The Low Down

Interactions are an important aspect of what it means to be successful today. Whether it be with regard to your career or just traveling for fun, networking brings with it endless possibilities, including meeting people, cultivating friendships, and learning new things together. Here are some of the things Columbia alumni had to say about networking, and how one should take advantage of it today. 

One of the primary goals of a college education is undoubtedly how to land the "perfect" career. Here are some of the things Columbia alumni had to say regarding job-searching and the important aspects that should be considered in choosing--and staying in --the right career. 

The story of an institution that inspired a comedy revolution. A modern-day parable set during the 2008 housing crisis. On paper, these two films would most likely not make for the smoothest double feature. However, the films Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: the Story of the National Lampoon and 99 Homes share a commonality: Columbia-affiliated directors.

Jason Rizzi '14SPS gives fellow alumni an inside look at the 2016 Paralympic Games. 

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Lena Gershkovich '11BUS currently serves as the COO of CultureHorde, a private arts club that makes accessible New York culture via partnerships from leading cultural institutions. At CultureHorde, Lena helps run the day-to-day business, focusing on event-curation, business strategy and partner relationship management. Before joining CultureHorde, Lena worked as a marketing professional on the agency, brand and media sides of the industry with companies such as Coca-Cola, L'Oreal, MetLife and Viacom. Lena's engagement with Columbia is not new; when Lena was pursuing her MBA, she was a member of the Columbia Business School community, served on the board of The Marketing Association of Columbia and Follies, and served as a Peer Advisor and Hermes representative. Along with her MBA from Columbia, Lena received her BA with honors from New York University.

A Columbia degree not only brings with it profound knowledge and experience, but also such qualities of dedication and perseverance that can make a one a good leader. Here are some thoughts from alumni about what being a leader embodies and advice for those who want to make a difference. 

Rio is experiencing something of a moment right now, thanks to the Olympics. So, whether you're already in the city, planning a trip post-Olympics, or are just curious about the "cidade maravilhosa" (marvelous city), we asked a Rio local (the Vice President of the Columbia Alumni Club of Rio) to offer her top 10 tips, activities, and must-sees. 

Should you plan to be in Rio in August, be sure to join the Rio Club for a special happy hour at Bar Astor on August 11. Mix, mingle, and celebrate Columbia by the beach. RSVP here.

The Olympics are finally here! So, we've rounded up the latest Olympic news, insights, and coverage from the Columbia community. Learn about the Columbia athletes who are competing in the games, Columbia Olympians from previous games, health and economic updates coming out of Rio, and much more.

Join us for a look celebrating Columbia University's own Olympians, going back over 30 years.  The impressive list includes two siblings who both won silver medals in 2008, the three-time Olympian who took home the gold when she was studying law at Columbia, and this year's Olympians heading to Rio: a student, three alums, and a coach.  

Stay tuned for more about Columbia and the Olympics, including reflections from previous medalists we'll be interviewing and publishing here on The Low Down, and insight into Brazil from the Columbia Club of Rio.