Here at the School of Management, your career development process starts before you even begin your first class. Use this online career checklist and calendar designed for MS in MIS students to get this process started.
Read and follow the schedule outlined in each section to prepare for the internship and job search process. Access the necessary online tools and resources in each section to accomplish the semester objectives outlined.
The Career Resource Center (CRC) serves as the primary resource for students and alumni of the School of Management in career exploration and job search. The CRC is a key link between the school and employers, offering many programs that bring these groups together, such as career events, alumni connections, internships, campus recruiting and career development workshops and seminars. Our mission is to create a caring environment that enables and motivates you to be successful in reaching your individual career goals.
The CRC's dedicated staff is committed to assisting you throughout your career development and job search process. Get to know our team by visiting the CRC staff page.
Some of our more competitive students who are conducting a national job search opt to attend a national career conference. Learn about these conferences here. The most common career fairs for our MIS students are:
If you plan to attend a national career fair, you may be able to have some of your travel expenses reimbursed by the school. Apply for the WOW Fund in the Jobs section of BizLink. Read the instructions carefully and do not miss the deadlines. Applications are reviewed on the 15th of each month.
TIP: Watch the Prepare for the National Conferences workshop. And watch BizLink for the latest workshops.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Many of the employers who attend national career fairs focus on domestic candidates at the fair. However, it may be an opportunity to connect with company representatives for future opportunities.
You will receive access to Bizlink, the CRC’s career management system in June, or soon after you commit to UB. Watch for an email sent to your UB email address.
Sign in to the BizLink career management system and create your profile, clarifying your job experience and job preferences.
After the summer résumé review session, and after you have made the recommended changes, upload your résumé to the BizLink system. All MS MIS résumés should be uploaded by the end of September.
Information about events and workshops are promoted through email during the semester. RSVP for events in BizLink.
After watching the Advanced Interviewing workshop series and viewing the CRC interviewing guide and tips, schedule a practice interview with your career advisor via BizLink to set a baseline interview. This will help you be prepared in case an employer calls you for an interview unexpectedly.
Bullseye, “powered by Handshake,” the career system of the university-wide Career Design Center. You have access to the resources in the main career office in Capen Hall as well as the management-specific career office in Alfiero Center.
Some companies are recruiting early; as early as the summer before you start the program and in early fall. These are usually national companies and some in very competitive industries like consulting or technology. While other companies (particularly larger national companies or those doing development/leadership program hiring) recruit students in early fall. So, it is important to monitor BizLink (and Bullseye) as well as company websites for internship and job opportunities. BizLink also lists Employer Information Sessions.
Review cover letter and job search correspondence resources. Any letter or email sent to a potential employer must be error-free, appropriately formatted and tailored to the company's needs and the desired employment opportunity. Watch the Writing a Cover Letter workshop.
Attend both the UB Management Career and Internship Expo and the UB STEAM Fair in early fall. Some of the attending companies will hold on-campus interviewing (virtual or in-person) immediately or shortly after the fair. (However, do not rely solely on on-campus interviewing for full-time positions.) Review the CRC's Job Fairs and Events page for more information, including the national career fairs. Potential financial assistance for conferences can be requested through the WOW Fund via BizLink | Jobs.
Join student organizations and local professional associations that relate to your functional area of interest.
Continue building your network and relationships. Review the CRC networking resources. Connect with alumni working in positions, companies or geographic areas of interest using LinkedIn. Use your personal professional contacts as well. Conduct informational interviews with as many contacts as possible. Sign up for Connect-a-Bull, an online space for alumni and students to connect.
Research and identify a list of companies to target for internship and/or full-time job opportunities. Use the following tools:
Keep an Excel file of these companies, contacts and activity. Keep text of the positions you apply to for when you get called for the interview.
Make the most of your winter break by networking and learning.
Revise your résumé to showcase your fall projects. Upload your new résumé and update your profile and preferences in both BizLink and Bullseye.
Tips on Formatting Your Résumé Using Word
Using the CRC template is important, but you may still want to watch this quick video to learn the MS Word hacks necessary to format your résumé professionally.
Conduct informational interviews with alumni working in positions, companies or geographic areas of interest using LinkedIn and your personal professional contacts. Sign up for Connect-a-Bull, an online space for alumni and students to connect.
Attend on-campus job fairs and networking events within the community, including any relevant event organized by UB Career Design Center. However, do not rely solely on on-campus interviewing for full-time positions.
Continue to research and identify a list of companies to target for full-time job opportunities. Go directly to company websites for information about how to submit your résumé. Conduct a targeted direct mail/email campaign to companies of interest. Also, network with fellow students, faculty and alumni, as well as friends and family. Understand when each company on your list recruits college grads for new positions.
Continue building your network and relationships. Review the CRC networking resources. Connect with alumni working in positions, companies or geographic areas of interest using LinkedIn. Use your personal professional contacts as well. Conduct informational interviews with as many contacts as possible. Continue to engage on Connect-a-Bull to find alumni who are interested in networking with a student.
Determine your market-value by researching salary statistics by degree, location, career and industry using a number of resources. Begin with the School of Management’s Employment and Salary Statistics; also, collect a few data points to determine your salary expectations and range.
Review information on Managing Job Offers and Compensation Negotiations.
Launch your Optional Practical Training (OPT) in a timely manner so that you are eligible to begin working full-time for your prospective employer.
Within two to three months of graduation, you should no longer be looking at the "college hiring" section of company websites. Focus on immediate openings for experienced candidates.
Complete the School of Management Job Offer and Employment Update Survey before you confer your degree.
As soon as you graduate, you are a member of the School of Management Alumni Association. We recommend updating your contact information and joining the LinkedIn group.
Update your LinkedIn profile to show your new employer and job title and keep in contact. The CRC often reaches out to alumni from the program to help advise current students about companies, industries, markets and hiring processes.
Those who have extended graduation until September may duplicate some of these efforts again in the summer months.
Frank L. Ciminelli Family
Career Resource Center
School of Management
University at Buffalo
308 Alfiero Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4010
Tel: 716-645-3232
Fax: 716-645-3231
mgt-crc@buffalo.edu
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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