Listen to the Latest Podcast Episode
Episode 36: 3 in 30: How to Tell Your Career Story with Lauren McGoodwin and Marnie Lemonik
0:00
43:34

Sadaf Sajwani

Lecturer, Career Development, Columbia University (SIPA), Co-Founder & COO, Games and Learning, Inc.
$125/Session
9 Reviews
Expertise:
Networking, Job Search Strategies, Interview Questions, Resumes, LinkedIn Optimization, Leadership + Management, Career Transitions, Career Development, Industry Insight
Mentor Image - Sadaf Sajwani

About Me

Reduced fee for August / September - Book Now! From first job to bold career pivot—I help you find your path forward. Feeling stuck in your job search or career? You don’t have to stay there. Whether you’re looking for your first job, preparing for a pivot, or ready to launch something of your own, uncertainty can become the turning point toward something better. I’ve been there myself—navigating job hunts as a grad student, landing exciting roles, facing layoffs, and reinventing my path. Those experiences shaped me into the coach I am today: someone who not only understands the challenges of building a career but also knows how to guide others through them with clarity and confidence. For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked across the social impact, nonprofit, public service, education, edtech, and children’s media sectors—including roles with the United Nations, Sesame Workshop, and the Obama Foundation. Today, I bring that experience to my work as a Lecturer and Career Coach at Columbia University, where I’ve supported hundreds of students, alumni, and professionals in building meaningful, values-aligned careers. I work with: • Students and early-career professionals seeking their first jobs • Graduate students preparing for their next step • Mid-career professionals exploring new opportunities or leadership paths • Career changers pivoting into new industries • Aspiring entrepreneurs launching mission-driven ventures I can help you with: • Navigating a career change or industry pivot • Clarifying your next move and setting intentional goals • Writing powerful resumes and cover letters • Optimizing your LinkedIn profile to attract opportunities • Building an authentic professional network • Preparing for interviews with confidence • Rebounding after a layoff or setback • Navigating challenges in the workplace as a woman or person of color I’m especially passionate about supporting women and people of color, helping them break through barriers, step into leadership, and thrive. No matter where you’re starting, we’ll build the strategies and confidence you need to move forward—toward a career that truly fits.

Get to Know Me

Current Position
Lecturer, Career Development, Columbia University (SIPA), Co-Founder & COO, Games and Learning, Inc.
Previous Positions
Director of Partnerships, Sesame Workshop September 2011 - July 2018
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultant, PepsiCo November 2010 - May 2011
Intern - Knowledge Management Group, Bureau for Development Policy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) June 2011 - August 2011
Supervisor - Operations, Order Fulfillment, Quality Control, McMaster-Carr Supply Company December 2004 - March 2008
Intern - Department of Political Affairs, United Nations July 2004 - September 2004
Intern - Afghan Rehabilitation Program, Aga Khan Development Network June 2001 - August 2001
Education
Master of International Affairs | Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs
BA in International Relations | Tufts University

I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept. - AD

Reviews

Sadaf really helped me get unstuck! Her exercises were helpful and she talked me though many complicated questions about a post-PhD career shift in middle age. I highly recommend Sadaf for anyone who is looking to change careers and needs some expert advice on how to get started and get focused. Her use of different resumes and attention to how the modern job market works is a huge asset!

Drew Z. , 48
Aug. 07, 2025

My session with Sadaf was incredibly valuable. She takes a thoughtful and strategic approach, helping you design a purposeful career path that truly aligns with your values and experience. Sadaf provided insightful exercises that helped me craft a compelling personal narrative, making it easier to present my story with confidence. I left the session feeling more focused and equipped with practical tools to take the next steps in my career. Highly recommend!

Anna G. , 40
Nov. 15, 2024

An amazing session! Sadaf just had an abundance of advice and experience to share. I'd been struggling with not knowing where to begin or where to look and within minutes of talking with her, I had gotten the answers to so many of my questions and more. She's so friendly, empathetic, gives practical and specific advice, and made me feel prepared to take on this next step. I am so grateful to her and recommend her without hesitation.

Aapta G. , 35
Mar. 19, 2021

I'm so grateful to Sadaf for a brilliant session. She came well prepared having reviewed my application materials and armed with information to address the agenda I had prepared. Her insightful advice included industry trends, best practices for job applications and personal anecdotes of how she had handled similar situations. I was particularly impressed by her follow up after the session with additional tips and resources. Thank you Sadaf for: being a compassionate listener, providing me with actionable tips, clarity on my path forward and inspiration when I needed it most!

Anonymous, 32
May. 07, 2020

I reached out to Sadaf because I was in the process of relocating to a new city, and wanted advice refreshing my resume and LinkedIn. Sadaf gave me helpful feedback, and a process to follow to make adjustments my materials. She covered a lot within one session, making it well worth the cost. She also followed up one month after to check in on my progress. I felt much more confident moving forward in my process of looking for a new role. I would definitely recommend her!

Nicole C. , 35
Jul. 17, 2019

Sadaf gave me time and individual attention to understand my background and what my resume needs were. Her demeanor and attitude towards me calmed my anxiety, and helped me to start thinking productively about how to approach my resume. Sadaf then helped me think through which information was necessary, what structure was right for me, and how to phrase the information the right way to appeal to potential employers. I now have the kind of position I set out for, and confidence in my resume helped my overall confidence when interviewing. Sadaf's approach is comprehensive and it was clear she was invested in my success. I highly recommend her services.

Anonymous, 37
Mar. 27, 2019