Securing a top MBA job is about far more than submitting an application. It’s a process that involves exploring the job market, networking, and gaining practical experience so you can easily adapt to the work culture in a new industry or country.
Business school can provide these opportunities for you but knowing how to reap results comes down to you.
Here are five steps to securing an MBA job:
1. Choose the location of your MBA wisely
The location of your chosen business school plays a huge role in the career opportunities that are available to you.
Daniela Pecho, from Peru, knew that she wanted to move abroad to study for an MBA in Europe and advance her career in finance.
Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world and the largest in Europe. Out of all the Fortune 500 companies in Europe, most are German companies including Volkswagen and Uniper. HHL Leipzig MBA students can connect with some of the top companies in the country via projects, internships, and recruitment events.
As a result, students have landed roles with companies such as Siemens, EY, Allianz, and SAP, among others. Daniela landed a role as a consultant at Deloitte after undertaking an internship with the company.
It’s no surprise, then, that 97% of students in the HHL MBA program stay in Germany to continue their careers.
2. Undertake an MBA internship
Undertaking an internship at business school is a great way to gain experience in a new industry or with your target company.
You’ll receive feedback on your performance, an insight into the company culture and values, and may impress your team enough to secure a full-time offer.
Daniela chose the 21-month Advanced Track in the HHL MBA program, which includes an internship. She landed a six-month role with Deloitte working in transaction services.
Through being proactive and showing her enthusiasm for the role, Daniela secured a full-time offer ready for when she graduated.
“During your internship, don’t only focus on the specific task you are given but also figure out what else you can do to show your skills and how you could benefit the company in the future,” she advises.
Opportunities such as these mean that 82% of HHL MBA students have a job lined up for them ahead of graduation.
3. Leverage the career support at business school
The career services at business school are an invaluable resource to help with resume writing, mock interviews, and figuring out your next steps.
Kati Dorsch is the career development manager at HHL Leipzig. The team gives each MBA student personalized career advice and training.
“Finding a job can be a job itself so we focus on preparing students in every way we can through workshops, and facilitating connections,” says Kati.
Using a tool called Talent Compass, the team help MBAs to recognize what is an ideal career path based on their interests, values, and skills.
As an international student, the careers team at HHL were also invaluable for giving Daniela an insight into the German job market and the expectations of European companies for job applications.
She advises that learning to speak the language of the country you’re working in can go a long way to impressing recruiters.
“I started learning to speak German, which is something companies really value. Even if it isn’t perfect, demonstrating a willingness to learn is key,” says Daniela.
4. Network with recruiters
During an MBA, there will be ample opportunities to meet with potential recruiters at networking events. Kati stresses the importance of researching the companies you want to speak to beforehand and presenting yourself in a convincing way.
“Doing your research means you’ll be able to ask informed questions and start building a relationship. It’s even a good idea to have a small elevator pitch prepared,” she says.
Remember, recruiters will speak to many MBA students at these events, so you want to make a strong impression that will help you stand out.
“After the event, make sure to connect on LinkedIn and even send a note to say thank you for their advice. Not a lot of people do this but it’s so important,” Kati advises.
It was through these networking events that Daniela landed her internship with Deloitte, leading to a full-time role with the company.
“I reached out to the recruiter and explained who I was, my achievements, and why I was interested in working for the company. It was so much faster than applying and I knew someone had directly read my resume, rather than it being put through a system,” she says.
5. Start your search for MBA jobs early
Applying for an MBA job is competitive. That’s why it’s essential to start preparing early by building your network, keeping up to date with trends in your target industry, building the skills needed to succeed during your MBA, and tapping into all the opportunities you can to help you stand out to employers.
I decided on attending this program since it is 100% in English, the option for a Semester abroad, and it has a nicely designed curriculum.
I enjoyed very much the studies at the Leipzig location (I do not live in Leipzig and was staying in Airbnb flats with other students during the course weekends). There was great enthusiasm within the students' group, the courses were challenging and we had experienced/diverse professors which added to the overall experience.
HHL is focused on teamwork and is big on its network and career development which is a definite value add for students.
I can recommend HHL to other students who want to sharpen their skill set to be prepared for leadership positions.
Brendan
Verified
5/06/2020
Impressive Journey
I’m doing my Master Part-time at HHL and love the Journey. The teaching is between good and outstanding.
The service around the lectures is amazing. Never had to wait longer than a day for a response.
The Network I was able to build and the lecture about entrepreneurship are the major takeaways which strongly influenced my future.
I can strongly recommend the Master in Part-time at the HHL for a course with impact. But be prepared they will broaden your horizon and you will have to grow with it.
Student
Verified
18/01/2022
Blended
Horrible Experience
I am also a recent student at HHL. I would agree with your post wholeheartedly. HHL is brilliant at marketing, however, it's more like a Ponzi scheme. A lot of Indians happen to fall into this trap, including me. I joined HHL while letting ESMT go primarily because I thought Leipzig is a cheaper city to live in and the course is cheaper. Always remember if a deal looks too good it is probably a scam. The studies are extremely below average, the college has an abysmal career centre and the campus is a joke.
Now let me give you some deeper insights :
1. Given that the college is located in EAST Germany- you need to understand that RACISM is a truth. The college runs MBA and MSc. (Management). MBA is a mere point of luring students as unaware students come to HHL with dreams and hopes of doing an MBA and getting placed. To break it to you softly: MSc is the FLAGSHIP program for HHL- this means 99% of the class is German, and they got offers from the likes of Mckinsey, Bain and Deutsche come to the Germans. Even the foreigners doing MSc. do not get a whiff of the opportunity- please understand- Germany is a "German" speaking country and not internationalised enough to include "English" as the business language. Nonetheless, HHL is such a weak school that it cannot do **** about anything- their placement cell always keeps on crying but they are of absolutely ZERO help. You will not get any scholarships like the Germans do here thanks to the Dean who promotes this divide between Germans and others by giving scholarships thatd more or less cover the entire tuition fees of the German students.
2. The Academic Director for MBA is definitely someone people look at and think that good there's an Indian there- he has absolutely zero value in HHL and in the research world anyways. He is only out there to lure you in to get a fatter commission-the more Indians he gets in the higher his commission and his job is SAFE.
3. The faculty is so horribly poor in their own research work and competence that you'd feel why did I come here.
The only reason why some people come here: VISA and citizenship in a few years. You may also procure a job but with the HHL tag being so weak the salaries are way below AVERAGE.
Free advice: So either way if you're planning to come to Germany either perfect your German or choose a different country because colleges like HHL get students from all over the world- after which they do not really give a damn whether you get placed or not- it's ALL BUSINESS TO HHL. I cannot speak about many other colleges, but, due to the sheer presence of colleges like Frankfurt business school, WHU and ESMT in bigger cities such as Frankfurt, Berlin and Dusseldorf provide better chances to network during the duration of the course.
Do NOT come to HHL and waste your money. Your entire education and stay would cost 50 lacs, instead invest in BITCOIN or STOCKS. OR just do your Masters in Management from a public University in Germany which is way cheaper, has higher chances of scholarship and better placement opportunities.
Hope this helps
Thanks.
