Career reflections and CDO insights

I am back in LA for the Thanksgiving holiday and it’s finally given me a chance to take a step back from the whirlwind that is business school. On my way home, I stopped by Boston and met up with my old boss (also a Tuckie). He loved living vicariously through me and constantly wishes that he could go back to Tuck. That seems to be the feeling of every Tuckie I speak to. There are so many reasons why we love it – the small, intimate community where everyone knows and supports one another, the super fun dance parties, the international food scene topping NYC (ok, that may be an exaggeration but we have international students that are phenomenal cooks), and the support we get during the recruiting process, among so many other things.

In terms of recruiting, many of us are career switchers and getting an MBA is a great way to do so – there is so much opportunity that comes with an MBA. Most industries don’t require previous experience as a prerequisite to a post-MBA job. The Tuck network is the tightest of all business school networks and this has been greatly evident as I go through the career search process now. Each alum I have contacted has gotten back to me within a day, if not within a few hours.

I spoke to the Career Development Office (CDO) recently to gain some additional insights into utilizing the Tuck network during recruiting. This is also relevant to speaking with alumni during the Tuck admissions process:

• ·         Remember it is a business conversation,  so make sure to exhibit a high-level of professionalism and don’t take the interaction for granted
• ·         Don’t ask for jobs as a lead. These are informational conversations to get advice and insight and may or may not ultimately lead to a job discussion.
• ·         Keep in mind that people do want to help – it’s the constant pay it forward mentality that Tuckies exhibit.
• ·         Dress appropriately and make sure to send thank you notes. Your biggest asset is developing that network of people.
• ·         You can use TuckStreams to find relevant alumni and then reach out providing some background. Be flexible with the time asked of them.

Happy Thanksgiving and best of luck!!