Career development and management is a continuous, lifelong process beyond graduation from Columbia University. Our goal is to provide you with skills that will help you track exciting career opportunities through networking and other tools and then land jobs. 

If you are an employer who wishes to circulate any internship opportunities or job postings, please write to David Fitzgerald, the Associate Director of Career Development and Industry Relations: [email protected] 

Professional Development Course- GR5391

This mandatory course, taken in the first semester of study, brings together program alumni, senior executives, industry leaders, and guest panelists—exclusively for course participants—alongside the instructor to provide practical guidance and firsthand perspectives on building a fulfilling career. 

    • Thanks to this class, you will:

      • Gain insider perspectives and practical advice on navigating today’s job market.

      • Explore what a fulfilling and meaningful career looks like for you.

      • Set clear goals to guide your learning, professional development, and career activities throughout the program.

      • Apply the strategies and skills you develop to navigate the job search process collaboratively with your peers.

      The curriculum is adaptable and guest speakers are invited to share their intimate firsthand experience.

      0 credit, pass/fail. 

      Meeting Employers

      Throughout your time as a student in one of the M.A. Programs in Statistics, you’ll have opportunities to connect with a diverse range of employers—from internship recruiters and industry professionals to Columbia University alumni working in the field. Some employers are alumni of our programs who were in your shoes not long ago, while others are Columbia alumni or organizations interested in recruiting talented students from our community. These connections provide valuable opportunities to learn about different career paths, build your professional network, and explore internships and employment opportunities across a range of industries.

    • Key Takeaways from recent sessions:

      • Show Relevance: Tailor your application to clearly demonstrate how your skills match the specific role and company needs.
      • Highlight Your Unique Value: Go beyond the standard qualifications and showcase what unique perspective or skills you bring to a team.
      • Prove Your Technical Skills: Proficiency with tools like Python and SQL, backed by hands-on experience with real data, is essential.
      • Emphasize Soft Skills: The ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and fit into the team culture is just as important as technical expertise.
      • Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss not only your technical abilities but also your motivation, problem-solving process, and career goals.

      For more videos about the Columbia Statistics Department, please click here. 

      Academic Certifications and Proof of Enrollment

      If official proof of student enrollment is required by an employer or another entity, please visit the Office of the University Registrar.  Currently matriculated students can request enrollment certification via SSOL.  For academic certification, an official document provided by the University Registrar verifying your dates of attendance, award of degree, and/or student status (full-time or part-time) by semester, please visit the Office of the University Registrar: Certifications.  

      International Students 

      Please review the Statistical Fieldwork Course GR5399. OPT – Optional Practical Training for International Students

      • General information on OPT and CPT can be found on the ISSO Website.
      • Read about Post-Completion OPT  HERE
      • Details on the OPT extension for students with STEM degrees can be found HERE.
      • ISSO news and events may be found HERE.

      1) Post-Completion OPT:  Students beginning their final semester will receive an email from the Department about approval to apply for OPT. 

      2) Pre-OPT Options:  After completing two semesters on campus (fall and spring) international students may qualify for a summer or fall internship through application to Pre-Completion OPT.  Read more about Pre-OPT HERE.  

      ISSO

      The International Students and Scholars Office is the top resource in terms of all visa issues. The ISSO office has walk-in advisory hours all week and is located at 524 Riverside Drive between W. 122 St. and Tiemann Place. 

      Information on how to invite family and friends for Graduation or for other events is HERE. 

      Student Employment information can be found HERE.  

       

      Additional Resources

      MA Weekly Newsletter – Career Announcements

      Receive weekly e-mail updates on job opportunities. If you are a graduate of the program, please send any internship or job leads you may have to  [email protected]. 

      LinkedIn

      Join the M.A. Programs in Statistics, Columbia University Networking Group to connect with alumni and get job leads. Recruiters and hiring managers always check your LinkedIn profile, so make sure it is updated regularly.

      GSAS Compass

      In addition to in-house Career Development support, M.A. in Statistics students can schedule one-on-one career advising appointments with GSAS Compass staff and attend their workshops, networking events, and career development programs. 

      Additional Media

      To watch recordings of our workshops, panels, and other sessions, you may view them in the password-protected section of this website, MA Students Only. Password will be shared via the MA Weekly Newsletter. 

      ALP – American Language Program – Improve your communication skills.  Find out below which services are available to our MA Statistics students for NO COST.  Some details can be found here. 

      Current MA Statistics students can write to Joel Chaffee at [email protected] with the following information:

      1.  Last Name, First Name
      2.  UNI
      3.  Class choice.  (Where applicable, be specific as to AM or PM section.)

      Mr. Chaffee will assign an online placement test for you. 

      The Chazen English Program 

      Information on the program at the Columbia Business School can be found here.  

      The Columbia College Writing Center

      Available to graduate students at GSAS.  Take advantage of a FREE service that is extremely helpful for anyone preparing written career materials or academic writing.  Excellent written communication is critical for your success in the job search.  This service will not provide career advice but will check English grammar and content. Find details here.