As we near the end of our first Mini, I look around and see all my classmates gearing up for job interviews - polishing up resumes, practicing cases, and running through financial equations just on the off chance they get drilled during an interview (ok...more than likely). As I begin my career search I feel conflicted as to what direction I should take in terms of starting my own business or joining another firm to build up my network and expertise. The most exciting part of my job search is that no matter where I end up, I am confident that the preparation and experiences that I have had here at Tepper will guide me in the right direction and my career selection will be purely my choice. I am toying with several different career options involving sustainable business, health care, education, and asset management just to acquaint myself more with the Industries and to reach out to key players in those areas. Working daily in a collaborative environment while taking on different leadership roles whether in teams, clubs, or within the community has broadened my knowledge and perspective on human capital and interaction. The plethora of cultures and dynamic individuals at this school have exposed me to so many problems and exciting opportunities...as I choose my next job I am faced with the dilemma of choosing where I want to go for experience vs. where I hope to plant my roots.
One of the goals I have this year is to travel as much as possible for conferences, activities, career opportunities and cultural exposure. I am attending the Net Impact Conference focused on sustainable business and corporate social responsibility within corporations (both for and non-profit), I have job prospects in various locations (both large and small companies in addition to start-ups), there is an ethics case competition, "Race in Case" in Denver that I wouldn't miss since skiing is involved, and the Asian Business Association is planning a trip to China that is a fabulous opportunity for me to see more of the world and to learn more about international business. It is my opinion that the more you immerse yourself in activities and the larger network of people you reach across cultures and industries, the greater chance you have of discovering the career or starting the business that makes you tick. School has broadened my horizons and increased my knowledge in dealing with data, analysis, situations, and individuals so I have the confidence to broach any endeavor I find appealing. I have to end this one since I need to go on a run (it feels like summer eventhough it's October) and I've eaten all the candy corn sitting on my desk.
