With graduation from the MBA program quickly approaching, it's time to start applying for jobs. It can seem overwhelming, especially with the current state of the economy. Throughout undergrad in Business school, professors always stressed the importance of networking and building relationships, and now I understand why. It's all about who you know. The job market is really competitive, and it helps to have a connection in the company. Having an employee hand deliver a resume to HR is much more helpful than applying online and taking the chance of your resume getting lost in the sea of applicants.
Don't know anyone in the industry and don't know where to start with the job application process? Don't worry! The university offers resume building workshops, mock interviews, and have designated staff working at Career Connections to help students.
My advice: Network! It is never too late to start. I don't only mean with adults. Fellow students can also serve as great people to network with. They have family and friends, and who knows, maybe someone they know is in the industry/company you dream of working for. As an alumna of Quinnipiac, I joined the QU Alumni website and was amazed at what the website offered. You can search Alumni, what industry they work in, what they graduated Quinnipiac with a degree in, and contact information. I contacted an alumna who worked at a company I was interested in. I emailed her and asked her how she ended up at that company and what other relevant experience she thought was important in that industry. She emailed me and was incredibly helpful. She was more than willing to help me and answer any questions because we both graduated from Quinnipiac. In addition, the internet can be a great tool for searching for a job.I got my last internship from a posting on Craig's List at a very reputable company. While Craig's List can be seen as a scam for employment, some companies do post on there, so don't automatically think it is not legitimate. Use your best judgment. Other websites include linkedin.com, indeed.com, and simplyhired.com. Also, go to the company's website and they usually have a link to job openings.
As you look ahead and begin the job search, keep an open mind. A job is not going to land in your lap. You need to be aggressive and use all connections you have to get your foot in the door. Good Luck!
-Colleen Kelly MBA 2012
