FAQs on MBA Networking
Q. What is Networking?
A. Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organised way, for a specific purpose. The purpose may be to make friends, to sell products and build business relationships, to find a job or to get information and share knowledge.
Q. What is the importance of Networking for MBA?
A. Networking is an important job-search tool for MBA students and graduates; surveys show that some 50% to 60% of MBA graduates have found a job by networking. Moreover, networking can be used to help MBA students in careers research and decision-making.
Q. When should I start Networking?
A. It is important to start networking early in the MBA course and sometimes even before that. Most b-schools provide a career network service designed to help current students gain an insight into careers through contacts with alumni.
Q. How do I approach contacts?
A. The first step to making a networking contact is usually by e-mail. It is important to use an effective subject line that includes a common point of reference to increase the chances that your e-mail will be opened. You can also follow the e-mail up with a telephone call.
Q. What is the best way to gain a deep understanding of the job?
A. Work shadowing is the best way to gain a deep understanding of the job, but only a minority of graduates are able to offer it.
Q. What are the recruiting events organized by b-schools?
A. B-schools usually organise or host a large number of recruiting events that include informational or social events like dinners, cocktail receptions, coffee chats, case competitions, case preparation sessions and corporate presentations.
Q. What is the key to success in networking?
A. The key to success is to be sincere and personal, to get to know people and find common interests.
Summary from www.bestinternationaleducation.com
