, and Iris Groen, Talent Acquisition Manager at the Jewish Board, students who attended the series, and Pam Picon for providing the comprehensive synopsis and notes!

Free Resume Workshops – NYC Access and Employment Week | October 21-25

From the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities:

New York City Access & Employment Week by the NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and Microsoft

Free Resume Workshop with Microsoft Word

Daily Sessions from October 21st – 25th 

11:00am – 1:00pm
Microsoft Fifth Avenue Store
677 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022

Workshop Description:

Whether you’re gearing up for college, an internship, or a career after completing higher learning, you need to have a professional resume. This resume workshop will help you learn how to stay organized, and jump start your job search by building your resume with Word.

Each Session Includes:

  • Tips for landing your first job
  • General Formatting and Page Length
  • Targeting your resume

Registrations

Register for Monday, October 21st at 11:00am 
Register for Tuesday, October 22nd at 11:00am
Register for Wednesday, October 23rd at 11:00am
Register for Thursday, October 24th at 11:00am
Register for Friday, October 25th at 11:00am

This series is part of NYC Access and Employment Week (10/21 – 10/25) by Microsoft and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. For a full schedule of events visit NYC.gov/AccessEmployment

Follow MOPD Online: Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Planning Ahead for Post-Grad Opportunities

Whether you just started the program or are approaching your final year of study (or both!), setting aside some time to craft and implement your career action plan will be critical for effectively navigating the job search process. This may include:
  • Conducting a self-assessment of your unique strengths, interests, values, motivators, and goals;
  • Creating a job wish list including target organizations and opportunities;
  • Preparing your marketing materials (e.g. resume, LinkedIn profile, and pitch);
  • Developing your network of contacts in your fields of interest; and
  • Setting goalposts to measure your progress

Not sure where to start? Book a career appointment, or take a look at the extensive resources available within the Document Library of Career Connect. Finding an accountability partner with whom you could share your goals, challenges, and successes can also be a great way to stay on track!

Managing Your Job Search

Searching for a job, whether as a first-time job seeker or experienced professional, can feel like a roller coaster ride, filled with moments of hope, excitement, frustration, and disillusionment.

While there’s no quick, simple, or guaranteed way to smooth-sail through the process, there are tips, tools, and resources you can refer to that may help facilitate the journey. Take a look at a few below:

GoinGlobal Training Sessions

Are you taking advantage of our GoinGlobal subscription? You can access GoinGlobal by logging into Career Connect, and clicking on the logo on the main dashboard. (Alumni – go here.)

GoinGlobal resources can help you plan ahead for international jobs and internships. Schedule a complimentary, one hour training session to learn more about:

  • Work authorization regulations
  • Industry and employment trends
  • Professional and social networking organizations
  • Office protocol and interviewing customs

Find upcoming training dates and register here.

Welcome to 2019 Spring Class | Tips on Making Appointments and Accessing Resources

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 a recap of the resources that were discussed during Orientation.

Career Connect / Appointments

  • Career Connect is your go-to career management tool that you can use to schedule appointments, explore opportunities, and access various career resources, including GoinGlobal, a comprehensive, global career guide. Please bookmark the link for future use: https://candidate.gradleaders.com/ColumbiaSW/Candidates/Login.aspx?pid=3455.
  • To begin using the system, please refer to the welcome email titled “Welcome to Career Connect” that was sent to your Columbia email. It will include a link to the site. Your username is your UNI (e.g. abc123). You will have to set up your new password and fill out your profile to enjoy all its features.
  • To schedule an appointment, go to Advising > General Advising, and choose a time that’s convenient for you. If you prefer a phone or virtual appointment, make sure to note it accordingly in the request. Please note that this advising feature will not be visible to you until you fill out the required fields of your profile.
  • You may also “drop in” without an appointment, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, unless otherwise noted, including this week. (Drop-ins will be available again starting next week.) Students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis for brief 10 to 15-minute meetings.

Spring Calendar

All upcoming events and activities will be posted in Career Connect in the Events section, as well as on the Career Services Blog Events page. They will also be announced via email and in our weekly enews. Note that “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 and alumni guests.

For general inquiries, please email [email protected].

ProFellow Academy, an Online Fellowship Resource, Now Offered for FREE

ProFellow Academy, an online platform where the experts teach you how to find and win competitive fellowships, grants, and awards, is now being offered for FREE!

Content will include:

  • Free short courses and webinars on how to find and win fellowships, grants, and awards
  • Our Events calendar of live in-depth workshops on insider application strategies
  • Recorded courses, including ProFellow’s Kickstarter Course (aka “Fellowships 101”) – learn how to find the right funding opportunities for your next big career goal
  • Virtual “office hours” with ProFellow Founder and four-time fellow Dr. Vicki Johnson – ask your burning questions when you need assistance
  • Live Q&A with fellowship winners and industry experts
  • Invitations to ProFellow’s in-person networking events
  • Personal introductions to current and former fellows globally
  • And more!

Request to join here!

ProFellow Academy is an extension of ProFellow, an online database where you can search through more than 1,000 professional and academic fellowship programs.