Graduate business students are encouraged to be proactive in
their job search. Prospective employers often seek candidates
with strong educational training and relevant work
experience. If you are unable to find paid employment
opportunities, there are other alternatives that can enhance your
qualifications for permanent, long-term career opportunities.
Below you will find examples of how to market your 'EXPERIENCE' on
your resume. Remember, work experience can be paid or
unpaid.
Unpaid Internships: An unpaid
internship is paraprofessional experience and an opportunity for
you to develop your skills just as a paid internship would.
Employers actively seek candidates who have had career-related
internship experience, because they are more likely to conclude
that you have a willingness to learn, relevant job skills and a
realistic view of the world of work.
Human Resources Intern, The Medical Center, Detroit,
MI
January 2000 - May 2000
Worked with Employment Specialist in all hospital recruitment and
hiring processes
Created an Access Database for incoming applications and
resumes
Assisted in all group interviews, evaluations and team meetings
Financial Services Intern, Bank of America, Frankfurt,
Germany
May 2000 - August 2000
Served as a liaison between the Vice President of Portfolio
Management and potential investors
Identified client needs through careful analysis and made
recommendations accordingly
Researched day-to-day market trends and advised clients on
financial investment matters
Graduate Assistantships/On-Campus
Employment: If you are motivated to find a job
specifically related to your career goals, you may be able to find
a compatible graduate assistantship or part-time position on
campus. These positions provide you with practical work
experience in addition to classroom learning and builds upon your
existing skills. However, any part-time job, even one not
directly related to your career goals, will allow you to
demonstrate professionalism, reliability and commitment - all
important qualities to any prospective employer.
Financial Aid Office Assistant, St. John's University,
Jamaica, NY
October 2000 - April 2001
Responsible for the processing of student employment paperwork and
monthly payroll
Coordinated student worker schedule and off-campus agency
billings
Supervised and trained new student hires
Resident Assistant, Miami University, Oxford, OH
August 2000 - present
Serve as a resource and advisor to over 40 residents as well as a
liaison to administration
Develop and execute hall programs that involve extensive planning,
coordination and marketing efforts
Work on a team of 12 to provide quality support to a diverse
student body with personal, academic and social concerns
Volunteer Experiences: Volunteering is an
excellent way to gain career-related experience. In some
career fields, such as non-profit and journalism, the best way to
gain practical work experience is to take advantage of volunteer
opportunities. You may work anywhere from 5 to 30 hours per
week, depending on the position and organization. Most
importantly, you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience
in a professional setting. Prospective employers view such
experience as an indication of your commitment to their career
field and the community.
Tutor, AmericaReads, San Francisco, CA
May 1999 - December 1999
Tutored two fourth graders in reading comprehension and
mathematics
Met with parents to discuss the status of student sessions
Supported students in their of social, cognitive and intellectual
development
Social Service Volunteer, New York Department of Social
Services, New York, NY
January 2001 - present
Advise unemployed mothers on office resources and potential job
opportunities
Collect and organize data including current unemployment rates and
job placements
Answer inquiries on job availability and requirements
Extracurricular Activities: The
activities you engage in outside of your academic coursework will
be more than mere fun. They are an excellent way to explore
your career-related interests and develop many skills you will be
able to transfer to any job. It is better to illustrate a
commitment to one or two clubs versus simply involving yourself in
five or six clubs. For those clubs in which you have a
greater interest, consider running for an administrative position
such as treasurer or president. Here, you will have an
opportunity to demonstrate your organization, communication and
leadership skills.
Vice President, St. John's University Management Society,
Jamaica, NY
September 2000 - present
Plan weekly member meetings and present current news
Edit and disseminate monthly newsletter to all society members and
faculty advisors
Maintain database on current members and alumni
Captain and Team Player, New York University Soccer Team,
New York, NY
August 1999 - present
Lead and represent over two dozen members as team's captain
Coordinated team trip to Rome, Italy for annual international
soccer tournament
Promote team needs to administrators at monthly athletic
department
Academic Projects: Some courses have
projects or fieldwork associated with them. If you would like
to do more than be introduced to the subject through typical
classroom lectures and assignments, ask your professor what options
are available along this line. You may also want to think
about doing an independent study or directed research with a
professor of your choice. Another option would be to
participate in a group project experience through a course.
Senior Thesis: "The Evolution of Social Justice:
An Analysis of Nationalism, Terrorism and Peace in the Middle
East"
May 2000
Interviewed over 70 Middle East refugees and extensively researched
Middle Eastern History
Presented research findings to the University of Michigan's Middle
Eastern Studies Department
Research Project: "Employee Privacy Issues,"
December 2001
Carried out long-term independent project with little
supervision
Built rapport and maintained relationships with dozens of corporate
employees