As a professional degree, CIPA encourages practical training to prepare fellows for the world of work. Some form of practical work experience is required. One of the options is to complete a summer internship between the first and second year of study, offering students the chance to apply skill sets from their first year, gain hands-on experience, and develop a better sense of one’s professional interests. This post discusses how students arrange internships and jobs, what types of opportunities they pursue, and what kinds of resources are available to help them choose the best position possible!
The search
Students traditionally begin their search for internships towards the end of the first semester and into the beginning of the second semester of their first year. Through colloquiums, round table presentations, panel discussions and other seminars, fellows become acquainted with professionals in the public, private, and non-profit sectors who represent a host of different policy areas. In virtually all of these settings, students are encouraged to ask questions to develop a sense of where they may see themselves working in the future.
Several colloquium events for first year students address professional development to help students prepare CVs and resumes, prepare for their internship search, and practice interviewing. While applying for different positions, fellows learn how to frame their experience for their intended sector or policy interest. In addition to CIPA coursework, these professional development sessions help to inform students’ career interests and guide their search for internship and job opportunities.
Need ideas? CIPA provides a list or organizations, institutions and centers which may be of interest to students.
Networking and resources
There are a myriad of ways in which fellows find available internship and job opportunities, including networking, engaging with professors and academic communities, email adverts, and more.
CIPA and Cornell at large have an incredible, dedicated alumni network across the globe and in all sectors. CIPA’s career management coordinator has a database of contacts sorted by geographic area, policy interest, organization, sector, etc. which CIPA students can use to engage with professionals. Many students are able to get their foot in the door by connecting with members of this alumni network. Informational interviews can be quite fruitful for students, offering a peek at an organization’s culture. This information can help one determine whether a given organization is a good fit for them or not.
CIPA also hosts a variety of networking events in New York City and Washington DC where CIPA fellows can meet alumni and professionals. These are great opportunities to learn about a wide variety of organizations and opportunities, and maybe even to connect with potential employers. In addition to this, Cornell and other schools in the Ivy-league network host job fairs and events, all of which are advertised by CIPA listserv and other announcements.
Cornell University and partner organizations offer many opportunities for students to work in Ithaca, domestically, and abroad. Fellows may learn about opportunities through coursework or from their professors. Emails are also frequently circulated announcing job opportunities with academic bodies, Cornell departments, and extension agencies. Good news- many of these tend to have a preference for Cornell students due to their familiarity with the institution.
Tens of organizations reach out to CIPA’s career management coordinator seeking qualified candidates for internship and jobs, which are then advertised to students via email. These may include long and short term opportunities, positions domestically and abroad, paid and unpaid work, and jobs across virtually all policy areas. Rather than applying via the organization’s website, fellows applying through CIPA’s career management coordinator have a higher chance of being considered as the application is sent directly to the organization or individual seeking applicants.
Finally, other fellows may choose their own internship adventure by reaching out to organizations or individuals on their own. In any case, CIPA career management services can help with reviewing resumes, doing mock interviews, or giving guidance as you make your final decision.
Making a decision
During the search for an internship, or while deciding between different positions, fellows consider what types of skill sets they hope to leverage in their professional careers. Do you want to test the waters of a new sector? Deepen your understanding of a certain policy area? Gain international experience? When considering different organizations or positions, thinking about its relevance to your long term career interests is key. Is there an opportunity to return after graduation? Would you be willing to relocate? Knowing your goals before and during your search will help filter your options and allow you to make the most informed decision.
From broadcasting opportunities, helping prepare application materials, offering stipends to those pursuing unpaid work, or advising fellows with their final decision, CIPA is there to help.