MBA Summer Internship Search: Matt Hayes (Kelley School of Business)

Tell us your story: Why are you in business school? What did you do before this?
I came back to school in pursuit of an MBA after working at Raytheon Aircraft as a financial analyst for three years. Although I felt I was able to initiate a number of changes in my organization at a functional level, I wanted to be able to make an impact at a strategic level. I felt that an MBA would give me the tools that I deemed necessary to move into such a position.

What industry do you want to work in? Why?
I want to work in the consumer products industry for a company that I can relate to. After working in the aircraft industry, I came to the realization that I did not have the passion for aircraft that was necessary to move ahead. I vowed to myself when I left Raytheon that I would never work for another company that I couldn't relate to. I feel that I have many more psychological connections to consumer products, and that is why I am pursuing opportunities in this sector.

Do you have a dream job or dream company?
No, I wouldn't say that I have a dream job or even a dream company that I want to work for. I am currently interviewing with companies that I have a connection with and companies that hold the same values that I hold.

What's more important to you, the specific company you work for or the actual job?
Right now, I am pursuing opportunities with companies that I have an emotional tie to. I first made a list of everything that I was passionate about such as pets, food, and clothing, and I started making a shortlist from there of companies that may match up. After looking at some of these companies, I then narrowed my search further by focusing on companies that stressed certain things that I considered important like entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and creativity.

~ What stage of the search are you in? How are you conducting your search?
I am currently right in the middle of the process. I began my search by utilizing Kelley's Graduate Career Services and signing up for on-campus interviews. I am still waiting to hear back from a few companies, and I have several more interviews scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Are you participating in on-campus recruiting?
I am participating in on-campus recruiting, but as the job market tightens, I am also seeing the benefits of an independent job search.

Do you have contacts in the business? Have you been networking?
Although I did not necessarily have contacts before I came back to school, I have been networking at on-campus presentations. I have recently learned how important this is, as it seems in some cases, companies have a pretty good idea of who they want to hire before the actual interviews.

How are you researching specific companies?
After I come up with my list of companies that I am interested in, I look to company websites, and sites like Hoovers.com and Vault.com. I also try to find other students within Kelley who may have connections to these companies.

Do you find it difficult to balance your job search with homework?
At this time, it is very difficult to balance my job search with homework. I have had to miss several classes to do interviews and I have had to do company research rather than read material that would prepare me for class a number of times. Also, I find that it is very difficult to focus during class, as I tend to be consumed with finding a job.

How important is salary?
Although I wouldn't say that salary is unimportant, it certainly takes a backseat at this time. I am more concerned with finding the right fit within an organization.

Good luck Matt! Click here to check out his resume, and tune in later this semester to see how his search turns out.

Questions, comments, want to share your internship search story? Write to us at newsletters@staff.vault.com.