Reaching Out MBA Tips for First-Timers

Upon Arrival

We urge you to get immediately into the swing of things, attend the opening reception on Thursday night and begin to meet students from other schools and professionals who are at the conference. It is easy to remain in your "comfort zone" and chat only with the students from your program, but you will miss out on one of the greatest opportunities for networking if you don't break out soon. On Saturday afternoon we have arranged a special session with Kevin Walsh, a noted expert on networking and career development. Kevin will provide some practical tips on how to be most effective when networking with others...but don't wait until then...get into the water and at least get to know a few new folks the first night.

While the nightlife is great in New York City, don't overdo it. The daytime sessions are a key element of the conference. It is often in the workshops and panels when you will get more informal and valuable one-on-one time to get to know other participants and potential employers. Show up early to sessions and get to know a few of the people with whom you are seated. Never miss an opportunity to meet others. (One participant even tells the story of sharing a cab with a fellow conference attendee on Sunday night home from the airport. The two shared an interest in writing and have now shared several projects together...all from getting over the fear of introducing themselves to strangers.)