The Low Down

By Joshua Spodek '93CC, '96GSAS, '99GSAS, '06BUS of the Columbia Career Coaches Network 

Spodek shares why his new project, the "Leadership and the Environment" podcast, is worth a listen—especially for fellow alumni setting career goals for the new year.

All year long, members of the Columbia Career Coaches Network have shared their valuable expertise with fellow alumni on The Low Down, with dozens of informative articles about job transitions, difficult workplace environments, rising through the ranks, and more. Read on for some of 2017's highlights.

By Melody Wilding '11SW of the Columbia Career Coaches Network

Producing high-quality work day after day is no small feat.

By Caroline Ceniza-Levine '93BC of the Columbia Career Coaches Network
This article originally appeared on Forbes and SixFigureStart.com

When considering a new job, most candidates know to ask questions about what their responsibilities will be, to whom will they will report, and compensation, title, and structure of the role. However, there are many more questions a job seeker should get answered before accepting a new job. You need to probe on whether you will be happy and successful on the job now and in the long-term. Here are 10 questions to help you dig deeper on whether to accept a new job.

By Keith Lawrence Miller '14TC of the Columbia Career Coaches Network

A common resume writing theme is the inability for people to write their own. Most people believe this phenomenon only applies to them and are slightly ashamed that they cannot effectively develop a well-written resume. As a professional career coach, I work with hundreds of people on a yearly basis and the most common statements include the frustration and struggle with trying to write a resume. After 10+ years, I have not had the privilege of encountering someone with the unique ability to correctly and accurately write their own resume.

By Debra Feldman '74PH of the Columbia Career Coaches Network
This article originally appeared on JobWhiz.

Rarely is anyone eager to initiate a cold call, especially to sell yourself rather than representing a professional service or product offering. Combine the usual discomforts of making an unsolicited contact with the high anxiety associated with job hunting, and together they create a stressful experience. So why would anyone put themselves through the agony of making cold calls to prospective employers when clicking on the web and licking envelopes are the alternatives? The obvious answer: Cold calling really works.

By Debra Feldman '74PH of the Columbia Career Coaches Network
This article originally appeared on JobWhiz.

Leverage social networking channels to increase your value and be approachable for new career opportunities 

By Caroline Ceniza-Levine '93BC of the Columbia Career Coaches Network
This article originally appeared on SixFigureStart.com 

In a recent Forbes post, I wrote about the decline of traditional employment, with part of the solution being to build your brand instead of a resume.

Alumna Lynn Berger '84TC, '90TC, of the Columbia Career Coaches Network, weighs in on the benefits of volunteering during your job search or career transitions.

As a New York City-based career counselor and career coach who has worked with many individuals over my career, I have witnessed great things from volunteering, on both sides of coin.

At Columbia Alumni Leaders Weekend, held at the University in October, Eric Horwitz '90CC, Kris Ishibashi '78BC, '82BUS, and Sasha McDowell '09SIPA, '09SW, of the Columbia Career Coaches Network, spoke with alumni on how to build your professional network to strengthen your career and business connections.