with the subject "[YOUR NAME] - Summer 2013 Internship Application"
1) resume
2) cover letter
3) transcript(s)
| Assaf Zeevi | Paul Tylkin |
| Vice Dean for Research | Director of Research and Planning |
| Kravis Professor of Business | Program Director |
Program Location: Columbia Business School, New York City
Program Dates: June 2 - August 3, 2013
We are seeking exceptional undergraduate students to engage in a variety of research
projects, including possible projects in the areas of finance, economics, marketing,
management, accounting, decision making, risk management, and operations
management. During the program, you will work with faculty and other researchers at
Columbia Business School on a summer-long research project, gaining valuable
experience in applying your analytical and quantitative skills. The work environment is
collegial and intellectually stimulating, providing ample opportunities for intellectual
growth and development. During the program, we will also seek to identify candidates
who may be interested in applying for a full-time position as a Research Coordinator at
Columbia Business School, beginning in Summer 2014. In fact, two of our interns from last summer will be joining us as full-time Research Coordinators this July.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s candidate (preferably in their penultimate year), studying economics,
business, statistics, mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, or other
quantitative/analytical fields. Enthusiasm for research and intellectual curiosity is
essential. Familiarity with any of the following: statistical software (e.g. S+/R,
STATA), computational packages (e.g. Matlab, Mathematica), scripting languages (e.g.
Python, bash), databases, or general programming languages (e.g. C++, Java). Some
research experience, such as being a research assistant or pursuing an independent
study project, is strongly preferred.
On-campus housing at Columbia and a stipend for other expenses will be provided for all participants.
To apply, please send the following materials in PDF format to
with the subject "[YOUR NAME] - Summer 2013 Internship Application"
1) resume
2) cover letter
3) transcript(s)
We are still actively accepting and reviewing applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible. Once all of the positions have been filled, we will post an announcement on this web site.
Interviews are scheduled and decisions are made on a rolling basis, so please apply as early as possible. Applications lacking any of these materials will not be considered.
Examples of Past Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the application process like?
A: Once you have submitted your complete materials for the position, you will receive an e-mail acknowledgement. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted to set up a time.
Q: What are interviews like?
A: Expect questions about your past research experience and skills. Most interviews are quite quantitative in nature.
Q: I am not available for the duration of the entire program. May I still apply?
A: Unfortunately, we can only accept applications from those would be able to be in residence at Columbia for the duration of the program. If you need to miss, at most, one or two days of the program for a pre-existing commitment, you must indicate this clearly in your cover letter.
Q: What if my university's schedule does not coincide with the program dates (e.g. our term ends after the program has begun)?
A: Our program dates are, unfortunately, not flexible, due to housing and other restrictions. However, ONLY IF your university is still holding regular courses when our program begins, you may begin residence at our program on June 9, 2013. Please note that you will be expected to work remotely during the week of June 2 - June 9th, which may include Skype and/or telephone meetings. You must indicate this clearly in your cover letter. If this is still impossible for you, we suggest that you submit your materials anyway (indicating your time restrictions VERY CLEARLY in your cover letter), and we will keep you in mind for other opportunities.
Q: Do you require official transcripts?
A: We do not require official transcripts; however, if they are readily available to you in electronic format, they are preferable.
Q: Should I send transcripts from all undergraduate (and graduate) colleges/universities that I have attended?
A: Yes, please do so.
Q: I am student studying a field not listed above. May I still apply?
A: Yes, provided that you have some of the skills listed above. A passion for research and a quantitative approach to data analysis are essential.
Q: How selective is this program?
A: Last summer, we had over 400 applications for 11 spots. This summer, we are substantially increasing the size of the program.
Q: May I submit other supplemental materials (e.g. letters of recommentation, writing samples, sample project reports, etc.)?
A: Yes; however, please keep in mind that these materials may not be reviewed. If a recommender would prefer to send their letter to us directly, please have them send it to us at the e-mail address given above.
Q: How are projects assigned to internship participants?
A: They are assigned based on your skills and interests.
Q: Which schools have been represented in the internship?
A: Last summer, we had students from Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania. However, we are actively seeking to expand our geographic reach this summer.
Q: I am an undergraduate student studying at a university outside of the United States. May I apply to the program?
A: Yes, this summer we will be accepting applications from students at non-U.S. universities. To be eligible, you must be fluent in written and spoken English, and have (or obtain) adequate health insurance for coverage during your stay in the U.S.
Q: May graduate students apply to this program?
A: Yes. Please include a description of why participating in this program would be valuable to you, and what your plans are after your studies.
Q: I am a freshman (first-year student in college/university). May I apply to this program?
A: Yes, provided that you meet the requirements listed above.
Q: I have skills or experience with computer languages/programs that is different from any of those listed above. May I apply to this program?
A: Yes; your candidacy will be reviewed once we have received a complete application.
Q: What is a "Research Coordinator at Columbia Business School"?
A: Research Coordinators are full-time research staff who work on a variety of projects, which include empirical data analysis, data collection, and statistical analysis. Typically, they are interested in pursuing a PhD after working at Columbia Business School, and most take advantage of the opportunity to take courses and further their education. All Research Coordinators take instrumental roles in the research projects that they engage in, and some have co-authored research papers with faculty.
Q: What is a typical day like?
A: Typically, a day will consist of working on the empirical aspects of your project, which may include statistical analysis, writing code for simulations, or working with data in other ways. You will typically meet with your faculty mentor daily or every few days, depending on your progress. You are expected to work full-time on your project. Although you will be the only intern working on your particular project, you will work in the same space as the other interns. Past interns have indicated that their interactions with their faculty supervisors and with the other interns have been the most rewarding aspects of their experience at Columbia Business School.
Q: What is the housing like?
A: Housing is on campus, less than 5 minutes by foot from the Business School, in suites with your own room and a shared bathroom and kitchen.
Q: Are there social programs for the interns or opportunities to explore New York City?
A: Yes! Last summer, we had three trips: to a local bowling alley, to Wall Street and Staten Island, and to the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO. Research Coordinators and other Columbia Business School staff joined us on these trips, and they were a lot of fun. Interns also generally can explore New York on their own on the weekends, and many have gone to Broadway shows, museums, restaurants, etc. This summer, we are planning to have multiple trips around the city.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Columbia campus and surrounding neighborhood?
A: To see the campus map, please click here . To see a map with more information about the community surrounding Columbia, please click here .
Q: Do you have other suggestions or tips about applying?
A: One suggestion is to clearly state what your skills are in your resume, and clearly explain in your cover letter why participating in the program would be valuable to you and what you would hope to contribute.
Q: What do I do if I have other questions not listed above?
A: Please send an e-mail to the application e-mail address listed above, with the subject "QUESTION".
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.