International MBA

Do you want to work in the United States?

With career resources, special international student programs and on-campus recruitment at your fingertips, the time to prepare is now. Visit the Career Center to find out what you can do to get started in your US job search!

Learn how to market your experience on your resume. 
 
Graduate business students are encouraged to be proactive in their job search. Prospective employers often seek candidates with strong educational training and relevant work experience. If you are unable to find paid employment opportunities, there are other alternatives that can enhance your qualifications for permanent, long-term career opportunities. Below you will find examples of how to market your 'EXPERIENCE' on your resume. Remember, work experience can be paid or unpaid.

Unpaid Internships

An unpaid internship is paraprofessional experience and an opportunity for you to develop your skills just as a paid internship would. Employers actively seek candidates who have had career-related internship experience, because they are more likely to conclude that you have a willingness to learn, relevant job skills and a realistic view of the world of work.

Human Resources Intern, The Medical Center, Detroit, MI
January 2000 - May 2000

  • Worked with Employment Specialist in all hospital recruitment and hiring processes
  • Created an Access Database for incoming applications and resumes
  • Assisted in all group interviews, evaluations and team meetings

Financial Services Intern, Bank of America, Frankfurt, Germany
May 2000 - August 2000

  • Served as a liaison between the Vice President of Portfolio Management and potential investors
  • Identified client needs through careful analysis and made recommendations accordingly
  • Researched day-to-day market trends and advised clients on financial investment matters

Graduate Assistantships/On-Campus Employment

If you are motivated to find a job specifically related to your career goals, you may be able to find a compatible graduate assistantship or part-time position on campus. These positions provide you with practical work experience in addition to classroom learning and builds upon your existing skills. However, any part-time job, even one not directly related to your career goals, will allow you to demonstrate professionalism, reliability and commitment - all important qualities to any prospective employer.

Financial Aid Office Assistant, St. John's University Office of Financial Aid, Jamaica, NY
October 2000 - April 2001

  • Responsible for the processing of student employment paperwork and monthly payroll
  • Coordinated student worker schedule and off-campus agency billings
  • Supervised and trained new student hires

Resident Assistant, Miami University, Oxford, OH
August 2000 - present

  • Serve as a resource and advisor to over 40 residents as well as a liaison to administration
  • Develop and execute hall programs that involve extensive planning, coordination and marketing efforts
  • Work on a team of 12 to provide quality support to a diverse student body with personal, academic and social concerns

Volunteer Experiences

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain career-related experience. In some career fields, such as non-profit and journalism, the best way to gain practical work experience is to take advantage of volunteer opportunities. You may work anywhere from 5 to 30 hours per week, depending on the position and organization. Most importantly, you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. Prospective employers view such experience as an indication of your commitment to their career field and the community.

Tutor, AmericaReads, San Francisco, CA
May 1999 - December 1999

  • Tutored two fourth graders in reading comprehension and mathematics
  • Met with parents to discuss the status of student sessions
  • Supported students in their of social, cognitive and intellectual development

Social Service Volunteer, New York Department of Social Services, New York, NY
January 2001 - present

Advise unemployed mothers on office resources and potential job opportunities
Collect and organize data including current unemployment rates and job placements
Answer inquiries on job availability and requirements
 
Extracurricular Activities

The activities you engage in outside of your academic coursework will be more than mere fun. They are an excellent way to explore your career-related interests and develop many skills you will be able to transfer to any job. It is better to illustrate a commitment to one or two clubs versus simply involving yourself in five or six clubs. For those clubs in which you have a greater interest, consider running for an administrative position such as treasurer or president. Here, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your organization, communication and leadership skills.

Vice President, St. John's University Management Society, Jamaica, NY
September 2000 - present

  • Plan weekly member meetings and present current news
  • Edit and disseminate monthly newsletter to all society members and faculty advisors
  • Maintain database on current members and alumni

Captain and Team Player, New York University Soccer Team, New York, NY
August 1999 - present

  • Lead and represent over two dozen members as team's captain
  • Coordinated team trip to Rome, Italy for annual international soccer tournament
  • Promote team needs to administrators at monthly athletic department meetings

Academic Projects

Some courses have projects or fieldwork associated with them. If you would like to do more than be introduced to the subject through typical classroom lectures and assignments, ask your professor what options are available along this line. You may also want to think about doing an independent study or directed research with a professor of your choice. Another option would be to participate in a group project experience through a course.

Senior Thesis: "The Evolution of Social Justice: An Analysis of Nationalism, Terrorism and Peace in the Middle East"
May 2000

  • Interviewed over 70 Middle East refugees and extensively researched Middle Eastern History
  • Presented research findings to the University of Michigan's Middle Eastern Studies Department
  • Research Project: "Employee Privacy Issues," December 2001
  • Carried out long-term independent project with little supervision
  • Built rapport and maintained relationships with dozens of corporate employees