OCS News: World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP)

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.

Blue Dot Capital, a sustainable investment consultancy founded by a SIPA alum, seeks SIPA applicants to two roles: a Senior Associate, Net Zero (27023550) to work with clients to build out robust, best-in-class net zero programs, and a Senior Associate, Reporting and Research (27023548), to support client engagements and develop internal research capabilities. Candidates can reach out to Cullen to have their applications highlighted to the team. 

Passport, a transportation software and payments company that builds technology for more efficient streets and sidewalks, is hiring a Vice President, Government Relations (27025015). Sitting at the intersection of Passport’s sales, marketing and product teams, this role serves as the coordinator of Passport’s public policy, managing local government affairs in target accounts and driving thought leadership in the transportation vertical. Interested candidates can reach out to Cullen to connect with a SIPA alum at the organization. 

The European Commission's DirectorateÔÇæGeneral for Economic and Financial Affairs, responsible for the Commission's policies promoting economic growth, higher employment, stable public finances and financial stability, is hiring more than 40 Contract Agents (27023536) to work on the Recovery and Resilience Facility, aimed at mitigating the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic and making European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions. Candidates must be EU citizens. Interested candidates can reach out to Cullen to connect with a SIPA alum on the team. 

Guidehouse is hiring for numerous roles across their teams and markets, including Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst, Consultant - Sustainable Finance (London) (27022584) and Foreign Assistance Analyst. Interested candidates can reach out to Cullen to connect with SIPA alums at the organization. 
 

Applications Open for World Bank Group 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 is scheduled to open on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 and close on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 11:59 pm UTC* (UTC is four hours ahead of EST)* -  please note the time zone because exceptions will not be accepted.
 
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.
 

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.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT

July 15 at 11:59pm UTC - World Bank Group | Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) (27011297)

July 16 at 5pm ET - D3 Systems | Research Analyst (27023556) | Assistant Research Analyst (27023555)

July 23 - Grantmakers Concerned With Immigrants & Refugees | Director of Local and State Programs (27024294)

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
 

Events for You

ISSO Webinar for Fall Incoming Students
Thursday, July 15 | 9-10am EST | Register here.