Are you a college student or recent graduate who is interested in learning about the various industries of Columbia through exploration, service, and networking? Capture Columbia is for you! Capture Columbia is a program designed for college students, summer associates at companies, and recent graduates in the Columbia area to take a deep dive into the community while building personal and professional relationships that may help land jobs and build careers. Best of all – Capture Columbia is completely FREE.
Presented by Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR), Capture Columbia participants have an opportunity to
- Engage with leaders of the Columbia region’s business community
- Learn about everything the Columbia region has to offer; and,
- Network with interns and associates from companies across the area.
WHAT
Capture Columbia is a free program that is open to all college students and recent graduates in the Columbia area. Interns and apprenticeships at local businesses are welcome! The program encourages participants to take a deep dive into the community while building personal and professional relationships that will help them land jobs and build careers. Presented by Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) and the Midlands Business Leadership Group, Capture Columbia includes networking opportunities, speakers, professional development and special experiences throughout their summer in Columbia.
The program is free thanks to COR’s strategic partners Experience Columbia SC and Columbia Area Development Partnership.
Previous sponsors include Nephron Pharmaceuticals, First Citizens Bank, BlueCross Blue Shield SC, Aflac, First Community Bank, Khan Development Group, Rhodes Graduation Services Inc, Chernoff Newman, Colliers, Adams and Reese, Central Carolina Community Foundation and The Knight Foundation. Interested in sponsoring in 2026? Contact [email protected].
WHO
Any college student or recent graduate in the greater Columbia metropolitan area can register for Capture Columbia for any event.
WHEN
Capture Columbia runs annually from late May through late June, with sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The program offers networking, professional development, and exclusive insider experiences at locally loved spots throughout the greater Columbia region. Experience opportunities to meet community leaders and power players, from government leaders to C-suite executives of companies with strong internship and entry-level job programs.
WHERE
2026 Program Lineup:
May 27 – Savage Craft Ale Works: Bingo Networking Night
A fun, low-pressure evening built to teach students how to approach and engage professionals. Community leaders will join for casual networking over games and conversation.
June 3 – Koger Center for the Arts: Table for Six
An intimate networking dinner where participants sit with one of 14 community leaders to discuss growth, leadership, and career progression in Columbia.
June 10 – Girl Scouts Leadership Center: Career Growth Keynotes
Two keynote speakers will share actionable advice on launching a career in Columbia, offering insights into professional development and sustainable success.
June 17 – Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center: Career Fair
Attendees can meet employers face-to-face, receive real-time feedback on resumes, and participate in mock interviews with local partners and talent leaders.
June 24 – 701 Whaley: Capture Columbia Celebration
The program concludes with a networking celebration bringing together students, alumni, and professionals from across the Midlands to apply their new skills and celebrate community.
Check out scenes from Capture Columbia on our Instagram @capturecolumbia
Are you a business or HR leader looking to attend events? Have questions about how your interns can participate? Contact the Capture Columbia team for more info on how your company can get involved. Contact Tate White at [email protected].
