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Prep Session MBA Veterans Conference
Chicago | October 11, 2013
Agenda
§ MBA Veterans Conference overview § Making the most out of the conference • PreparaBon • Conference eBqueDe
§ Q&A with previous conference aDendees
Orienta1on/Situa1on
§ 31 Fortune 500 companies represented for 2012
§ 1:9 student-‐to-‐recruiter raBo § 40% job offer percentage § One of the best opportuniBes to get face-‐Bme networking with a supporBve veteran recruiBng community
Sponsors
Entering ConversaBons
Working the conference
PreparaBon Follow Up
ExiBng ConversaBons
Making the most out of the conference
Prepara1on
Resumes üüü
Business Card Name Tag (Placement on Right hand side)
Prepara1on
Dress for Success üAppropriate Business a^re
Men: • Suit (charcoal, dark blue, dark gray) • Tie • Light-‐colored or white dress shirt • Dark-‐colored socks
Women:
• Suit – pants suit okay • Minimal jewelry • Closed-‐toe, closed-‐heel shoes
Prepara1on
Elevator Pitch (30 secs.) üWho are you? I am an MBA student …
What are your experBse/talents?
… with 4 years experience helping companies who need new financial strategies and working on transacBons valued at $100 million or more …
What do you want?
I am looking for a posiBon in finance within your XX division … I am hoping to learn more about … I am looking to transfer my skills to a ______ role in name of this company
Prepara1on
üReview list of companies and iden1fy at least 5-‐10 as “primary targets.” • Apply on-‐line to posiBons you are interested in.
• Look into MBA Leadership/RotaBonal programs with companies that offer them
• Know everything about the companies on your “A” List
• Be prepared for the crowds.
• Look at the program agenda and aDend workshops and other presentaBons of interest
• Plan to aDend the company social events if invited (some are invitaBon only, others are open to all aDendees)
Research Companies and Schedule your Time
Prepara1on
üReview list of companies and iden1fy 5-‐10 as “ primary targets.”
General Knowledge: • What is the company’s the business strategy? • What is the company’s history? • Is there any news about the company and how is it important (as of the date of the Spring Forum) • Where are the operaBons located?
Products and Services: • What products/services does the company provide? • What is the company’s compeBBve advantage? • What markets (locaBons) does the company compete in?
Structure and Environment • Who are the top execuBves? • What is the company’s culture?
Financials • What products/services are most and least profitable? • What are the company’s market cap, stock price, P/E raBo (as of date of the Conference)?
Research Companies
At a Na1onal Conference
ü• Come early
—study the map provided with your registraBon materials to map out a strategy for “navigaBng” the career fair porBon of the conference
• Most booths will have lines to speak to a company rep—others may talk to students in groups.
• Making a good first impression is important:
– Look them in the eye – Approach with confidence and a firm hand shake – Be curious about people, their career, and their experiences – Have an opinion – on what you want to do, what you’re passionate about,
current news in the industry, etc.
Working the Conference
At a Na1onal Conference
ü• When entering a group, avoid offering an immediate
comment
• Prepare 4-‐5 items of general interest -‐ Use these items to introduce conversaBon, fill gaps in discussion and to allow others to get to know you
• Include newcomers: Turn toward them and introduce them to the group (“This is Jane Doe. Jane, please join us in talking about …”)
Working the Conference
At a Na1onal Conference
ü• 3-‐5 minute conversaBon, then move on • Prepare “exit line” to conBnue mingling:
– IniBate the introducBon of a colleague or friend to the group from whom you are deparBng
– “In the spirit of working the conference, I need to connect with a couple of other people before the event concludes. I enjoyed talking with you and would like to meet in the future to conBnue our discussion of …”
– “Excuse me, but I want to make sure you have an opportunity to talk with others who are waiBng. It was nice to meet you …”
Working the conference
At a Na1onal Conference
ü• Show that you have been looking into their company.
• Carry a printed copy of the posiBon you are interested in if you have found posiBons on-‐line.
• Offer your business card and resume (don’t be surprised if some companies do not take your resume and ask you to submit something online).
• Try to get business cards of company representaBves and quickly jot down topics discussed on the back of the business card. (Use your program/ computer/ Ipad etc. since many will not give out cards) it will serve as a useful reference for follow-‐up .
Working the Conference
The Followup
ü• HandwriDen thank you notes are always a differenBator, but email is fast and common.
• Thank you notes should express graBtude for their Bme, informaBon, and/or advice.
Thank You Notes!
The Followup
ü• If you indicated that you would contact the company representaBve for addiBonal informaBon ater the Conference, send an email within a week
• If you want to request an informaBonal interview with someone you met at the Conference, again, do this in a Bmely way; (This is ideal, but not necessarily realisBc given the size of the conference)
Requests for Interviews, Advice, Etc.
Q&A
