[2Y MBA] October Updates from the CDO

Published on October 10, 2023

Upcoming in October & November

Keep an eye out for these upcoming events:

October & November Commonly Used Resources

October & November FAQ’s

  • Recruiting at the MBA-level (and beyond) in the US is a highly network-driven process. Relationships with people outside of recruiters and hiring managers matter. This means:
    • Having advocates who know you well enough to vouch for your interest, skills, and likeability either within their own organization or to another close contact who’s hiring.
    • Having long-term contacts who will think of you when a job opens in their organization or friend’s organization.
  • So, how can you structure your networking? Check out information on Expanding Your Network on the CDO website and/or make a coaching appointment in CMS to learn more.

  • When we get this question, the first thing we ask back is: How long ago did you reach out? In this busy world, it can often taken days to hear back, even if your contact is genuinely interested in connecting. If it’s been less than a week, the general recommendation is to wait to follow up unless there is a strict timeline. After that, follow up once, and then, if you still don’t hear back, let it go and see if you can connect with someone else.
  • The second question to ask is: Do you have the right contact and did you send the right information? Double check with a reliable source to make sure that you’re reaching out to the right person for the right request. If you write an email about connecting with an alum to learn more about working as a product manager to a product marketing manager, they may feel that you’ve reached out by mistake.
  • Still not sure? Drop by Open Hours with quick questions or make an appointment with a coach in CMS.

  • Start by asking your self what success means. Getting an interview? Receiving an offer? Making a connection that may pay off in 6 months? Sometimes we’re doing everything right and timing is more of the issue. We never know when the connections and conversations we have now will pay off. Be patient and keep focus.
  • As predictable as it may sound, if you’re feeling lost or frustrated, this is a good time to take a breather, make a coaching appointment and refresh your search. If what you’re doing right now isn’t working for you, it’s not too late to change your approach, and it’s not too soon to start thinking about alternatives.
  • 2Y MBAs or recent graduates with a similar background and/or similar pursuits can also be great resources at this point. They’ve just been where you are and know what it’s like!
  • Focus! Choose 5-7 organizations to focus in on for both networking and job postings for the next month. The time spent there may be more beneficial than trying to focus on everything all at once.

  • Your pace may not be as intense as your peers who are recruiting, but now is the time to make sure you’ve done the research and have the networks you’ll need for future success. Having accepted an offer is only one piece of ensuring that you’ll achieve your goals.
  • We recommend that you
    • Build out your network, both in the company you’ll be working for and industry more broadly.
    • Build out your network here at Yale to make connections that will last into future career steps.
    • Research your industry, role, and specific company, so that you can show your value.
    • Build skills to prepare for the role, so you can hit the ground running with your peers.
    • Think strategically about what you want to gain from this role and how it relates to long-term goals.
By Audrey Hupp
Audrey Hupp Associate Director of Operations and Program Manager, Career Education & Coaching
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