CIPA helps students and alumni develop their career potential by providing access to professional and alumni networks, skills training, resource development, and information referral.
Does CIPA have a Career Office?
CIPA employs an Executive Director for Professional Development who keeps students and alumni informed of internship and permanent employment opportunities in the public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors. In addition, he advises students and alumni on appropriate strategies for achieving their personal career goals.
Does the Career Office offer one-on-one service?
Due to the diverse needs and personal career objectives of CIPA students and alumni, every attempt is made to design a customized professional development strategy. The Executive Director for Professional Development is available to meet with individuals one-on-one, assisting with resume-development, interviewing techniques, and job and internship search strategies. Group seminars are also offered on related topics.
How do I develop professional contacts while living in Ithaca?
CIPA's Professional Development program offers Fellows the opportunity to meet with public policy practitioners through off-campus trips (such as going to Washington, D.C., or New York City to attend on-site presentations) and on-campus seminars with professionals who are invited to Cornell. These practitioners offer experience-based insight into public policy careers, and also serve as potential networking contacts for Fellows engaged in job and internship searches.
How important are internships?
The work experience that internships provide can be essential to Fellows when searching for permanent employment. CIPA Fellows typically do an internship during the summer between their first and second year of study. Historically, Fellows have found placements in public policy or public affairs-related organizations such as the United Nations, the United States Congress, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Organization of American States, New York City and New York State government, and private sector consulting firms. The student intern profiles in this section offer a good look at the range of possibilities.
What type of employment opportunities are available to CIPA alumni?
Alumni currently hold government posts at national, state and local levels, both in the United States and in other countries. They are employed by nonprofit firms, by consulting firms, and by a broad range of other businesses. A list of employers hiring recent CIPA graduates is available in this section.
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