| Topic Name: |
MBA/JD having hard time |
| Message Name: |
Finding Work |
| Date Posted: |
04/12/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
graduated in December with my JD and MBA, and have been looking for work since with little luck.
I have several years experience while in school, but they are mostly of an entrepreneurial nature, and very little to do with law. I'm looking in both legal and business fields, though I'd like to do a little of both. My experience hasn't seemed to translate particularly well into the HR departments search criteria.
I'd like to stay in the Northwest, but I'm willing to relocate if absolutely necessary.
Any suggestions? I'm far past frustration and would appreciate any help. |
| Message: |
1) Use your network! You have two schools' worth of alumni to tap! Make a list of people with interesting jobs or who work at interesting firms and email or call them. It is hard to do at first but pays off.
2) I know the temptation to be vague about your job search is strong - after all you wouldn't want to block out opportunities. But by being so vague, you are hurting yourself by not networking effectively. Try to focus on what jobs you really want so that when you network with people, you can be specific about how they can help you.
3) Don't rely on your credentials. I have an MBA from a top school and an Ivy League undergraduate degree, and that and $1.25 get me a ride on the subway. From a traditional business point of view, unless you are looking at consulting, where credentials are a selling point, you're going to have to emphasize your job skills.
4) If you are having trouble with matching your experience to HR criteria, then you should think about what you've done in different terms. Try looking up some job descriptions for jobs that you would like to have and reading the language that they have there. Can you put your own experience in those terms? Bottom line: Make it easy and safe for someone to get you into an interview.
Hope this is helpful.
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