Networking and Planning are Key to Success on a Graduate Program

When choosing the right postgraduate program for you it’s important to think about what networking opportunities are available, and ensuring you start planning for your future career as soon as possible.

We caught up with faculty at Carlson School of Management to find out their thoughts on the matter.

Utilize networking

Melodie Bard, Assistant Director of Recruiting and Student Affairs at Carlson notes the business school has a long history of working with students in populations from China.

Chinese students – who are the second biggest group of international students coming onto specialized master’s programs – gain applied learning experience while on the program.

Students apply real-life situations with clients and are able to engage with outside stakeholders through the MSBA and MSF programs.

Melodie notes that some Chinese graduates – especially from the MSF program – have had success in security firms in China, taking the knowledge and experiences they’ve learned from their time in the US.

Building on skillsets

Lihn Gilles, Director of Admissions and Recruiting at Carlson would highly recommend researching the industries, sectors and functions you’re interested in post-MBA.

She says, “One of the greatest ways you can set yourself up for career success post-MBA is to better understand that market with your current skillsets.”

She adds it’s important to identify what gaps you have within your past experiences and then work within the MBA program to fill those gaps. Similarly, she thinks it’s never too early to start networking by connecting with students and alumni.