Image
About Us
The Professional Development and Leadership (PDL) program’s goal is to enhance the Columbia Engineering education by providing enrichment and development opportunities.
We assist students in a number of ways
1
Obtain skills
to find and keep a role
2
Learn how to grow
and cultivate a career
3
Recognize
effective leadership
4
Learn to become
an effective team player and follower
5
Cultivate
ethical behavior and values
… and we strive to have fun while doing these things!
Our Team
Meet the PDL teamImage
Jenny Mak
Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Student Affairs; Adjunct Professor
Image
Elizabeth Strauss
Associate Dean of Engineering Student Affairs
Image
Ryan Day
Director, Graduate Career Placement and Professional Development & Leadership
Image
Ryan Atwell
Assistant Director of Professional Development & Leadership, Fu Fnd School Eng/Appl Science
Image
Haley Planicka
Professional Development and Leadership Officer, Fu Fnd School Eng/Appl Science
Image
Conner Moore
Operations Analyst, Graduate Career Placement and Professional Development & Leadership
Ten years ago, the Professional Development and Leadership (PDL) Program was launched based on insight from top employers, alumni, and students.
Employers consistently praised our graduates, and these conversations highlighted a shared goal: giving high-performing engineers the tools to further sharpen their professional, communication, and leadership capabilities.
Grounded in Columbia Engineering’s commitment to “Engineering for Humanity,” PDL exists to help you build and refine the critical professional, interpersonal, and leadership skills that drive lifelong career advancement and personal growth. With over 250 expert-led sessions annually—spanning communication, ethics, technical development, and holistic well-being—our program is designed to help you continuously elevate your capabilities and stand out in your field.
The PDL program takes a number of forms at Columbia Engineering
- Required PDL course for MS students (ENGIE4000)
- Engineering Your PhD Program (ENGIE6001-6004)
- PDL for SEAS Undergraduates: skills and topics the PDL Team is uniquely qualified to deliver to students
- PDL Fellows Program, currently limited to MS students
- PDL English Communication Program (ENGIE5000-5009 for MS and ENGIE7000-7009 for PhD)
- Partnership with existing programs at Columbia Engineering