Industries

Whether you are exploring careers or searching for an internship or job in your chosen field, these pages will get you started. While you use them, ask yourself the following questions to guide your experience:

What does this industry encompass?
How do my skills and interests align with this industry?
How can I connect with this industry while at Columbia?
Where can I learn more about opportunities in this industry?

Want to learn more about your industries of interest? Use this curated list of Vault Industry Guides to get started.

In addition to the pages below, view some additional resources that are subscribed to on behalf of Columbia students or publicly available:

Applied Math

According to the US Department of Labor, “Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life, and social sciences. For example, they may analyze...

Applied Physics

Many of the complex, global problems faced by science and industry need solutions from those with an understanding of specific technologies and areas of engineering as well as an understanding and broad background in the physical sciences. Those studying applied physics develop experimental skills, mathematical...

Biomedical Engineering

According to the US Department of Labor, Biomedical Engineers “advance knowledge and technology in engineering, biology and medicine, and combine engineering sciences with biomedical sciences and clinical practice. Biomedical engineers develop devices and systems that advance biology and medicine,...

Biotechnology

The field of biotechnology joins advanced technology and biology for the improvement of organisms including agriculture, combating rare diseases, and pharmaceuticals. The field primarily focuses on applying the principles of biology to the development of products to improve lives and the planet through...

Chemical Engineering

According to the US Department of Labor, Chemical Engineers ”apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals and other products. They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products...

Civil Engineering & Construction

Engineers within the Construction industry are skilled in design, problem solving, maintenance of physical structures, relationship building and much more. According to the Civil Engineering Department Website, "the built environment encompasses much of what defines modern civilization". The construction...

Computer Science/Internet & Software

Computer Scientists solve complex business, scientific or general computer problems by designing and creating new technologies. Computer Scientists are employed in every sector of the economy (from the government to industry, academia, and nonprofit) with the greatest concentration in...

Earth and Environmental Engineering

According to the US Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE), Environmental Engineers “work in any aspect of environmental protection. Major areas include air pollution control, industrial hygiene, radiation protection, hazardous waste management, toxic materials control, water supply, wastewater...

Electrical Engineering

According to the US Department of Labor, Electrical Engineers ”design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment.” For more details, visit the electrical engineering pages of Occupational Outlook Handbook, Sloan Cornerstone Career...

Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Graduates of IEOR are problem solvers. They use application of engineering methodology to non-traditional engineering problems. This skill set allows graduates to work in a wide variety of sectors, including financial services, consulting, manufacturing, technology, government, non-for-profit, and academia....

Materials Science

According to the US Department of Labor, Materials Scientists are “involved in the development, processing, and testing of the materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors,...

Mechanical Engineering

According to the US Department of Labor “mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and...

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