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Underappreciated Career Moves to Make in School

You enter business school to boost your career, no doubt. And everything you do – classes, projects, networking, interviewing, and class trips – is geared towards that end. Despite your best efforts, you may be ignoring some key activities. And it may cost you once decision time rolls around.

Sometimes, b-school can seem like a big bubble, a sabbatical where you leave behind your past. Some graduates even joke about returning to a work world that’s changed since they left. But staying connected isn’t just “one more thing to worry about.” It’s is an imperative that helps you get off to a fast start in your first job – and nurture plenty of advocates when you chase subsequent ones.

That’s the premise behind a recent piece in Bloomberg Businessweek by Javier Munoz, the Executive Director of Global Career Services at IESE Business School. Wondering if you’re doing enough to get attention and build relationships? Here are some oft-forgotten strategies for getting an edge in hiring:

• “Stay connected with your former employers and colleagues: Leave your boss and colleagues with a positive impression. Emphasize that you are grateful for the experience you have had with them and that you left because you want to grow and build on that experience. Even if you are certain you won’t work for them again, they still represent a great source of professional contacts and, perhaps, future clients. Think about requesting reference letters from your colleagues and endorsements for yourLinkedIn You can even go further: Become the company’s ambassador on campus or invite some managers to be guest speakers during your MBA program.”

• “Get social: LinkedInis by far the most useful networking and research tool for MBAs today. While you can be hired by an employer who is simply dazzled by your résumé, in the MBA arena it doesn´t happen often. LinkedIn provides lots of information about companies, vacancies, professional profiles, and, most important, who knows whom. You can also use other social media to gather information and expand your network, but be cautious about the information you publish or others publish about you. Recruiters will most likely look at this before extending an offer.”

• “Contact your local alumni group: Alumni groups are one of the best networking opportunities, so get involved as soon as possible. Most alumni associations are organized by regional chapters and will have activities in your area. Ask the admissions department for contact details and introduce yourself to your local chapter at the earliest opportunity. Being on campus, you could become a useful asset to your local chapter.”

For additional advice, click on the Bloomberg Businessweek link below.

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek

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