Career Services and Leadership Management | Columbia School of Social Work

We know that job searching and career planning can be a daunting process, whether you’re just starting your career as a social worker, seeking to advance within the field, or looking to shift to a new one. Regardless of where you are on your journey, the Career and Leadership Management team is committed to supporting you while you are a student and long after you graduate.

We offer an array of tools, resources, and opportunities to guide you in crafting your unique path, including personalized career coaching, educational webinars, and recruitment and networking programs. We also partner with stakeholders within and beyond the school, including employers, alumni, faculty, and staff, to foster connections with the broader community and facilitate your transition to the workforce.

Our ultimate goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and insights to confidently identify and pursue meaningful opportunities that are aligned with your strengths, values, and interests, and to cultivate the mindset and capacity essential for lifelong learning, growth, and success.

Learn more about our support programs and services below. To book an appointment, log in to your existing Career Connect account. We look forward to joining you in designing your future!

Employers

If you are an Employer seeking to recruit MSW students and graduates, please refer to our Recruiter page.

If you are a Practicum Educator seeking to hire and train MSW student interns, please reach out to the Office of Practicum Learning at [email protected] or refer to their Practicum Educator page.

Career and Leadership Management Team

Tomomi C. Uetani

Director

Rawlisha Pena

Assistant Director

Amber Gratereaux

Career Counselor

Career Services Available

Receive individualized guidance, support, and feedback on your career development and job search process. Discussion topics may include researching and evaluating your career options, networking, making informed career decisions and plans, strategizing your search, writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews and negotiation discussions, and developing and maintaining a strong professional identity and brand.

Hone critical skills and strategies for navigating your career, from job search to offer. Seminars include career talks and panel discussions featuring alumni and industry professionals and didactic sessions and hands-on training on essential career competencies.

Connect with alumni and professionals in the field to deepen your knowledge about career paths and options, grow your network and visibility within your target industry, and gain insights and tips on your developing career. Activities include annual networking events for students and alumni and a career mentorship program for students.

Meet recruiters and hiring managers from various sectors, including nonprofits, government, and healthcare, to learn about different organizations and employment opportunities and the qualities and credentials they seek in candidates. Job fairs are held annually in the spring, and information sessions, throughout the academic year.

Manage your career development at your own pace using Career Connect—your go-to platform for making appointments, searching for jobs, and learning about career education and recruitment events. Career Connect also houses a library of career guides, tip sheets, and tools for resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, job search management, and more, in addition to links to exclusive global career management resources, GoinGlobal and Interstride. Select resources can also be found below in the Tip Sheet section.

Stayed informed about relevant resources, events, and opportunities through our newsletter distributed every Tuesday during the academic year and bi-weekly during the summer.

Learn about the steps and requirements for getting licensed as a master-level social worker on the school’s Social Work Licensing page, which also includes links to exam preparation resources, guides, and answers to frequently asked questions.

General inquiries related to the licensing process, including education certification requests, can be directed to the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected]. For transcripts and general academic certification requests, refer to the University Registrar.