MBA Networking Strategies and Alumni Advantages

Reminder: tap into your alumni networks as part of your #jobsearch or #careerdevelopment strategy! This week I had great intro networking calls with fellow alumni from William & Mary and Columbia Business School. While we met through other channels, having attended the same school established trust and gave us something to talk about right off the bat to break the ice. I sometimes hear from clients who are hesitant to reach out to alumni from schools they attended - but these networks are a fantastic, and often untapped, way to find folks who are more inclined to be helpful and to respond to your outreach because of your shared affiliation. Wondering how to find #alumni to connect with? Here are a few ideas: 1. LinkedIn's alumni tool makes it super easy to find and filter alum who live in your city, work in organizations you're interested in, etc. This is one of the most valuable and underutilized features of LinkedIn, so definitely spend some time with this great tool if you're not familiar with it! 2. Most universities put on regular #networking events for alumni, both virtually and now in-person again. Take advantage of these - you never know who you'll meet! 3. Search your school's alumni directory for folks who have opted in to talk about their careers or serve as mentors. 4. Join LinkedIn or other social media groups of alumni from your school(s). 5. Remember that "alumni" can be from any group you've been a part of, not just schools. Brainstorm other groups or organizations (including past employers) you're affiliated with for more outreach ideas. How else have you connected with your #alumni networks, and how have they been helpful to you?

I had 8 years of work experience, when I decided to join INSEAD for my MBA. Why did I take the plunge? As a Senior Consultant at Willis Towers Watson, I had a considerably stable career. But I knew I wanted more. 🤔 One of the most profound lessons I have learned in my career is the ‘power of embracing change’ and stepping out of my comfort zone I aspired to broaden my skills, work with diverse clients, and make a global impact.  INSEAD was the catalyst for this transformative journey. Pursuing an MBA at INSEAD was one of the best decisions I ever made.  It accelerated my career growth and transformed me as a person. Here are a few key takeaways from my MBA journey: 👉 Build a strong network : One of the most significant benefits of the MBA experience is the opportunity to connect with talented peers, faculty, and industry professionals. The global alumni network has been an incredible asset personally, leading to collaborations, guidance, and even a successful startup with a classmate. 👉 Embrace diversity : Learning from different viewpoints has been invaluable in understanding global business dynamics and fostering inclusivity in leadership. 👉 Challenge yourself : Constantly challenging myself has been key to unlocking new capabilities and achieving my goals. The MBA journey is demanding, pushing you out of your comfort zone through rigorous coursework, case studies, and projects. 👉 Reflect on your goals : This reflection helped me clarify my goals, align my efforts with my passions, and make informed decisions about my future. It's crucial to regularly reassess your objectives to ensure they remain relevant and motivating. 👉 Most importantly, enjoy the journey : While the MBA journey is intense, it's also a time for personal growth, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Embracing the journey with a positive attitude makes  the experience not only rewarding but also enjoyable. Considering an MBA? Curious about the INSEAD experience? Drop your questions in the comments — I’m here to help! And if you have been through the MBA journey already, do share your insights below. #MBA #StrategyConsulting #INSEAD #BusinessSchool

Thank you to the Vanderbilt University Career Center for inviting me to serve as a panelist for The Black Vanderbilt University (BVU) Career Accelerator Program. Myself along with my fantastic Commodore Colleagues including, Alayna Hayes, Ed.D, Assistant Provost and Senior Director of the Career Center and Sheryl Bonner, Talent Acquisition Consultant, offered insight about networking and informational interviews. A few networking nuggets: -Consider reciprocity. It’s not all about what you can get, it’s also about what you can give. -You’re often playing the long game. The connection may not yield results in the short-term but may do so in the long-term. -See networking as building relationships. -Follow-up with those you meet along the way. Check in on their projects and share information about your professional journey. -Choose a way to get organized so that you can keep track of who you meet. -Practice your elevator speech. If you have a specific interest in a company or connecting with a certain person, be able to articulate your why. Do your research so that you can be specific. -You never know where your next role will come from. Networking is happening around you all the time. One of my colleagues chatted about meeting a woman in Walgreens who offered her a role that led to her current profession. -Continue to network internally and externally once you have an internship or a full-time role. -Use LinkedIn to network intentionally by joining groups, following/connecting with people who are on your chosen path, comment on their posts, share their posts, be a part of the conversation. Remember to use LI as your portfolio and invite people into conversation with you. -Right now you’re networking everyday with classmates who will go on to have careers, own companies, will oversee hiring others, and can make introductions to people you need to know. It’s one of the greatest benefits of college. Stay connected. -Networking is a snowball. Once you meet someone, you can inquire about recommendations for others you should meet. Continue doing that and like a snowball, your network will grow as you pick up connections along the way. Informational Interviews Tips: -Ask about shadowing opportunities. -Inquire about what a typical day is like for someone in your desired role. -In order to learn more and create ease in follow up, ask the interviewee about additional resources including podcasts, books, articles, documentaries that will give your more insight into the profession. When you follow-up, you can use these as a foundation for your outreach. “Oh, I read the book you suggested and [insert thoughts here]…” or “Did you listen to the latest episode of…”? It lets them know that you’re interested and that you’re learning. What nuggets and tips would you add to this list for college students?