When looking for a potential business school, many people will consider what the alumni network and engagement looks like. Now while some schools will tell you that their alumni system is great, the Wisconsin School of Business shows you.
Every week the halls buzz with the newest alumni visits and the various ways to engage with our badger alumni. Students will always have the opportunity to engage with the alumni through campus visits, mock interview opportunities, phone/skype calls and more!
Most recently, SHRM had the opportunity to connect with badger alumnus Vinod Aravindakshan. Vinod is a 2016 graduate of the SHRM program, and has work experience at Whirlpool, General Mills, and Cisco.
During our discussion, Vinod was able to give us insight into the experiences he had while an MBA student at UW, as well as some great tips for when we look for internships/jobs, make connections, and continue throughout our careers.
Make Lasting Connections
- Make it a point to talk to potential mentors. Ask about their work, their day to day tasks, and how they got to where they are now!
- Branch out and create a diverse network by attending campus networking events and national career fairs.
- Take initiative and reach out to badger alumni through the WSB Alumni Database.
- Once you’ve formed these connections, continue to foster them through various forms of interactions (email, LinkedIn, etc.).
Be Authentic
- While in the MBA program, take courses that genuinely interest you. If you want to learn about a specific topic or skill, this is your chance to do so!
- Understand what you are interested in and passionate about. If you are still unsure of where you want to go, utilize your internship as an opportunity to figure that out and/or talk to mentors from a variety of teams about their experiences.
- Develop your STAR stories because they are unique to you. Be confident in the experiences that you have had, and leverage them in applications and interviews.
Utilize Your Resources
- Reach out to alumni and current peers to learn about business trends.
- Be proactive and take the initiative to use the resources and opportunities that are provided to you – attend national career fairs, take a couple of hours each week to research companies, network with your peers and alumni, and initiate mock interviews.
Be Prepared
- While roles may not change year to year, companies are looking towards change management. Make sure you have a solid understanding in HR trends and how you as an individual manage a change management effort.
- Do your research about the company, its interests, and how it is changing.
- Come prepared with your STAR stories, experiences, and goals.
Ultimately, we are very lucky to have such an involved alumni network here at Wisconsin! Alumni are a staple part of our experience and have been integral to our success at all levels. Another thanks to Vinod for taking the time out of his schedule to speak with us and don’t forget: On Wisconsin!
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