MY Top 10

This week, I decided to try a different format for my blog. I wanted to share with you all  my top 10 reasons I am proud of my MBA program at UNC Charlotte.

1. Faculty and staff's dedication to students. Professors are truly invested in Belk College of Business students' success.
2. Students' drive.  Students are not inhibited to fill a "need". They feel the support of the Belk College of Business to pursue various endevaors and potential opportunities.
3. Belk College of Business brand.
4. Diversity of Student body (i.e. education, career experience, and demographics)
5. Socratic in-classe discussions.
6. Application based learning.
7. Value of degree exceeds the financial sacrifice to complete program.
8. Leadership opportunities.
9. The Graduate Business Association
10. Last but not least the degree!!!

Have a great weekend!

The Next Steps

Last week, I shared some strategies in regards to preparation for the job search. Now that you have the interview...what is next? How do you prepare for the 60-minute conversation? Check out my thoughts below:

1. Research: Your knowledge of the company is critical to the success of the interview. Prior to interviews, I try to read at minimum a year's worth of company press releases and other related published material. If you know the name of your interviewers, it is a good idea to research their profiles on Linkedin. Make sure to research within your network. You may have a contact that can be a resource on the company of interest.
2. Appearance: First impressions are lasting impressions. The first 10 seconds of an introduction can set the stage for the remaining 60 minutes of your interview. Remember to dress business professional. Business Attire Suggestions
3. Portfolio: It may sound trivial but make sure you have several copies of your resume. From my experience, it has been helpful to bring copies of class projects as an example of my skill sets to present to my interviewers.
4. Questions: The rule of thumb is to have at least 3 questions that you feel cannot be answered via the website or through additional secondary research. I use this opportunity to probe about company culture, obtain a better understanding of day-to-day operations and use the information to pair along with my personal company objectives.
5. Follow -Up: It is critical to remind your potential employer why you are the best candidate within 24 hours of the interview. Remind the interviewer(s) why you chose the company, job position and how your skill set can be more than just an asset to the company but to the bottom line. The lasting impression is not just in the interview itself but in the follow-up correspondence. (In my opinion, it is a display of one's character). 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Until next week...Have a great weekend!

The Internship/Job Maze

It is that time of the year, where students begin to ponder summer plans. Will I study abroad and hone in on a particular business skill or will I use this opportunity to hone my skill through an internship? It is one of the "hot" questions here at the Belk College of Business. Students begin to polish and dust the cobwebs from their resume and cover letters to attract interest from their company list.

As a second year MBA student, I would love to share some advice in getting your foot in the door.

1.  Start early: Do not... I repeat DO NOT wait until the end of March to begin your search. It is imperative given the increased competition and current state of the job market, to plan early!
2. Research: Create a list of five industries of interest. From this, write a list of pros and cons of why this industry interests you. This list will become the foundation in regards a company list.
3. Network: Talk to professors in regards to your career interests. Listen to his/herfeedback and inquire about contacts he/she may have that can assist in your job search. Talk to friends and family. You never know who he/she may  know as well. If you are on Linkedin, research the company(s) of interest to see if you have know any current contacts.  This step is important to learn more about the company and position. This can also assist with eliminating and/or elevating a position(s).
4. Polish: In the meantime, make sure you polish your resume. Feel free to submit your resume to your career coach or to UNC Charlotte's Director of Graduate Professional Development, Robin Boswell. Robin gives EXCELLENT and candid feedback.
5. Practice: Practice your 30 second elevator speech. What do you want people to remember that is not explained in your resume. If you do have an interview, schedule a mock interview with UNC Charlotte's Career Center.

These are just some thoughts and ideas. Good luck! Have a great week!