Finally, after a year and some months I completed my MBA journey in April of 2019. It was a moment filled with mixed emotions consisting of excitement, relief and a bit of uncertainty about what lies ahead in terms of careers. Before the end of any graduate program it is wise to seek internship, volunteer or find part-time work in your specific area of interest. At least this way you can gain some experience and apply the knowledge and skills that you learned throughout your program.
Before Completing the MBA
Naturally, I started applying for every entry level to associate level management positions in the health and education sector since I had prior working experience in those fields. I remember my first interview for Center Director at an early childhood institution like it was yesterday. Perhaps a bit too ambitious for my first try but I was asked to come in for an interview. Based on the requirements of previous teaching experience, and completing a 5 month EC course within a year of being hired, I felt I was a shoe-in for the position. However, I was asked if I would be interested in a Lead Teacher position since people were promoted rather quickly in the company. I declined the offer because I wanted the post I applied for and not something else. I started sending out applications to companies within a 15 mile radius for the next month and got some responses but nothing I felt content about. Of course, there were some companies that did not bother to acknowledge some applications at all and that too is a natural part of the process.
Having Direction
Be specific. One of the easiest things to do when applying for jobs is to apply for everything you think you might be qualified for. It is also one of the fastest ways to waste time and become frustrated rather quickly. Throughout your MBA studies, pay close attention to the different courses that you study. Perhaps you liked Accounting or Human Resources, focus your career search on jobs within those specific spheres of business.
Limit your applications. For me, I took an interest in Operations Management, Globalization and Managing Information Systems. These are what I later realized I needed to use to help me to guide my career search. With that epiphany came the understanding that I did not need to apply for every opportunity that I saw, just the ones that I had interest or experience in. Thus, I sought opportunities in operations management and working with diverse groups. With this insight came the energy to spend more time on specific applications and tailor each one to meet the specific job requirements. This is where you will need to adjust your resume or have it professionally written.
Having a goal. One of my main goals was to learn as many Information/Enterprise Resource Planning Systems as possible that I could later use to improve organizational efficiency. I wanted to also work with people from various backgrounds and learn as much as I could while teaching as much as I could about the operations and human elements of a business. Your goal might also be to work your way into management. This means you will need to gain industry knowledge and experience and when the time comes you can play your MBA card.
Interview well. It is essential that as future managers we learn how to demonstrate our leadership style throughout our interviews. You are not there to interview for just any old job, you are there for that specific job. Make eye contact, be strategic, pleasant and exude confidence. Doing well in an interview can make or break your chance for a job offer regardless of how good you look on paper.
I must say that one thing that I have learned throughout this journey so far is that having an MBA is a great thing but experience is king. Not to say experience always trumps having a degree on paper but it sure helps in terms of salary negotiations and other terms of employment.
Having an MBA can open up a world of opportunities in many industries. The opportunities are endless and every company needs someone to administer or manage their business. Based on my 4 months post MBA I have interviewed for and been offered positions in banking, education management, career development and healthcare coordination etc. Stay tuned for my next post to see the other job opportunities that were offered to me and the ones that I actually accepted.
Feel free to send me your questions in the chatbox or just leave a comment. I look forward to interacting with you!
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