Every year hundreds and thousands of students in India enrol in MBA programs. However, according to a study conducted by ASSOCHAM, only 7% turn out to be employable. With strong market competition and dynamic industry trends, the employers are getting extremely picky with their hires. And, to stand out of the crowd and become their first choice, MBA students and professionals now need to stay ahead of the traditional career-building methods.
Here are a few constructive tips for MBA graduates to help them distinguish themselves:
Almost every candidate, as soon as they get their MBA degree, sets out on a hunt for a perfect job. And a perfect job, according to them, is mostly associated with an attractive salary package, trending role, and additional benefits. However, candidates fail to understand that the definition of a perfect job varies for different people. A perfect job opportunity is the one that allows you to play to your strengths and to put your skills to the best use. So, begin with finding out what you’re great at and hunt for a job that can leverage your strengths well.
And then, get creative with the process
Here are a few ideas to ensure that you get the job you’re aiming for:
Create a Video Resume
According to Vault Inc’s annual employer survey, 89% of employers would like to watch a video resume. Video resumes help employers assess candidates‘ professional demeanour before the interview and makes them preferred over other candidates. It is an excellent way to stand out and show employers who really are.
Build a positive image through Blogging
Don’t limit your skills to just your CV. Prove that you are passionate about everything you’ve said in your CV through the means of blogging. Create a blog where you can actively display your talent beyond your academic accomplishments since employers prefer well-rounded candidates.
2. Upgrade yourself
With the increasingly intensifying competition for MBA graduates in the market, a solid “plus” on the degree improves your career prospects. Employers expect their candidates, especially MBA professionals, to be open to new and dynamic opportunities. This is why your outlook towards learning new skills and staying on top of your game will be an asset to employers. Here are a few programs you can pursue:
Soft Skill Training
For the MBA students in HR, soft skills training courses have become very crucial since instilling the necessary soft skills in employees forms a significant part of their job. Companies often hire soft skills trainers for employees. Hence, with a soft skills training certification on top of your MBA degree, you can play multiple roles in an organisation which will give you an edge above other candidates.
Image Consulting
Image consulting courses offer you a great opportunity to start and market your business if you’re an MBA with a Marketing major. Being trained in Marketing will most definitely work in your favour when you want to start your own business.
Financial Risk Management
FRM concentrates on risk management and is perfect for MBA students in Finance. It equips you with the ability to foresee risks and complexities, and this makes you eligible for an array of rewarding opportunities in any organisation.
3. Undertake Pro Bono Work and Build Relationships
Offering your services for free before you start a full-time job is not only great for your portfolio but is also very fulfilling. It fills you with the confidence to undertake a variety of work and excel at it. Also, networking helps you land a job faster and gain different perspectives critical to success.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:
- Offer free workshops and seminars based on the skills you’ve learned during your MBA program.
- Work in the finance department of an NGO if you have an MBA degree in finance.
- If you have an MBA degree in HR, work with people in a small organisation or an NGO to gauge and improve their skills.
- Connect with other professionals on LinkedIn and build relationships that would be of value to your professional growth throughout your career.
Above mentioned tips will not only help you land a great job but will also help you look beyond your paycheck and establish long-term goals. So, identify your strengths, work on them consistently, put them on display, and the perfect opportunity will definitely come your way. All the best!
Author Bio:
Suman Agarwal
An award-winning Image Management Professional, Suman Agarwal has helped students, home-makers, women on sabbatical as well as people seeking second career alternatives to explore Image Management and Soft Skill Training as a vibrant professional choice. She frequently writes blog posts about the urgent need of image consulting professionals and soft skill trainers in the 21st century and loves guiding people in exploring lucrative career options. Write to her at sumanagarwal@imageconsultinginstitute.com to seek advanced career guidance.
LinkedIN: https://in.linkedin.com/in/sragarwal