For Students

The Career Skills Academy Program

The Career Skills Academy (CSA) is a year-long, highly supportive program designed for students ready to take their professional skills to the next level. CSA offers high-touch, high-impact services focused on building essential soft skills through individual and group career coaching, interactive skill-share sessions, targeted workshops, and networking opportunities with alumni and peer mentors.

A highlight of the program is the Public Health Masterclass series, where students gain exclusive access to employers and industry leaders. CSA students are also supported in making professional connections for networking, informational interviews, and shadowing experiences – with guidance and preparation provided by the CSA team every step of the way.

From expanding networks and refining interview skills to negotiating salaries, building a professional brand, and growing as leaders, CSA equips students with the tools and confidence to succeed in their careers.

How does the program work?

CSA participants attend five events during both the Fall and Spring semesters, and unlock:

  • $250 annual stipend
  • Exclusive networking and professional development events
  • “Choose your own adventure” style programming
  • Dedicated WhatsApp group and LinkedIn member groups
  • CSA-only career “labs”, skill shares, and dedicated working groups
  • Group career coaching with your CSA peers
  • Masterclasses with guest experts
  • Professional headshots
COMPONENT PER SEMESTER REQUIREMENT EXAMPLES / OPTIONS
Masterclasses Choose 2 e.g., Following Your Career Values, Strategic Career Planning, Navigating the Job Offer, etc.
Workshops Choose 2 From any of the following: • CSA Labs • Topical Workshops • Career Corner Sessions
1:1 Engagement Choose 1 Select from: • Career Coaching • Resume Review Day • Mock Interview Day • Networking Sessions

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to full-time or part-time students currently enrolled at CUNY SPH
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher required
  • Open to master’s and doctoral students
  • Must be able to meet all program requirements
  • Open to both U.S. and international students

HOW TO APPLY

The CSA team supports our students in moving with confidence into the next stage of their professional lives. Submitting your application to join the Career Skills Academy is easy!

Applications for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 academic year are now closed.
All applications are reviewed by a committee of CUNY SPH staff and faculty and are graded on an impartial rubric.

Acceptance into the CSA depends on the number of applicants and competitive nature of the applicant pool. All applicants will be notified of their application’s status regardless of acceptance.