Pritzker Pucker Trailblazers Program

The Pritzker Pucker Trailblazers Program combines a paid internship experience with mentoring, alongside career development programming and support from a CCE career counselor.

Program Features include: 

• Paid summer internships sourced through alumni and employer partners
• Columbia College and Columbia Engineering participants who are Columbia Grant-eligible will receive an exemption from their summer work expectation (Student Contribution). WEP grants are applied towards the Fall and/or Spring Student Account balance. These grants will be determined on a pro-rated basis depending on the internship length.
• Pre-program intern training that includes program overview and professional skills workshops
• Mid-summer check-in with a CCE career counselor to discuss and enhance the internship experience
• Alumni connections and mentorship for professional guidance and support during the summer
• End-of-program reflection session and project to unpack the internship experience (using the framework of My Columbia College Journey) and an opportunity to share with and learn from peers

Through the Pritzker Pucker Trailblazers Program, you will:

• Secure a paid internship in in the arts, culture, media, and technology
• Develop your ability to effectively articulate key transferable skills gained from your internship
• Gain experience and confidence in navigating workplace scenarios and professional relationships
• Deepen your knowledge of setting personal learning goals and reflecting on career interests and aspirations

You must be:

• Enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student of Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, or the School of General Studies in the spring semester before and fall semester after the summer internship
• A first-year, sophomore, junior, or Fall 2025 graduating senior. Some positions are open only to certain class years based on employer specifications. This will be noted in the job description in LionSHARE
• In good academic and disciplinary standing
• For domestic opportunities, international students must secure US Work Authorization. This means that a student must apply for Pre-Completion OPT(Optional Practical Training) or F-1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training), as these are off-campus internship experiences. Visit the Columbia International Students & Scholars Office and speak with your Academic Adviser to learn more. Not all employers accept temporary work authorization in the form of OPT or CPT. 

** By submitting an application, you authorize the Center for Career Education to conduct academic and disciplinary checks to confirm program eligibility. Certain University policy violations may disqualify you from consideration for the Pritzker Pucker Trailblazers Program.

Internships offered through the Pritzker Pucker Trailblazers Program will be posted on a rolling basis starting in Late February under the CCE Summer 2025 Pritzker Pucker Trailblazers Program Positions Collection on LionSHARE. 

To apply, upload your application materials to LionSHARE. You may apply to as many positions as you are interested in for this program.

Timeline

February to Early April: Submit applications via LionSHARE for positions.
April: Employers begin the interview process for selected candidates.
April/May: Offers extended to candidates.
Early May: Internship Pre-Program Training.
Mid-May to August: Internship period, varies by employer.
August: Reflection Project.
September: Reflection Session.