Professional Development
This required course is offered in a series of one-credit modules spread throughout four semesters. This course includes a formal class in the first semester (MGT 5404), which will guide MBA students to develop a personal marketing plan, identify success-related behavior expected by recruiters, develop a “30-second commercial” for prospecting, research companies, and conduct direct marketing to target companies. Other topics covered include negotiating the role, salary and offer timeline, and evaluating alternative offers.
The remaining three credits consist of workshops, presentations, and alumni/company panels that relay key business topics that are vital, but not covered in other courses. Students will work on oral presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and business writing skills.
Barry O’Donnell, associate MBA director, brings 16 years of Human Resource Management experience to his role as the MBA Program’s academic and career advisor and prides himself on the one-on-one interaction he enjoys with students. Any current MBA student or alumnus will gladly attest to his assistance and success as he provides guidance and resources for students’ career searches. Mr. O’Donnell is the faculty instructor who will be teaching your Career Planning & Job Search Strategy course.
Student Quotes
“In order to get maximum utility from Barry's courses, you need to go in with an open mind. The credibility he has due to his past as an HR Executive is earned, as proven each week in his courses.” Andrew Benoit, MBA '13
“Barry's exploratory exercises allowed me to see all the opportunities that I could pursue for my career, not just a linear path.” Emily Jasper, MBA '12
“They helped me expand my horizons and consider other career choices (i.e. Octopus diagram) and I was particularly intrigued by his lecture on salary negotiation. Many of the topics I hadn't even thought of before he introduced them. He also instilled confidence in my abilities and taught me not to sell myself short.” Samantha Marcum, MBA '12
“Barry's class was fantastic! His assignments aid you in exploring all the different career opportunities in your field of interest and in developing your network. Being required to keep a blog about our job search activities was probably one of the best assignments because it helped you to stay on top of your job search even when things in the semester got busy.” Julie Sablik, MBA '12
“Barry's classes were great. I learned many pointers and tips from his classes, as well as from individual meetings with him outside of class time. He assisted in tweaking my resume, coached me on how to present what I can offer a potential employer, and gave numerous interview tips that I used through the course of my job search.” Cary Milliner, MBA '12