By
Duncan Simmons
Director - The MBA Jobs Site (www.MBAjobs.net)

Getting a Job after your MBA - think ahead!

As you are using this site – it is likely that you are considering entering an MBA program. My aim, here, is to get you also to think about leaving such a program. It might seem a bit premature, as you have not yet begun an MBA – but please also think about the end.

With at least 2300 MBA programs available in over 120 countries worldwide (most of which are featured on this site), an MBA graduate is not exactly a rare person.. There are lots being created each year – as this is probably the world's most popular Graduate degree.

Many of the tens of thousands of people that get their MBA degrees each year are looking for a job, or a new job. Fortunately new MBAs 'hit the market' at different times of the year so there is a steady flow rather than a sudden flood.. Fortunately also there is a high demand for such people. Nevertheless getting the job you want will require effort and thought.

One thing you are thinking about now is the program to follow. Remember then that some will provide you with a better chance of the right job.. Furthermore some Business Schools will provide you with more help than others. So – if you are planning to take an MBA in order to get a job – make that a factor in your choice of program and School. A high proportion of full time program graduates go directly onto the job market – but also many who choose a part time or distance programs have this intention, even though they may not declare it – so my advice may be relevant whatever your choice of type of program.

There are two related factors. Firstly – does the program attract recruiters? Secondly – does the School help secure placements? You really want at least one answer to be 'yes' – so how do you find out? Here is a check list-

The Program

• You can often get data on employment rates for graduates from full time programs. Ask the Schools or look at some of the rankings – which often use this measure as one criterion (eg US News)
• Data from part time/distance etc programs are more difficult to get. Ask the School what proportion of the students are self sponsored. If it is high – eg over 30%, then expect them to be able to tell you what proportion of those seeking a new job on completion, succeed in a given period of time (eg 2 months)
• Remember that employment might include self employment eg a graduate starting their own business. An increasing number of MBAs are aiming to do this. Often they have taken their programs in order to change career direction.

The School

• If the School's main program is full time expect them to have arrangements to help their graduates find jobs. Even if their's is a popular program with recruiters, they should have processes eg to help their graduates make a choice without spending excessive amounts of their program time going to interviews etc.
• If the School's main program is part time/distance etc they will have more difficulty in running a placement service as they will not want their employed and possibly sponsored students to leave their employers. Nevertheless if you are self sponsored , or if you are on a full time program at such a School, you should expect them to do something to help you find your job.
• Check up on Alumni organisations. If there is a big, strong and loyal one , and you will have access to its members, you may aim to get a job or certainly get contacts through that 'network'.
• See if the School has a Careers Office. If so it's an indication that they take their placement responsibility seriously. Ask if there is a named person in charge – and is the service specific to the School - or just a part of the broader University service.
• Does the School run 'hiring fairs' – when employers come to interview students. If so how many?
• Does the School publish a students resume catalog for distribution to employers/recruiters? Is it made available free of charge or do they try to sell it?
• Does the School put the details of its Students seeking jobs on its Web site – or does it help them put the details on another jobs site ?
• Finally – of course- does the School work with The MBA Jobs Site at www.MBAjobs.net – a specialist international site for MBAs and recruiters.

MBA programs are expensive- so make sure yours will give you what you want. If you aim to get a job, or a new job on completion of the program - remember that basically you will need to be able to do three three things;

• Get yourself known - ie make sure your details are accessible to those who are looking to recruit MBA graduates so that they can contact you.
• Know which employers/recruiters are generally seeking MBAs- so you can contact them.
• Know what particular jobs/vacancies are available for MBAs so that you can apply for them.

You need to secure these three things. Make sure your program and your School will help you do so. Don't leave it until it is too late. Its not too early to think about the end of your program before you start it.