Class of 2015 - How is Job Search Going?

Question

I have had a few folks from a number of prominent schools Class of 2015 mention that the Job Search was progressing very slowly. I thought this would be a good thread for those graduating this year share their job search struggles and successes - perhaps there are some tips to share?

P.S. From my situation, it took me a while to actually get the job I wanted (and still have): 1) at graduation I had a great but low-paying job (started even before graduation) 2) at 6 months I found a worthwhile MBA job with a strong brand name but pay was still lacking 3) At 12 months I finally had the job of my dreams (though I did not quite realize it at that time - it took a few years for that to happen).

One tip I have - be as specific as you can in your job search - it is actually very helpful. Here is an example: If someone comes to me and says "I need a job - you got anything?" i say good luck - i don't know of any openings at this time. When someone comes and says - "Do you have any suggestions - I want to be a Marketing analyst for a Movie studio or Computer game project manager working for Blizzard, can you help?", I will say "I know a person who works there. I have no idea if they are looking to hire since I have not talked to them for a few years but I will check." The point is - if you are specific enough, people can help you a whole lot more. Make sure you figure out what you want to do and it aligns with your resume and preferably your internship or have a great story why not 8-)

crackHSW · Answer

Looks like everyone has offers. I would like to hear from others who already have a job or are looking for FT roles in the e-commerce/retail analytics domain. I am an international and needless to say things are not as rosy as projected on the glossy brochures of B-Schools :-D

. Share your experience!!!

. Share your experience!!!

BrainFog · Answer

Hi  crackHSW , I'm an international myself and would love to hear what kind of issues you faced while looking for a job and what would you advise to prospective international candidates who can't think of any other way to win the world other than a U.S. MBA? Who think endless opportunities would open up once you do an MBA from the U.S.

And thank you the thread BB, really appreciate it.

Thanks!

crackHSW · Answer

Thats a good question!! I have faced all sorts of issues and the prominent ones are listed below 1) Most of the consulting companies and I banks do not recruit internationals. If you happen to get into really good schools ie top 7 I think you would at least get interviews, but that's about it. Most of the companies need prior US experience. I had hard time explaining to recruiters my UK experience :shock:

2) Your options are limited by your prior work experience. Its really difficult to get everything off your resume from your pre MBA job/s. So , in case you are planning to switch industries , be prepared to highlight the transferable skill set and this requires numerous iterations. 3) Personal networking is by the far the most superior way of getting jobs. I was somehow able to get a decent internship , but with internships firms are experimenting with you and really don't worry about sponsorship. The full time hunt is different beast all together. I have been told numerous times for my full time hunt that skillset is not a hurdle, but sponsorship is. I am open to move back to my home country , but things are difficult for FT international students. You have to work really hard and smart to get to know the right people. Hope this is helpful.

jirang · Answer

I am working in a tech company in silicon valley and I am in H1B now. I am thinking of doing MBA after gaining some experience.
Reading in various forums it seems like its difficult for international students doing MBA to get jobs in tech companies. Is that true?

ca662 · Answer

If you are an engineer or have a very technical background it is not that difficult to get a sponsorship.

The fact that you already have an H1B visa is great news. That means that you will not count in the cap when you re-apply to the H1B or transfer it to another company (even if you get an H1B after your MBA). This puts in in a position of advantage when compared to other international students applying for the same job.

Some startups and tech companies are recruiting through platforms that don't discriminate internationals. My advice is to try that. One example is the company that I found my MBA internship through: pymetrics.

https://bit.ly/1JxEviS

Good luck in your search and let me know if you have any questions. I had an H1B prior to my MBA, and will likely get another one when I graduate.

Ergenekon · Answer

Great topic, but unfortunately with little discussion.

tlcheung · Answer

Thanks BB, really appreciates it

Class of 2015 - How is Job Search Going?

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