Articles

Finding New Jobs With An MBA

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Furthering your education is one way to make yourself more competitive in the job market. However, after just graduating with an MBA, it can be hard to determine which jobs you should apply for, as well as the jobs for which you are overqualified. To help yourself get started, you can follow a few of these tips for job searchers with advanced degrees.

First, start your job search at your MBA school. Like undergraduate schools have career centers that can help them begin the long process of looking for a job and applying for work, MBA schools often have whole departments and some classes dedicated to helping you transition from school to work. Jobs with an MBA can sometimes be hard to find, and your MBA school knows this. They understand that a higher degree means an employer has to pay you more, something none are thrilled about. However, your school also knows that with this higher degree you have more knowledge than many people in your field. This makes you more desirable, and it's just a matter of matching you with the right employer.

Second, don't forget to network. According to John Marcus of XConomy: Boston, "finding a higher level start-up position is sometimes more about who you know than what you know." Your GPA might not matter if you've made a bad impression on the CEO, so be bold, introducing yourself to the leadership at the company where you would like to work, but also be polite and kind. If you're having trouble managing your self-image, you can always go to a consultant. Working with an image consultant can help you fine-tune everything from your wardrobe to your speaking and diction. No matter what you do, however, make sure to make connections, starting during your career in MBA schools. Your professors, fellow students, and administrators likely have a great deal of business contacts. Always be alert and ready to jump on an opportunity to ask for some of those contacts for yourself.

Third, as John Marcus of XConomy: Boston recommends, "Be creative and assertive." You need to be one the one that stands out for a good reason. Call companies that are doing interviews and campaign to get one. Always do something that shows you stand out from the crowd in a unique way. Be careful that you don't go too far with these gimmicks - for instance, don't print your resume on colored paper - but do go the extra mile to show the companies who are interested in you that you are interested back. From starting with your school to being creative, practice these techniques to find a job with an MBA.