The programs' professional development initiative enriches classroom learning, as students prepare to enter the fields of Sustainable Development and Climate and Sustainability. Students have access to multiple resources, including the professional development program and Columbia’s Center for Career Education.
Resources and Opportunities
Each academic year, the Research Assistant Program grants undergraduate students the opportunity to work on exciting research projects with distinguished faculty and researchers at the Climate School. While research assistant positions at Columbia University are generally awarded to graduate students, this program instead aims to present undergraduates with a unique opportunity to be involved in research at a high level and to gain valuable experience and skills for their future academic and professional careers. Positions are usually announced in the Wednesday Weekly Newsletter in August, prior to the start of the Academic Year.
Eligibility
Please note that as of Fall 2024, undergraduate RA program eligibility is limited to students from the following Climate School partner programs only:
- DEES/SDEV joint major in Climate and Sustainability, must be declared (CC, GS)
- Sustainable Development undergraduate major -or- minor, must be declared (CC, GS)
The Collaborative Research Grant provides an opportunity for undergraduate and master’s students from the Climate School and partner programs to undertake paid research alongside renowned Columbia University faculty. This unique program is student driven, allowing students to select and pursue a topic they are passionate about, while receiving guidance from a leading member of the scientific community during fall and spring semesters. Applications open at the end of summer.
Eligibility
Please note that as of Fall 2024, eligibility is limited to undergraduate and master’s students from the following Climate School and partner programs only:
- MA, Climate and Society (CS)
- MS, Climate (CS)
- MS, Climate Finance (CS)
- MS, Sustainability Management (SPS)
- MS, Sustainability Science (SPS)
- MPA, Environmental Science and Policy (SIPA)
- MPA, Development Practice (SIPA)
- DEES/SDEV joint major in Climate and Sustainability, must be declared (CC, GS)
- Sustainable Development undergraduate major -or- minor, must be declared (CC, GS)
The Climate School offers internships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from the Climate School and its partner programs. The internships in diverse administration, communications, and research roles with climate and sustainability-related projects provide hands-on workplace experience, allowing professional learning and growth.
Gain further internship experience through domestic and international programs with CCE Internship Programs.
Through the travel grant program, the Climate School allocates funding to support travel by students matriculated in its own and partner degree programs who are engaged in research projects related to climate change, sustainable development, or the environment. This travel can be domestic or international and is for projects directly related to a student’s degree program at Columbia University. Students can apply as individuals or as small groups. This funding may not be used to support travel for symposia/conference attendance.
Eligibility
Please note that as of fall 2024, travel grant program eligibility is limited to students from the following Climate School and partner programs only:
- MA, Climate and Society (CS)
- MS, Climate (CS)
- MS, Climate Finance (CS)
- MS, Sustainability Management (SPS)
- MS, Sustainability Science (SPS)
- MPA, Environmental Science and Policy (SIPA)
- MPA, Development Practice (SIPA)
- PhD, Sustainable Development (SIPA, GSAS)
- PhD, Earth and Environmental Science (GSAS)
- DEES/SDEV joint major in Climate and Sustainability, must be declared (CC, GS)
- Sustainable Development undergraduate major -or- minor, must be declared (CC, GS)
Every year, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale team up to host the All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair. This event hosts representatives from public agencies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, businesses and industries with the opportunity to connect with top graduate and undergraduate students.
Sponsoring the event are the Center for Careers and Life After Brown (Career LAB), Columbia University’s Earth Institute, Cornell Career Services, Dartmouth Center for Professional Development, Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences Career Services, University of Pennsylvania Career Services, Princeton University Office of Career Services, Yale Office of Career Strategies, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and the Yale School of Management.
Climate Career Expo
This signature career event connects climate-smart students and alumni with organizations advancing climate and sustainability solutions. Designed to spark conversations, open doors, and accelerate careers, this unique, high-impact expo offers employers unparalleled access to emerging and established climate leaders. These individuals are equipped to tackle mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, and the intertwined climate-inequality challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Job Search Tools
The Climate School Job List contains employment opportunities in the fields of climate and sustainability. Students and alumni may upload resumes and cover letters, they may store job application documents and job searches, as well as receive notifications for jobs that match their employment profiles. Career planning and sustainability writing workshops are also available to students during the academic year.
Academic Major Exploration
Explore resources, such as the “What can you do with a degree in Sustainable Development?” tip sheet.
Individual career counseling, workshops, speaker events, and online resources are also available to help with career planning and internship/job applications, interviewing, networking, negotiations, and the decision to pursue graduate school. Learn more about covering career paths, employers, professional associations, internship/job sites, and research opportunities through Industry-specific resources.