FIRST-YEAR FAQs 🦁🗽🐻
Dear Columbia University and Barnard College Classes of 2024,
Thank you for submitting your questions! The Columbia Women’s Business Society Executive Board has answered your questions below.
On August 27th we will be hosting a Class of 2024 Zoom Office Hours Session. This session will be operated by the sophomores on the CWBS E-Board who can answer your questions at greater depth! Subscribe to The Scope and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to learn more.
CWBS
Is there an application process for joining CWBS?
Yes! CWBS will open up committee member applications in the first few weeks of September. The committee members will submit an online application followed by a round of interviews with the CWBS Executive Board. There will be seven committees: Membership Engagement, Corporate Engagement, Marketing, Design, Conference, External Initiatives, and Professional Development. Feel free to reach out to CWBS through our Instagram to ask more questions or at cwbs@columbia.edu.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
What will meetings and events look like this year since everything is mostly virtual?
Meetings and events will all be held online for this semester. The CWBS E-Board and Committee Zoom meetings are collaborative, providing a dynamic working environment for our teams - we are also conscious of international timezone differences and work to select a time that works best for the whole team. As Columbia’s largest pre-professional society and only business society, we have access to great resources that streamline our ability to plan and communicate online.
Our events will all be held on Zoom!
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
I want to learn more about what it means to be a woman in the business world, breaking through the "glass ceiling”.
Great! You've come to the right place - CWBS hosts and speaks to some of the women at the forefront of the business world who are changing the landscape. We've had the likes of Esta Stecher, CEO of Goldman Sachs USA; Susan Lyne, Chairman of Gilt Groupe, Inc.; Maria Bartiromo, CNBC Host; Betsy Morgan, CEO of the Huffington Post; Wei Christianson, CEO of Morgan Stanley China; Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest all speak as the Keynote speaker at our Annual Conference which has been sponsored by the companies mentioned above as well as Apple, Hermes, Chloé, Moncler, and Rumble as raffle prize sponsors. If you want to learn more about what it means to be a woman in the business world: stay connected to CWBS.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
Internships
How do I get an internship as a Freshman? Is it possible to get an internship as a freshman?
Yes! There are some positions open to diversity freshman students at bigger firms, so definitely check those out if you qualify. Other than that, it is generally not possible to get an internship at some of the big firms because they don’t have programs available for younger students, but many smaller firms will take on interns.
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
I think the most important thing to keep in mind when trying to get an internship as a freshman is to be open! Don't stress out about it too much and make it a learning experience - as long as you are learning some general skills like research, team-work, problem-solving, etc., you are very set for future internships! It is important to keep in mind that the timeline is a bit later, and in the bigger corporations you typically won't find summer-long internships unless it is a special diversity program. However, they do sometimes have shorter learning programming. But I would definitely emphasize making your first-year internship a learning experience. Cold-email people, message people on LinkedIn, reach out to upperclassmen, people in your communities at home, alumni - all of these are amazing resources! And don't worry if you don't get an internship after your first year in college - as long as you are learning and experiencing you are setting yourself up for success!
– Hannah, CC, Class of 2022
What is the best way to access and secure an internship?
LinkedIn and honing your skills.
– Rose, CC, Class of 2021
I think there are two important points to this - networking EARLY! It is never too early to connect with people, learn about their jobs, lives, and maybe one day that connection will be what secures you your internship. The other thing is research. There are so many resources out there to learn more about the industries you are interested in. If you feel overwhelmed, a good place to start is setting up a session with CCE (the career center). They are an amazing resource to help you navigate good resources, your interests, and ultimately push you in the right direction to secure an internship.
– Hannah, CC, Class of 2022
Reach out. A lot of students apply to big companies like banks or consulting firms with tough application processes for internships. If you’re more interested in business and entrepreneurship, put yourself out there! Email small businesses you like, tech startups, up and up-and-coming fashion and beauty companies, and introduce yourself, say what your interests and skillsets are, and ask them if they would consider bringing on an intern. I’ve done this for small companies and it works a lot, and when they say they are not looking for an intern, they will nine times out of ten offer to keep in contact for future opportunities-- so at the very least, you’ve expanded your network.
– Marly, CC, Class of 2021
Startups coming out of Columbia business school are always looking for part-time workers. I worked at an app called Tryll freshman year after meeting the founder at a startup fair at Barnard. I also enjoyed my work at startups, because I was able to get tons of hands-on experience that can be hard to find at larger corporations so early on in college. Also, Linkedin is a great resource for part-time jobs if a Columbia student is working somewhere you’d be interested in joining, a quick email to see how you can get involved is great.
– Jayne, BC, Class of 2023
How do certain majors affect internship opportunities and what can I do during the school year to boost my resume?
Columbia is a liberal arts university— this means that even if you choose the most business-oriented major available (usually Economics or Financial Economics), most of your courses will not focus directly on the practical skills you’ll use in the workplace. No major at Columbia is the golden ticket to the corporate world; any course of study will give you excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, which is truly the foundation of any career. During the year, I would join clubs that interest you! For example, I write for the Federalist, our satire paper- although I’m not pursuing a career in journalism, I’ve earned leadership positions in the club which I love to discuss in interviews. Pre-professional organizations (like CWBS!) are also a great way to build relationships with older students who will really become your mentors in the early years. Also, to “boost” your resume, I’d recommend taking a free class in Microsoft Office or Excel— it’s a great skill to have, especially in business.
– Jayne, BC, Class of 2023
It depends on the firm and the industry, but your major is generally not the most important part of your application. In fact, many employers value the diversity of thought and background of their employees, and your course of study can contribute to this. For example, while you might think that you should major in Economics to go into Finance, I have met students who actually majored in other subjects, like Physics or History, and still getting jobs in top firms.
I do recommend, however, that you pursue a fairly quantitative course of study if you plan on going into Investment Banking, Private Equity, or other similar divisions/industries as you will have to work a lot with numbers and employers want to be sure that you have the adequate skills and thought process to do that.
Overall, no matter what you are studying, it is important to show great passion for your major and the industry you want to work in, and to express how these two are related according to you.
– Isabella, BC, Class of 2023
How can you search for internships at Columbia? What can I do to best set myself up to get an internship (classes, networking, etc)?
Attend networking sessions/career fairs to learn more about firms and meet the people working there to ask your questions and see if you’d be a good fit. Talk to upperclassmen about what they did, find mentors (both in and out of school), and don’t be afraid to cold email! Handshake is a good place to get started too.
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
I definitely suggest joining clubs. This shows employers your different interests, your ability to work in a communal setting, and how proactive you are in pursuing your passions. Once you find the different activities you are interested in, you can always reach out to the career office or CWBS to receive help in preparing your resume. CWBS is also a great club to join to build your network on- and off-campus, and to learn more about the business/finance world. Stay tuned for our info session on how to join the board!
– Isabella, BC, Class of 2023
What are the best classes to take to get a job in the investment field?
Classes like Lit Hum and First-Year Writing demonstrate that you are an analytical thinker with great communication skills, which is crucial in the corporate world. Then, basic STEM classes are great to pair with our more writing-heavy core: Intro to Statistics, Principles of Econ/Intro to Econ, and Math Methods for Econ are all great to get out of the way to develop your basic business skills. Also, foreign language classes can help you stand out in interviews. I am an Italian minor, which allows me to strengthen my practical speaking skills while also getting a broader look at international markets.
– Jayne, BC, Class of 2023
Who should I reach out to for learning more about finding internships over the fall?
Anyone on the CWBS Executive Board! I keep up with a lot of start-ups recruiting part-time internships for the fall semester and would be happy to help out any first-years. Additionally, I’ve advised underclassmen on how to cold-email start-ups asking if they offer an internship experience or can create one for themselves. Reach out to upperclassmen you meet - we’re here to help you!
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
Use your upperclassmen as resources! Join clubs (like CWBS) to meet people with similar interests and who have been through it before. We’re all more than willing to help.
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
There are amazing resources on campus, such as the Center for Career Education, Career Fair, CWBS Fairs throughout the year, the Handshake App, and even your peers! Just be open to everything and don’t be scared to do a little networking at Information Sessions or Career Fairs!
– Bettina, CC, Class of 2022
Definitely get on Linkedin— every day I see huge Excel spreadsheets of open remote internships circulating, which is a great place to start. You can also use Linkedin to reach out to Columbia students who have contacts at a certain company, as they can connect you with a hiring team there. Finally, do NOT be afraid to take jobs that are less pre-professional in nature! For example, I work as a golf caddie in the summer, which has taught me valuable lessons in responsibility and discipline. All work experience is valid and can be transferred to a corporate setting.
– Jayne, BC, Class of 2023
*Internships as an International Student
Although there are fewer opportunities for first-year students in big firms, a lot of firms have shorter programs for first-year students. They are more so introductory. Something to keep in mind as an international student is the limited OPT that you have - and that you might want to save it for sophomore/junior year internships and post-grad full-time employment. As an international student from a country where summer internships are virtually non-existent, I was concerned that I would be stuck doing nothing, but I decided to cold-email (and messaged on LinkedIn) my resume and a short application to individuals in departments at companies I was interested in. The companies I contacted in March were the most responsive, and by mid-April, I had a couple of offers. So while it seems a bit late, as a freshman, and especially an international student, it is important to stay open and reach out to anybody. The worst that can happen is that you get a rejection or no response.
– Hannah, CC, Class of 2022
How and when should I start researching internships?
It is never too early! But it is important to be mindful of not spreading yourself too thin. Try something out, be open to opportunities, and take your early experiences as learning experiences. Make sure you are genuinely interested in them and that they will add some real value to your life/experiences - otherwise recruiters will see right through it. I think though it is never too early to start learning, reaching out to upperclassmen, the career center, alumni, and honestly anyone who is doing something you are tangibly interested in. That way, when you need to start grinding for research and internships, you have a bunch of connections who can help you out!
– Hannah, CC, Class of 2022
What are the best ways to figure out what career path is for you and/or how to dip our feet in a bunch of different possibilities with internships?
I definitely suggest experimenting with different classes and clubs in your freshman year. That is the perfect time to explore your different interests before you declare a major and apply for executive roles within clubs. There are also many events throughout the school year with the purpose of introducing students to specific firms and industries. For example, CWBS organizes several student spotlights, in which upperclassmen share their application and internship experiences at a specific firm/industry, and a yearly conference where women from different firms like Morgan Stanley and Boston Consulting Group talk about the firm, the work they do, and how they got to the place they are today. These are extremely eye-opening events and I definitely recommend attending them! There is so much value in talking with students and employees who have vast experience in the industry/firm you are interested in and asking targeted questions.
– Isabella, BC, Class of 2023
Classes & Majors
Double Majoring
Be sure you have the space to double major! Planning ahead is a great way to make sure you’re able to fit in a concentration or another major. Utilize the Bulletin (http://bulletin.columbia.edu/columbia-college/) to check out what the requirements of the majors you’re interested in are. I’m double majoring in Art History and Financial Economics. I made sure that I was able to complete the prerequisites and requirements for my Financial Economics Major conjunctly while taking Art History courses.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
Definitely possible, but make sure you can fit all the classes you can take in your schedule. I recommend planning out all the classes you have to take over the year and making sure you’re not overloading yourself. Also, check to see if there are classes that can fulfill both majors’ requirements!
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
What classes boost your resume at financial firms?
Classes really don’t matter that much since you learn most of what you need on the job. However, Accounting & Finance, Financial Economics, Corporate Finance, and Money & Banking are all useful to learn some basic financial skills.
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
For getting a job/internship in finance, obviously financial econonomics, corporate finance, etc. are classes you might consider. However, for technicals, you can really learn a lot more online and through clubs on campus. While classes may provide some insight - I definitely did find financial economics helpful, never feel stupid for reaching out to upperclassmen, or asking questions in clubs. They are definitely equally, if not more valuable for jobs in finance. Also, you by no means have to be an economics major to get a job in finance - people from any background regarding classes can and have gotten jobs in finance. Your other involvement and interest in the job are what truly matters!
– Hannah, CC, Class of 2022
Given that jobs in divisions like Investment Banking and Private Equity are very analysis-driven, it can be helpful to take quantitative classes like math and physics. These can help you get into the problem-solving mindset. I also suggest taking Principles of Economics (Columbia) or Intro to Economic Reasoning (Barnard) to learn important concepts of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. At the same time, you will learn most of the necessary skills while completing your internship so I would not worry too much about this unless employers specify that there are pre-requisites for the internships you are interested in. Overall, I recommend that you stay up to speed on what’s happening around the world.
What classes do I take?
Explore what majors you might be interested in at the Columbia Bulletin (http://bulletin.columbia.edu/columbia-college/) - check out what introductory classes in your major are available for this semester and note them down. Additionally, freshman year is a great opportunity to take the Core classes (for Columbia students). While you have to take Lit-Hum, FroSci, and UW, you can also complete a Global Core requirement or Language requirement your first year if you’re unsure of what you may want to major in.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
Financial Economics Major
I’m a Financial Economics Major! The major is a great one for those of you interested in business and finance. You take the same economics core classes that any other economics student would take, but once you’ve completed most prerequisites you take the finance core consisting of Financial Economics, Corporate Finance, and Accounting. You gain a skillset in quantitative analysis (econometrics, statistics, calculus, accounting, etc) and a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate in Financial Economics and Corporate Finance. I can’t recommend the major enough!
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
Business Management Special Concentration
You can find more information here.
Opportunities combining CS and Business?
You always have the classic approach which is doing a CS major and a Business Concentration. However, in my Sophomore year, I discovered a great major called Information Science which lets you combine CS with any interest you may have by taking a few core classes and combining them with other classes that follow a similar theme. For example, I’m doing “Computers and Society” which besides the 5 core programming courses allows me to take around 4 Sociology classes of my choice in order to complete the major. I bet you could do it with business as well, and it’s great because you get to design your own major! There is more info available in the Bulletin!
– Bettina, CC, Class of 2022
How important is your major to employers?
It depends on what field you’re looking to enter (ex. Software Engineering almost always consists of Computer Science, Applied Math, and other data science-related majors while financial firms usually look have Economics, Applied Math, Financial Engineering, etc. majors). However, don’t be afraid to study what genuinely interests you. Because you learn a lot about what you need on the job itself, it matters more that you show you have the ability and determination to learn quickly + do the job well.
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
If you're interested in humanities majors, your field of study is not as important as it would be for STEM. What is important is what kind of skills and interests you possess or have developed during your time in college. For example, I am an Italian major, yet because I have demonstrated interest and experience and marketing and advertising, I am considered a top candidate for many of those jobs. More and more, companies are realizing the importance of industry diversity. Meaning that having students who come from diverse backgrounds of academia can actually benefit the company as a whole. Recruiters understand that even your major does not fit neatly into the job description, that your unique perspective can still be of value to you and to the job you’re applying for.
– Marly, CC, Class of 2021
Unless you are looking into a super technical position, not important at all! I am a CS major that’s going to work in finance although I have no financial experience. Just stay open to every opportunity, you never know what you might be interested in!
– Bettina, CC, Class of 2022
Not important at all. Do what you love, love what you do. Columbia is never meant to be a trade school, especially for design-related fields. However, the analytical and critical thinking skills I've learned from my majors - Art History and Psychology have forced me to think outside the box, creating compelling designs.
– Rose, CC, Class of 2021
Freshman internship opportunities as an international student and engineering major?
The most important thing is to get a head start! Download the Handshake App to look for Information Sessions, Panels, Workshops, etc. My recommendation is to try and sign up for a company’s identification program, and through those, it is easier to get an interview! After you get the interview it’s just up to you to prep (the Center for Career Education has great resources, as well as CWBS members with experience). Most companies have short programs called “Early ID,” or “Diversity Program” that starts way before the recruitment process and are a great entryway into actual internships!
– Bettina, CC, Class of 2022
Start-Up & Entrepreneurship at Columbia
What opportunities exist for students who want to create a start-up?
Columbia is an innovative, creative, disruptive school at heart and people here are constantly innovating. If you have an idea pursue it! As Rose mentions in her answers below, you should look towards accelerator programs and incubators available on campus. CWBS invites women at the forefront of VC and entrepreneurship - be sure to stay plugged into potential networking opportunities at CWBS. I started my own company in 2014 and was able to expand the platform while at Columbia. There are many likeminded people who want to hear about your ideas - just reach out, get connected, and ask questions!
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
One of the most helpful things when it comes to college entrepreneurship is knowing exactly what your strengths are. This is something you can learn through self-evaluation when working on group projects, joining clubs and executive boards, or even being a research assistant. The most valuable thing you can know is what you can do and what you think others can help you with. This way, you know exactly your capacity is and you are also able to consider what skills you would like to be able to identify in others so that you can build the best team for your project.
– Marly, CC, Class of 2021
There are a ton of resources on campus that are entrepreneurial-related. Try to join accelerators and incubators such as CORE, CVC, and Columbia Build Lab
– Rose, CC, Class of 2021
How do you have a startup and manage your workload as a student?
Managing a startup is an experience like no other especially as a student. The key is having an organization system that works for you and staying on top of deadlines. You can manage a startup and have to manage the workload of a student but you must ensure you’re organized and have your priorities set!
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
Having a startup is a super exhilarating experience - everything moves so quickly and plans are constantly in flux. The fluidity forces me to get on top of my workload and manage efficient teams.
– Rose, CC, Class of 2021
Career & Professional Presence
How do I figure out what the best career path is for me?
Talk to as many people as possible in all different career paths to see if your personality/lifestyle is fit for the job. Attend info sessions for different firms, go on coffee chats, and think about your long term goals in conjunction with your short term goals. Remember that your job after college doesn’t have to be your job for life, so don’t feel afraid that you’re going to lock yourself down with what you decide freshmen year! Keeping an open mind in each internship, and making thoughtful decisions based on what you liked and didn’t like for each will steer you in the right direction.
– Sabina, CC, Class of 2022
The best way to figure out a career path is simply by trying out different things! Odds are you’ll most likely find out what you don’t like to do before you find something you love. That’s exactly what internships are for!
– Rafaella, BC, Class of 2022
How should I manage my LinkedIn account?
CWBS will be hosting events this semester about setting up a LinkedIn account, managing it, and why it’s great to have one. For now, get signed-up on LinkedIn and explore how much you can learn. Connect with other Columbia students, follow companies or leaders you admire, and overall take the time to get acquainted with the platform.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
How do I network?
Networking may feel awkward at first, but it’s a great opportunity to find people who can help you or at the very least give you some useful advice. There are two main pieces of advice I’d give to students who want to know about networking. Firstly, be clear. When you ask for someone’s help, be open and honest about what you’re looking for right from the start, that way they can know how best to help you and you can get the most out of their time. The second piece of advice: network across. Networking with people in positions much higher than yours is definitely valuable when you’re looking for a job or for advice, but networking is more than just a job search, you’re trying to expand the scope of people you know and can connect with. Some of the best connections you’ll make in college are with the people right next to you. Don’t sell yourself or your peers short.
– Marly, CC, Class of 2021
LinkedIn is your best friend, don’t be afraid to send messages to people you want to connect with. Sometimes they won’t respond but don’t take it personally -- people can be busy! Keep in touch with people you’ve met through internships and jobs. And remember: your fellow interns are also part of your network! Ultimately, you’ll all be working together in the future so take advantage of building those relationships.
– Rafaella, BC, Class of 2024
What are some tips to gain and maintain connections with professional peers? How can one strengthen relationships on LinkedIn and utilize it for finding internships?
Make sure you have a genuine connection with the person you're speaking to - it could be something beyond the nature of their work (perhaps a shared interest or hobby). It's about quality, not quantity. Be sure to update them regarding new initiatives, positions, or overall things happening in your life. Beyond just professional peers, speaking to and networking with upperclassmen at Columbia is a vital relationship to gain perspective on what classes you might want to take, clubs, or overall career paths. I joined Lion Fund LLC during my first year and was able to find multiple mentors who had a deep impact on my time at Columbia especially with deciding what classes to take, where I should intern, etc.
Regarding LinkedIn - if you're looking for someone working in a field you may be interested in, it's always best to start with Columbia graduates! Additionally, you can set up alerts on the LinkedIn Job Tab. Simply type in an alert you want to receive "Summer Analyst" or "Summer Internship" and then LinkedIn will send you an email with job opportunities for those positions within a certain industry.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
How can I learn more about business school?
CWBS has been sponsored by Columbia Business School and the UChicago Booth School of Business. They have hosted recruiting events with CWBS open to the Columbia community to attend and learn more about their programs. If you're interested in learning more about business school be sure to stay tuned to CWBS' newsletter and social media regarding upcoming events we may be having.
– President: Zehra, CC, Class of 2021
