MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Center for Career Education is to help students and alumni develop the key competencies necessary to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to achieve their career goals. The Center establishes connections and facilitates interaction among undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, employers, and organizations to generate opportunities that help students pursue their personal and professional objectives.

The Center for Career Education (CCE) serves students of Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, The School of General Studies, The School of Continuing Education (Degree Programs and Post-Baccalaureate Program), The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The School of the Arts, and The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. CCE collaborates with the career centers of other schools at Columbia University and its affiliated institutions. The Center is organized in six departments: Undergraduate Career Development, Graduate Student Career Development, Experiential Education and Student Enterprises, Employer and Alumni Relations, Alumni Career Development, and Administration and Planning.

The Undergraduate Career Development department of the Center supports the career development of undergraduate students in Columbia College, the School of General Studies and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science through their years at Columbia University. Opportunities exist to discuss all aspects of the career development process with CCE's team of career counselors. Whether students are wondering how to get started; looking for an internship; thinking about graduate school; seeking advice on interviews or resumes; looking for a part-time or full-time job; or in their first or senior year; Career Counselors are available to meet with students individually to discuss their career issues.

The Graduate Student Career Development department of the Center supports the career development of Master's and PhD students in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the School of Continuing Education (Degree programs and Post-Baccalaureate programs), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of the Arts, and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Whether students are interested in pursuing academic teaching and research opportunities or a non-academic career, CCE's programs and services can help them develop and achieve their career goals.

The Experiential Education and Student Enterprises department is responsible for the development and delivery of internship programs such as Columbia Experience Overseas (CEO), Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE) and Columbia Arts Experience (CAE). Columbia Student Enterprises (CSE) offers a unique educational experience by providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience running an existing business or creating a new one. Currently, there are four agencies: Columbia Bartending Agency and School of Mixology, Columbia Tutoring and Translating Agency (CUTTA), Inside New York, and CU Snacks.

The Employer and Alumni Relations team are dedicated to helping employers recruit qualified undergraduates, graduate students and alumni for full- and part-time employment and internships by providing full-service recruiting assistance. The department is also responsible for creating and maintaining new positive relationships with employers, coordinating on and off campus recruiting events including on-campus interviews and career fairs, and overseeing full-time and internship listings. CCE works with over 700 organizations to recruit talented individuals who possess the skills and passion needed to become highly-valued employees in a wide range of industries and professions. Employer and Alumni Relations works closely with potential employers to simplify and maximize their recruitment efforts.

The Programming team consists of Alumni Career Development and the Career Resource Center. Alumni Career Development assists alumni with their own career development and employment options. Through individual appounments and workshops CCE provides, alumni alumni navigate lifelong career learning taking into account career transitions, work/life balance values, and other topics common to the alumni career seeker. Alumni Career Development develops a cyclical pattern in that when one has been helped by the Program, the Center and the University, there will be a desire to give back when one is able to help a student or another alumnus/a through networking, internships, job assistance, etc.

The Administration and Planning department is responsible for the overall strategic planning for Career Education and the financial and administrative management of daily operations. The Administration team also oversees all technology initiatives, marketing and outreach, budget and personnel, and the reporting on Career Education activity to deans and other University offices.