Take advantage of the career services office. MBA programs, like undergraduate programs, often provide students the free service of career development professionals. The professionals at the career services office will read your resume and cover letter and offer tips, give counsel about particular career opportunities, conduct mock job interviews and offer critiques to help you prepare for the job marketplace. The career services office can also provide online tools and resources to assist your endeavors to obtain a job, switch careers, network with other professionals and more.
Network with your fellow students. Your MBA classes are opportunities for networking, as well as instruction. Down the road, alumni may play an important role in helping to achieve your career goals. For instance, a fellow alum may be able to recommend you for a job or put in a good word to a potential employer. Classmates may also have special expertise in an area of business of which you are ignorant, so it helps to have a network of colleagues with diverse knowledge and resources. After graduation, you will be invited to alumni gatherings and events. Attend these events to preserve ties with colleagues.
Develop relationships and stay connected with MBA program directors and instructors after graduation. These faculty members have knowledge and experience with the business world, and they can offer advice and counsel to help you achieve your career goals. They can also provide resources or direct you to resources to continue your education and professional development. Further, because MBA programs frequently collaborate with community business leaders, MBA directors and instructors have developed many contacts in the local community. By staying in touch with your program leaders, you could gain an upper hand with potential employers down the road.
Maximize learning from your classes. Often, MBA students take evening classes part-time in addition to a full-time career. Therefore, it can be easy to prioritize work demands and minimize school demands. However, to get the most out of your MBA program, it is important to stay focused and engaged in your school work. Attend all of your classes and complete the assigned readings, even if your instructor does not give exams to test reading comprehension. You are doing yourself a favor in the long run if you put in the time and effort to make the most of your MBA education.