How MBA Students Can Maximize Their Job Prospects

Business students choose to obtain MBA degrees for many reasons: some want to accelerate their careers , some are focused on mastering new companies, and some want to change functions or industries entirely. Earning your MBA can dramatically boost your job prospects post-graduation. Here are a few ways you can maximize your employability as a business student.

1. Networking Prowess

MBA programs are all about networking —luckily, business students are surrounded by future colleagues, peers, and industry leaders. It's important to make an effort to get to know people and make connections professionally. There are many ways to do this:

• Join a club or on-campus organization.
• Participate in case competitions.
• Assume an on-campus leadership role.
• Be an admissions representative for your business school.

Opportunities like these will introduce you to students (as well as other business connections) you might not ordinarily meet. There's no secret to successful networking: simply meet people, figure out what you have in common, and stay in touch. This is particularly important when you meet people who work or intend to work in your desired industry.

2. Use Alumni Connections

It's also important to network with alumni from your business school both formally and informally, especially if your goal is to work in a particular industry. Develop a list of companies you're interested in and identify alumni who are current or former employees at those companies; many of them will be willing to exchange emails, review resumes, meet for coffee or drinks, or even recommend you for open positions. Alumni can also help you understand which courses you should take and what skills you need to develop, since they were once in your position. Alumni connections will give you an even greater head start on your post-graduate career.

3. Apply for Internships

Internships are critical to obtaining post-graduate employment, especially if you aspire to a position in a competitive field. In fact, many MBA programs expect business students to intern over the summer (if they don't already have jobs) and will host fairs and networking events to help students secure internships. Internships enable students to further develop critical skills and gain real-world experience; many internships even offer full-time positions to MBA students who excel. It's important to start thinking about and applying to internships early in your MBA program—think about what roles and industries excite you, which skills you'd like to learn, and where you eventually want to work.

Quiz: Should You Take the GMAT or GRE?

The  GMAT i s not the only test in the business school game anymore. Answer a few questions and will help you decide whether to to take the GMAT or the GRE.

TAKE The QUIZ