Career Development Programme

The Otago MBA Career Development Programme prepares Otago MBA students to be ‘career ready professionals’ and helps them develop a set of career tools that will benefit them throughout their working life.

We offer a comprehensive programme of MBA career workshops covering:

The invisible resume

Students may have great photos of themselves on their own or their friend’s website – but is it something that could affect their future employment prospects?

This seminar covers the impact reputation, brand and attributes can have on employment and teaches students how to make the right impression, at the right time and to the right people.

Networking

Networking and getting known is one of the most productive and successful mechanisms for job seekers. The ability of an MBA candidate to network and pitch their talents on a regular basis is an important factor in determining job search success. These workshops cover some key areas of network building, case studies and etiquette to help students begin reaching out to their community, peers, and discover opportunities that are not always available to the public.  The Networking Social Function provides an immediate opportunity for practice and engagement with the local business community.

Positioning for success/Company research

Expert knowledge of a company is essential to help students focus interview efforts and sell themselves as an ideal fit to the employer. Student preparation also helps the interviewer by allowing them more time to assess qualifications and less time answering questions about the company.

CV preparation

Preparation helps students better understand the strengths they have to offer companies and how to best showcase them. This workshop provides tools and resources to assist with critical preparation efforts such as CVs/resumes, cover letters, business forms, and professional certifications.

Interviewing well

While work experience, personal connections and GPA are important in a career search, the most critical piece in landing an offer rests within interviewing ability. In this part of the programme students are provided with the skills to maximise interview success followed by a mock interview where efforts are assessed.  Feedback is provided on the written job application and interview presentation is critiqued.  A DVD of the interview is provided for further reflection.

Psychometric tests

A range of psychometric tools is available for students to undertake including OPQ and MBTI.  These tools increase self awareness and provide students with a profile of their relative preferences and behaviours when at work.

Career Services Facilitator

Exploring career direction and career change is facilitated by the MBA Business Networks Manager, Trish Franklin who co-ordinates the workshops and who is available by appointment throughout the programme to coach students wishing to change direction in their careers.   Trish also draws on a range of experienced career guidance professionals to further help students develop their career strategy and provide assistance with a wide range of enquiries. 

For students seeking employment contacts are provided with external recruiters and the international MBA alumni network and placement partners.

In addition to the workshops students are encouraged to discuss career direction and options with their Mentor and to explore opportunities arising out of the Mentor’s networks.