By Valerie Vann, DBA
Faculty Member, School of Business at American Public University
Are you about to complete your Master of Business Administration (MBA) journey? Now it is time to plan your next steps.
There are many career choices, MBA graduates are numerous, and the job market is competitive. You need to plan and prepare for your career. Consider creating a personal brand that may help you land an interview and begin your desired career.
Below are five tips for a career search prior to achieving an MBA:
- Begin networking before you graduate.
Networking is a valuable tool for getting you places faster. Begin developing both social and professional networks before you graduate and continually engage your contacts. You can build your profile on sites such as LinkedIn.com and university alumni networking sites. Join professional organizations that offer networking and career events. Build rapport, ask for referrals and recommendations, and exchange beneficial information with those with whom you have made new connections.
[Related: 8 Tips For More Effective Networking] - Research to find opportunities.
Thoroughly research your desired field and the opportunities available. Word of mouth is an excellent way to obtain information–ask friends, associates, family, social networks, and peers. Share your innovative ideas with your contacts to get them to connect with your vision.You may find new ideas and opportunities just by networking, making connections, and being at the right place at the right time. Seek out professional advice from human resource consultants who can share insights about current recruitment trends. Also, seek out a mentor who has recent experience job hunting; you may discover someone who can both relate to your experience and encourage you in your efforts. - Build your personal professional brand.
Create a unique brand. Create a profile on a professional job site and use a professional name or a catchy phrase or title to market yourself. Your unique brand will be an advantage over similar candidates. Make sure your profile outlines your skills and learning experiences.Develop a resume that highlights your skills and your personal brand. Presenting a consistent message on social sites, on your resume, and in your conversations and interviews exemplifies a strong sense of who you are and your value as an employee. It shows that you think creatively and engage others well.
[Related: Using Social Media to Build your Brand] - Market yourself innovatively.
Job seekers often search online job boards as a first step in looking for a job; however, online job boards are not the only way to search. Use tech tools and innovation; design professional business cards and consider a professional web page profile. Remember that each time you engage with your social and professional networks you are marketing yourself, so find creative topics to discuss that relate to your career goals. - Use advanced job-seeking avenues.
Be positive and optimisitc with a sharp focus on the particular role or industry of interest. Pay attention to job details, requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills and education requirements and market yourself with an understanding of specific roles and functions.Focus on your desired career role. Perhaps you desire to be a manager What tasks does a manager perform that are of interest to you–developing teams, problem-solving, or budgeting? Think about and focus on where you want to be and how will you get there. Seek out opportunities, including entry-level positions, temporary positions, and part-time positions as a way to get closer to your overall goal.
Remember to begin job searching before you graduate. Get started by networking, building your brand, researching and planning the marketing strategy that will get you closer to your dream career.
About the Author: Dr. Valerie Vann is a professor of Business Administration and Management with more than eight years in higher education. Dr. Vann is also an entrepreneur, education and training consultant, and professional development trainer. Dr. Vann’s degrees include a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management.
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