International

CDL and the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) work collaboratively to support international students and alumni of Columbia. We encourage you to build relationships with people at both offices to learn about the services and resources available to you, and to understand how your visa status influences your career search. The International Student and Scholars Office (ISSO) provides the following services:

  • Maintaining visa status
  • Immigration and document services
  • Obtaining U.S. work authorization
  • Programs, workshops, and resources related to your visa and job search
  • Advisors to discuss your status maintenance related questions

CDL provides you with these services:

  • Career advising and resources to understand your employment options
  • Development of a plan for your job and internship search strategy
  • Events tailored to international students’ needs and challenges
  • Resources to help you identify employers willing to sponsor international employees – please see GoinGlobal for a database of employers who have applied for H1Bs in the past.

US Work Authorization/Visas

The International Student & Scholars Office is your best source of information on work visas. They are the experts on employment authorization for international students. Be sure to visit their website for answers to your employment questions and to set up appointments with them.

Be sure to read the COVID-19 FAQs for International Students:

ISSO COVID-19 HUB

China Job Portal

The Global University Central Career Union (GUCCU) offers a job portal for employers based in China. Click the button below to check out opportunities:

China Job Portal

Beijing Global Center

The Beijing Global Center was established in March 2009 as one of the first in the network of Columbia Global Centers, serving as an important regional hub for Columbia University in East Asia. Check out updated career opportunities through the Center:

Career Opportunities in China

I-765 : Important Tips for OPT and STEM OPT Applications

We all know that forms from the US government can be quite confusing. The I-765, which is the USCIS application for employment authorization, is no different, but we’re here to help! In this video, we will be guiding you through …

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How to Choose Your OPT Start Date

This video was created by our friends in the ISSO office at Columbia University. Please visit their website at isso.columbia.edu for more information!
Choosing Your OPT Start Date

So, we know you’re not alone in feeling very stressed about applying …

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Start Here: How to Get a Visa to Study at Columbia University

This video was created by the ISSO office at Columbia University. Please visit their website at isso.columbia.edu for more information!

Video Caption:

So, you’ve made it into Columbia and now you wanna make it in the city? Well, you’re gonna …

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Resources for Diverse Populations

The Career Design Lab (CDL) in the School of Professional Studies (SPS) is here to support students of all backgrounds, perspectives and identities; enabling them to bring their full selves to work. We believe all students should have an opportunity …

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6 IRL Networking Tips for Introverts

The country is reopening, with more and more in-person events being held each day. This means that in-real-life networking will soon return. While this might be a welcome development to some, to others, including many introverts, this might be daunting. …

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
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Featured Classes

Presentations

Improve your ability to communicate big ideas to clients, teams, and execs by honing your presentation skills! Gain access to…

Networking & Outreach

Utilize practical exercises and advice from successful professionals to grow your network, build your professional community, represent your organization, and…

Clarifying Expectations

What questions do you need to ask to get the job done correctly? Improve your ability to communicate with your…

Goal Setting

Setting relevant and precise goals is a recipe for career success… but where do you start? Learn how to choose…

Giving & Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a two-way street — this course helps prepare you to thoughtfully give and receive constructive feedback with team…

LinkedIn Overview

Learn how to harness all of LinkedIn’s features in order to optimize your job search, expand your network, and maximize…

Informational Interviews

Careers aren’t built alone! Informational interviews are a key tool in your professional toolbelt: learn how to leverage the peers…

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Explore the essential roles and functions you’ll be collaborating with at top companies, then dive into best practices for leading…

Requesting Time Off

Nervous about requesting time off from work? Not sure how to ask your manager? Get the essential information and templates…

Career Exploration

Finding your career path doesn’t have to be a headache! Learn the difference between constructive and overwhelming questions to ask…

Cover Letters

When used correctly, a cover letter can be a valuable companion to your resume. This course will provide the samples…

Interviewing

Prepare to ace the interview! Dive into interview fundamentals, secrets to making a great first impression on employers, and how…

Professional Writing & Organization

Take a deep dive into the unspoken do’s and don’ts of professional communication with coworkers, customers, managers, and more! Then,…

Presence & Professionalism

Whether you’re in the office, joining a remote meeting, or attending a work event, how you show up matters! Demystify…

Getting to Know Your Manager & Team

Navigating a new workplace is a challenge. Start your new role with confidence by asking the right questions on (and…

Hiring Process & Offer Evaluation

Upgrade your hire-ability by demystifying the hiring process from application to offer.

Resumes

Get seen by employers and put your best foot forward in the application process by unlocking key hacks and tips…

Featured Jobs + Internships

Explore available jobs and internships for Columbia students.

Career Resources

Basics of the Employment-Based Green Card Process in the United States

The United States receives more immigrants than any other country in the world. In fact, approximately 17% of the American …

The 2023 Vault Guide to the Top 50 Consulting Firms is the definitive guide to the best consulting firms to …

The Vault Guide to Top Internships rates more than 130 internship programs. Based on a survey of approxiomately 14,000 interns, …

Informational Interview Steps

 

Informational Interview Steps
Identify someone to interview:Professors, advisors, alumni, and members of professional organizations are great candidates for informational interviews. …

DEIA Equity Language Guide

Being respectful and thoughtful in our exchanges with each other, external partners and stakeholders, and the general public is integral …

Anti-Hate Glossary: Stopping Anti-Asian Hate

Racism toward people of Asian heritage in the United States manifests itself in a wide range of words, actions, and …