Professional Development and Career Strategy

Catalog description

The Professional Development and Career Strategy course is designed to help MBA students prepare for the interview and job search process. Your LEAD course taken in the first semester of the first year will allow you to take a deeper dive and self-reflect on what you desire for your career and life, align your vision and values, and develop a plan. The Professional Development and Career Strategy course will support you in executing the career aspects of your plan and further develop those areas which you have discovered will prevent you from moving forward in obtaining the career you desire. Part A of the course will include four modules: Personal Brand and Positioning, Networking, Interview Skills, and Job Search Strategy. Prior to the start of the course, a one-on-one career readiness and career leader assessment, resume review and an intercultural training and communication session will take place so that during the fall semester you can focus on networking, enhancing interview skills and developing and executing your job search strategy. Throughout the course, students will focus on their career goals and objectives within the context of self to develop their positioning and value proposition statement, social media presence, supporting collateral, and an effective job search strategy. With a greater sense of self discovered in the LEAD course and your value proposition statement, you will be immersed in the interview process to gain an understanding of the various types of interviews (behavioral, case style and technical), the competencies being evaluated, how to prepare for each and develop competency through consistent practice and feedback. To measure improvement at the end of the year, a baseline assessment of your interview skills will be conducted by an industry professional. Executive presence and communication skills topics will be incorporated throughout the course to improve likelihood of success during the job search process and beyond. This course will be taught by the career development and placement teams and industry and alumni guest speakers to offer a real-world perspective. In addition to the course, you will have access to: 1. Leadership Coaching: Leadership Coaching is provided through the LEAD course. As you determine your direction and plan, you will have access to additional facilitated discussions to further explore/discover your options for your career and life. 2. Career Advising: Career advising is provided by the Career Development and Placement teams. You will receive practical guidance on the "how" to execute your career strategy. Prereq: Enrolled in the Full-time MBA program.