Professional Development and Leadership
The Professional Development and Leadership (PDL) program educates students to maximize performance and achieve their full potential to become engineering leaders. Core sessions focus on development of skills and perspectives needed to compete and succeed in a fastchanging technical climate. Topics include professional portfolio (resume, cover letter, business writing, social media presence), communication skills, leadership, ethics, life management (stress, sleep, and time management) and more. Elective sessions include improvisation, effective presentations, Python, Git/GitHub, interview preparation, and much more.
M.S. students must complete the professional development and leadership course, ENGI E4000, as a graduation requirement. Ph.D. candidates are strongly encouraged to complete ENGI E6001–6004 and should consult their program for PDL requirements. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the professional development and leadership program.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP STAFF
Gabriella Lilienthal, Assistant Director
Kaitlynn Liriano, PDL Officer
Jenny Mak, Senior Associate Dean
Elizabeth Strauss, Assistant Dean
[email protected]
pdl.engineering.columbia.edu
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP CORE FACULTY
Chuck Garcia: Communication
Helio Fred Garcia: Ethics and Integrity
Sophia Hyoseon Lee: English Communication
Gabriella Lilienthal: Social Media
Jenny Mak: Resume
Elizabeth Strauss: Business Writing
COURSES
M.S. Course
ENGI E4000x and y Professional development and leadership for engineers and applied scientists
0 pts. The PDL Instructional Team.
The PDL course aims to enhance and expand Columbia Engineering graduate students' interpersonal, professional, and leadership skills, through six core sessions, covering (1) in-person communication skills; (2) resume; (3) business writing; (4) social media and the job search; (5) executive presence; and (6) academic and professional ethics and integrity. ENGI E4000 also requires (4) elective sessions to further students development based on their personal interests. Students build upon and enhance interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to further distinguish themselves in classroom and career. This course is offered at the Pass/D/Fail grading option.
Doctoral Courses
ENGI E6001x and y Professional development and leadership for first year doctoral students
0 pts. The PDL Instructional Team.
For first year doctoral students, emphasizing the skills needed for success in orienting them to Columbia and doctoral studies, including teaching and presentation skills (i.e., Microteaching, how to grade, hold office hours, conduct recitations, etc.); cultivating relationships with mentors, faculty, and colleagues; inclusivity; managing your budget; wellness; research and academic integrity and ethics.
E6002x and y Professional development and leadership for second year doctoral students
0 pts. The PDL Instructional Team.
For second year doctoral students, emphasizing the skills needed for continued success in the doctoral program, including presentation and communication skills; academic writing skills; academic conference preparation; resiliency and project management skills.
E6003x and y Professional development and leadership for third year doctoral students
0 pts. The PDL Instructional Team.
For third year doctoral students to facilitate career exploration including teaching, presentation and communication skills; public speaking and facilitation; CV and resume writing; and Getting Things Done.
E6004x and y Professional development and leadership for doctoral students: fourth year
0 pts. The PDL Instructional Team.
For fourth year doctoral students supporting job search and degree completion, including searching for job opportunities (Academia, Industry); interview preparation; creating an academic portfolio; conducting a job talk; negotiation and mediation skills.
GRADUATE CAREER PLACEMENT
Austin Cartagena, Career Placement & PDL Officer
Ryan Day, Manager
Jackie Tang, Career Placement and PDL Officer
[email protected]
careers.engineering.columbia.edu
While enrolled in a graduate program at Columbia Engineering you will also be coached by your dedicated Career Placement Officer. We look forward to working with you on your professional development and job search throughout your time at Columbia.
Applied Mathematics - Emily McCormack
Applied Physics - Emily McCormack
Biomedical Engineering - Jacqueline Kishel
Business Analytics - Michal Dar
Carbon Management - Raina Ranaghan
Chemical Engineering - Raina Ranaghan
Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics - Emily McCormack
Computer Engineering - Jennifer Lee
Computer Science - Austin Cartagena, Jackie Tang
Data Science - John Hyde
Earth and Environmental Engineering - Raina Ranaghan
Electrical Engineering - Jennifer Lee, Jackie Tang
Executive Masters in Engineering and Applied Science - Austin Cartagena, Ryan Day, Jackie Tang
Financial Engineering – Cindy Mejia
Industrial Engineering - David Fitzgerald
Management Science and Engineering - Sara Yllescas
Materials Science - Emily McCormack
Medical Physics - Emily McCormack
Mechanical Engineering - Hannah Hyat
Operations Research - David Fitzgerald
ENGLISH COMMUNICATION COURSES
M.S. Courses
ENGI E5000x, y, and s Workplace communication in English
E5001x, y, and s Professional presentation
E5002x, y, and s Professional communication in English
E5003x, y, and s Academic writing
E5009x, y, and s English communication independent studies
0 pts. Lect: 1.7. Professor Lee.
English communication proficiency is important for academic achievement and career success. In small group settings, interactions with instructor and fellow students to improve communication and writing skills. Individual tutoring sessions offered. Note: open only to Columbia Engineering master's students. Grading is Pass/D/Fail.
Ph.D. Courses
ENGI E7000x, y, and s English communication
E7001x, y, and s Professional presentation
E7002x, y, and s Advanced academic writing
E7009x, y, and s English communication independent studies
0 pts. Lect: 1.7. Professor Lee.
English communication proficiency is important for academic achievement and career success. In small group settings, interactions with instructor and fellow students to improve communication and writing skills. Individual tutoring sessions offered. Note: open only to Columbia Engineering PhD and MS to PhD track students. Grading is Pass/D/Fail.