Maximizing your post-MBA employability

In addition to utilizing alumni networks, becoming familiar with recruiters and headhunters is also important. “MBA graduates should build key relationships with recruiters so the latter understand the graduate’s needs and future ambitions,” says Fiona Ward, career consultant at Durham Business School. Without a personal connection, recruiters will be able to learn only hard facts about a graduate from their CV, and while this may be enough to secure employment, it could limit your options.

Social media can be a powerful tool in this regard, says Ward. “A well-written profile on LinkedIn which clearly states the graduate is interested in employment opportunities is very useful. LinkedIn and Social Hire are regularly used by recruiters and headhunters to source candidates, [so] it is vital that the graduate’s profile is professional and up to date.”

This must be coupled, however, with an accurate picture of the employment market. “The most common issue in placing some graduates is their expectations after graduation, particularly in the current market,” says Ward. A large number of MBA students make plans not only to switch industries and try something new once they have completed their MBA, but also try to combine this switch with moving to a new country.

This ambition needs to be matched with slightly more realistic goals, Ward suggests. “A student who was previously employed as a marketing executive in the food industry in Egypt, for example, may express a desire for a career change to an investment banker in the City of London.”

There are a range of reasons why this may not be achievable, at least in the short term, chiefly a lack of experience in the chosen sector or role.  “Employers are still largely cautious about employing individuals who cannot demonstrate previous experience, even though they possess an MBA and transferable skills,” Ward adds.

That is not to say though that over the long-term, such a transition can’t be achieved.

If you wish to work overseas, remaining in an industry in which you’re experienced will smooth the transition. Alternatively, performing the same role in a new industry could eventually open up the chance to switch to the desired career path.

If switching industries is the end-goal, then gradually shifting careers, as Ward suggests, can be an effective method of highlighting transferable skills.

The ability to work in or with a range of cultures is also an increasingly powerful selling point. Most fast-growing markets are not in the West, meaning a global perspective is important to work at any major international operation. “At ESMT we ‘check’ the global mindset,” says Kalis. “We are looking for diversity; speaking different languages is certainly an asset, and in some positions a must. The same goes for traveling.”

Ward, too, says that Durham University considers this to be of rising value. “Once an individual has reached a certain professional level, the ability to travel is to an extent expected,” she says, adding that, “although a large proportion of our full-time MBA students are from overseas, the MBA is taught in English and they are [still] expected to learn another language.” Understanding how various countries do business is also key to building professional relationships, Ward adds.

On which note, she concludes by returning to an old theme to give one final piece of advice: “Network, network, network!”