Beating Competition as a Career-Changing MBA
What is the best way to get past the resume drop? My pre-MBA experience is in the non-profit sector, but I'd like a job in financial services. I'm afraid I’ll be overlooked in the flood of students with pre-MBA analyst experience.
Answer
Review the job posting to ensure that your resume meets the criteria. Is your GPA where it needs to be? Is your concentration listed as preferred by the job posting? If you are setting your sites too high, you might need to broaden your search.
In addition, consult with career services or a career coach because chances are they know the company well and know what they are looking for.
With all that said, the key to success for career changers is building the right relationships with the company representatives that come on campus. Students score points in advance for attending the various on-campus events conducted by the companies. Remember they want you only if you want them, so show you’re interested.
Evaluate what skills you’ll need to be successful in your new field, and word your resume accordingly. If quantitative skills are what you will need, ensure that you have included quantitative bullets on your resume. Quantify everything possible: Your fundraiser raised 50-percent more from the previous year, you cut defects by 75 percent using a new process, etc. And don’t worry that your examples aren’t in the field you’re interested in now. All MBA recruiters know that most MBAs are career changers, so there are no surprises here.
Make sure your cover letter and networking pitches define specifically how your previous skills and experience translate to your target field. Don’t assume that recruiters will make the case for you.
Connie Thanasoulis is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a success-coaching firm that equips college students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge essential to ensuring success early on in their careers. She comes from 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Citigroup.
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