OCS News: Dates Announced for Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program

Cullen's Corner: An Update from Employer Outreach

Cullen Newton is the Director of Employer Outreach at OCS. Here, he shares with us the latest job/internship opportunities and his outreach schedule. Let him know if there is an employer you would like to see featured in SIPAlink by emailing him directly at cn2466@sipa.columbia.edu. 

Search job/internship postings on SIPAlink using the Job ID indicated in parenthesis.

Boundary Stone Partners (BSP), a bipartisan firm providing government affairs, policy analysis and communications planning for energy and mobility companies, industry coalitions, policy think-tanks and investment firms, seeks SIPA applicants for a Manager/Senior Manager role (27031972) to join their team of climate, clean energy, mobility, and space experts. BSP is also hiring at the VP/SVP level (27031963), as well as for Special Assistant (27031991) and Chief of Staff (27031988) roles across their Washington, DC and Los Angeles offices. Interested applicants can reach out to Cullen to highlight their application to an alum on the team.

The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) seeks SIPA applicants for a Data and Analysis Fellowship (27031844). Working with APSIA staff, the fellow will collect information and conduct statistical analyses, as well as describe and forecast trends in data as related to APSIA members’ experiences. Interested applicants can reach out to Cullen to highlight their application. 

The Ronald McDonald House New York seeks SIPA applicants for a Development Internship (27031224), assisting with major giving projects that help fulfill fundraising needs and provide support for the major gifts campaign, stewardship efforts, prospect research, office assistance, and donor database maintenance. Interested candidates can reach out to Cullen to highlight their application. 

HIAS seeks SIPA applicants to an Economic Inclusion Programs Internship (27031804), assisting with outreach, case management, employment, and other resettlement services for refugees and other eligible migrants. Fluency in Dari/Pashto and Arabic required. Interested applicants can reach out to Cullen to highlight their application.
 

Apply to the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures by August 15, 2021

The Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School is now accepting applications for the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures.

This fund provides seed grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid early-stage social and environmental ventures. Ventures must be led by Columbia University students, alumni, faculty or researchers, or be advised and have significant involvement by Columbia University faculty or researchers. Tamer Fund seed grants will be made to approximately seven ventures each year.

Application deadlines are the same dates every year, August 15 and March 1.

Apply →
 

Apply for IFC/MIGA Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP)

The merged World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) consists of the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
 
The application portal jointly for all three institutions opened on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 and closed on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 11:59 pm UTC.
 
There will also be a second application window for IFC and MIGA only, opening on Monday, August 16, 2021 and closing on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11:59 pm UTC.

Students are encouraged to select only one institution and apply only once either in June-July or in August-September.
 

Announcement of PMF Class of 2022 Application Dates, PMF Applicant Handbook, and Resources

1. Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 2:00-3:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09022021.eventbrite.com
   • This session is open to all disciplines
2. Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 4:00-5:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • This session is open to all disciplines, and will have a special focus on Scientific, Technical, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields
   •  Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09072021.eventbrite.com
3. Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 3:00-4:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • This session is open to all disciplines, and will have a special focus on Public Health and Finance-related degrees
   • Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09142021.eventbrite.com
4. Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 4:00-5:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • This session is open to all disciplines, and will have a special focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
   • Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09162021.eventbrite.com
5. Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 2:00-3:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • This session is open to all disciplines, and will have a special focus on Cybersecurity
   • Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09212021.eventbrite.com
6. Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 3:00-4:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • This session is open to all disciplines
   • Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09232021.eventbrite.com
7. Monday, September 27, 2021, from 2:00-4:00pm (Eastern Time)
   • This session, taking place the day before the application opens, will serve as an open forum for questions. It will be open to all disciplines, but will not include a presentation.
   • Register in advance here: https://pmfinfosession09272021.eventbrite.com

• The PMF Apply Brochure, posted under the “Become a PMF\Resources” section at www.pmf.gov.
• The Academia Checklist, posted under the “Academia\Resources” section at www.pmf.gov.
• The PMF Program Required Application Documents and Alternative Letter, posted under both of the “Resources” sections above at www.pmf.gov.

Summer 2021 Virtual Global Internships

Columbia Global Centers around the world have identified hundreds of virtual internships throughout their partner networks. Despite travel restrictions, students can still find a rewarding opportunity as a global intern doing important work. Click here for a list of opportunities and click here to apply.
 

Discounted Membership with FlexJobs

Founded in 2007, FlexJobs is dedicated to helping job seekers find a better way to work. They are a company full of passionate people who believe in the importance of remote and flexible jobs, and they are committed to providing a better way to find them. They think the old ways of working are rigid and broken. There is a better way to work.

Use code "COLUMBIA" for up to 30% off a FlexJobs membership, no expiration.
 

Upcoming Deadlines

Search job/internship postings on SIPAlink using the Job ID indicated below.

INTERNSHIPS

August 9 - U.S. House of Representatives | Foreign Affairs Fellow/Intern (27027949)

August 13 - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) | Center for Global Security Research Graduate Student Intern, Fall/Spring (27032991)

FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT

August 8 - Carbon Trust | Manager, Energy Transition, South East Asia (27026331) | Consultant, Business Services, South East Asia (27026321)

August 9 - Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Senior Financing Partnerships Officer (27032593)
• IT Officer, Digital Solutions (27032580)
• Financial Management Specialists/Senior Financial Management Specialists (27031940)

August 9 at 3pm EST - U.S. International Development Finance Corporation | Africa Small Business Catalyst Program Manager (27029337)

August 11 - Asian Development Bank (ADB) | Experts Pool: Senior Universal Health Coverage Specialist, Service Delivery (27031828)

August 12 - Asian Development Bank (ADB) | Senior Project Assistant (27032716) | Chief Sector Officer (27031827)

August 13 - Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Senior Operations Assistant (27032632)
• Associate Financial Management Officer (27032571)
• Associate Portfolio Analyst (27031997)
• Operations Officer (27031953)
• Associate Procurement Analyst (27031945)
• Principal Economist, Regional Cooperation (27031824)
• Senior IT Specialist, ERP Modernization (27031822)
• Treasury Specialist (27031821)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students conduct an unpaid internship without work authorization (i.e. CPT) and avoid any potential risk to their visa status? 

SIPA Office of Career Services (OCS) strongly recommends that F-1 and J-1 international students and exchange visitors receive the proper authorization from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for any internship done off-campus during their program of study, regardless if it is unpaid/uncompensated or paid/compensated, because of changes in immigration agencies' interpretation of unauthorized work and its impact on your future immigration plans.

Although SIPA OCS strongly recommends that F-1 and J-1 international students and exchange visitors receive the proper authorization, international students are not required to obtain work authorization to engage in an unpaid internship that meets all the criteria for unpaid internships.

The decision to conduct an unpaid internship without CPT is ultimately up to the individual student. Students are recommended to keep excellent records of employment and travel history, including documentation from the organization explaining the nature and terms of the work, and keeping this with their other immigration records. Students should maintain evidence of the job title, dates of employment, contact information of supervisor, and a description of the work. It is useful to have these personal records available in case any questions arise during OPT or in a future employment-based application, such as H-1B.

Students are encouraged to meet with an ISSO adviser to discuss this topic and their specific situation further.

What are the conditions that characterize a job as an unpaid internship?

In most situations, you will require some type of employment authorization to gain experience in your field of study. It is understandable that you might think that if you accept work for which you will not get paid it is not considered employment, and therefore does not require authorization. However, this is not correct.

Immigration regulations consider employment to be any type of work performed, or services provided, in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, lodging, or for any other benefit.

Moreover, both the U.S. and New York State have strict criteria regarding what constitutes a legitimate, bona fide unpaid internship and is not in violation of their labor laws.

If you are receiving any type of compensation, or the prospective position does not meet the unpaid internship criteria, you must obtain work permission (CPT, OPT, AT) if eligible. If you have completed your program you will need OPT authorization for both paid and unpaid positions.

Can students apply for internships at international organizations?

If you are a student in F-1 status, you may be eligible to apply for employment authorization to accept an internship at an international organization. Refer to section “C” of this list of organizations that qualify. Students interested in this option are advised that they will be applying for work authorization with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); these applications take an average of 3-5 months for approval by the U.S. government. Please contact ISSO for more information if you wish to pursue this option.

Can students work abroad? And if so, do they need work authorization?

Students must adhere to any work authorization guidelines set by the host country. It will ultimately be the student's responsibility to ensure that they meet the work authorization requirements for that country.
 

Summer 2021 F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Requirements

F-1 international students who matriculated in Fall 2020 are reminded that they will be eligible for CPT in Summer 2021, at the earliest, if they enroll in either the (1) hybrid program for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021; or (2) the online program for Fall 2020 and hybrid program for Spring 2021. More information can be found on our website, here: https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/careers/internship-program/international-student-work-authorization under the "COVID-19 Update."

Continuing F-1 international students interested in conducting an internship in the United States during Summer 2021 and meet all eligibility requirements must apply for CPT upon receiving an offer letter from the employer. Students must begin their internship by July 31, 2021 and complete the 120 hour minimum by the CPT end date of August 31, 2021. You CANNOT begin work until your CPT form has been approved by both OCS and ISSO. Therefore, the start date listed on your CPT form must be post-dated (meaning, dated in the future but not beyond July 31, 2021). You should allow at least 10 business days for ISSO processing. CPT approval cannot be granted retroactively.

NOTE: If this is your second or third CPT, please be aware that your CPT request will not be approved until you have received a grade in SSOL for your prior internship(s). Internship reports and supervisor surveys must be completed to receive a grade for outstanding internships. Processing CPT can take up to 10 business days and any unsatisfied requirements can delay your new CPT request. Follow the steps under "Internship Paperwork" to become eligible for a subsequent CPT: https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/careers/internship-program/sipa-internship-program