Beyond the Classroom: What Else Can SIPA Offer?

One of the major benefits of attending SIPA is the access to resources beyond the classroom, where students have the opportunity to get real-world experience while earning their degree. 

• Capstone Workshop
  • SIPA students have the exciting opportunity to participate in a Capstone Workshop during their time at SIPA. This is one of the best ways students can gain hands-on experience working for a company or government agency in an advisory capacity, delivering real solutions for their assigned client. Past projects have spanned across industries and subject areas, from investigating how AI can transform government operations, to building employment opportunities internationally. 
  • Additional information and a directory of past projects can be found here. 
• Summer Internship 
  • With the support of the Career Advancement Center at SIPA, students have the opportunity to gain meaningful internship experience during their time of study at the university. Whether you’re at SIPA looking to pivot into a new field, or hoping to build your network in a new industry, the internship experience is great for gaining exposure to those areas.
• Signature Speaker Events and Conferences
  • There are many conferences, symposiums, and roundtables hosted by SIPA through our student groups, Columbia-affiliated institutions, and in partnership with organizations around NYC. 
  • Check out the events page to learn more
  • Institute of Global Politics (IGP) 
  • Centers and Institutes at Columbia
• Assistantships - Get Paid and Gain Experience
  • Whether you’re looking for opportunities to do research on a particular topic, build a closer relationship with a member of the SIPA faculty, or just want some extra pocket money, this student assistantship program is a great way to do these things while enrolled at SIPA. A great former blog post covering the details of assistantships can be found here. 
• Student Organizations
  • Holding a leadership role in a student group while enrolled at SIPA is a great way to bolster your resume, stand out in a given industry, and network with professionals in the field through programming events. 
  • Explore all student groups that are open to students here.
  • Don’t see a student group that interests you? Start one! 
  • Being a SIPA student, you have access to all organizations at Columbia University!

Finding community beyond the classroom here at SIPA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my SIPA experience. Don't be afraid to explore Columbia at large when you are here!