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I have been looking for work for over a year since graduating. I have been working in a part-role since, but every month, I dig deeper into my savings and have no alternative plan for when I run out(soon).
I recently received my MBA from NCSU and have a background in things such as Journalism, Marketing, Event Planning, Media Relations and Renewable Energy Marketing. Sending resumes out into the black hole of the internet no matter how qualified you are for a position has proven to be an enormous waste of time.
I prefer to work in a role promoting sustainability, however, the more time goes by the fewer my preferences seem to matter. I would welcome any role with potential for advancement. Salary requirements are virtually nonexistent(hate to admit that) because anything above $30k would be an improvement.
Does anyone know of any positions that I may be interested in?
You mention an interest in sustainability. Can you be more specific? I am aware of some industries in the area considering establishing positions in the area of sustainability. However, if you are interested in sustainability in the areas of the environment, or any area that may be technical or science based, it will help if you do have some technical or science background.
This is scary to hear that someone with an MBA coupled with the experience you listed cannot find a job with a salary that commensurates with your experience. While I dont have an MBA I do feel I can add my little two cents. If at all possible perhaps you should relocate. I did some research and according to this website Why Do People Relocate? it states ".....if the area job market in your field is limited, relocating to a new area may give your a more optimistic outlook." While Raleigh, NC may not be willing to pay you what your worth, I'm most sure someone in another State would be more than happy to give you a salary based on your degree and experience that you possess.
Just my two cents. Hope you can take my two cents and somehow make a dollar out of it (smile).
I have an MBA and I'm afraid that degree isn't worth as much as it used to be. I have no regrets about getting one, but it hasn't helped my job search.
While I don't necessarily disagree with your statement, I was just wondering why you think that.
Normally a degree is not worth as much as more and more people achieve it, but at the same time, there is normally a designation higher that becomes more valuable. A bachelors in political science gets you very little these days because there is a higher degree, a masters. A masters degree in political science is not as valuable while people can matriculate a PhD. With business I think it is different. There is not really a higher designation than an MBA. An MBA is a "general business" pinnacle. Sure you can get a PhD in economics, but for general business knowledge, an MBA is tops.
(Trying to convince myself as my MBA program starts in March. )
There are people who get jobs because they have MBA's but they typically went to ivy-league schools and did well in their classes.
For folks getting a generic MBA (ie not one from Harvard, etc.) I doubt having an MBA really means much if you don't have a solid resume of work experience (this thread is a great example of that).
Plus, it really pigeon holes you for jobs, my wife is going thru resumes now and everyone with an advanced degree who is applying is getting deleted. They are simply over qualified.
There are people who get jobs because they have MBA's but they typically went to ivy-league schools and did well in their classes.
For folks getting a generic MBA (ie not one from Harvard, etc.) I doubt having an MBA really means much if you don't have a solid resume of work experience (this thread is a great example of that).
Plus, it really pigeon holes you for jobs, my wife is going thru resumes now and everyone with an advanced degree who is applying is getting deleted. They are simply over qualified.
I guess I have a "generic" MBA then. This "generic" MBA allowed me to double my pre-B School salary upon graduation. In the 3.5 years since, my base salary has grown another 40%. I hypothesize such gains would have been very difficult without the MBA. OP please don't let the naysayers get you down. My classmates and I benefited in incredible ways both intellectually and financially from our program. You will find work.
I guess I have a "generic" MBA then. This "generic" MBA allowed me to double my pre-B School salary upon graduation. In the 3.5 years since, my base salary has grown another 40%. I hypothesize such gains would have been very difficult without the MBA. OP please don't let the naysayers get you down. My classmates and I benefited in incredible ways both intellectually and financially from our program. You will find work.
UNC BS & MBA
Read my post again. I never said it was worthless.
People getting an MBA right out of college with practically no work experience makes it not worth the paper it's written on.
What role have you been working in part-time? While a degree is necessary for the field you are most interested, experience is also required. You will have the most luck getting a job that matches your background experience. But that does not mean hope is not lost.
Indeed.com and Simplyhired.com allow you to set up agents that will notify you daily or weekly of jobs that might interest you. Monster, CareerBuilder, etc also let you set up agents.
As you have noticed, firing off your resume is a small piece of the puzzle. Read the requirements of each job you apply for and write a cover letter for each one addressing how you meet each of the qualifications. It will take time but you will stand out. Companies often have screeners that weed through the hundreds of resumes received each day, by doing this you just did their job for them and increase your odds of making it to the next step whatever that is.
Keep track of where you send your resume and follow up. Call several days later and make sure they got your information. Ask what the next steps are. If you are fortunate enough that a recruiter does come across a position that might interest you, you will need to be able to tell him/her exactly where you have applied.
Finally, make sure your resume is written well. Get someone else to proofread it. Make sure you clearly list each company you have worked for AND include the value you added to that company. Give specific examples of how you saved or earned each company money or improved their bottom line. You want your resume to show the value YOU add to a company - it is about what you can do for THEM not what they can do for you.
I'm sure you know most of this and I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but if you have been looking for over a year with no success then something is wrong. What I listed above are the most common errors candidates make during a job search, I hope it is helpful.
I have a recent MPA plus 25+ years of experience, and no - it's not worth much. I believe since the economy is so very bad, employers are leery of hiring those with higher degrees because they feel that they would have to pay a "corresponding" salary. Not me! I'd love a job paying just $40,000 - enough to pay my bills and start paying my student loans. Believe me, I'm ready, willing, able, LinkedIn, etc.
What is wrong is this is the worst job market in a couple of generations.
People not currently looking for work have no idea.
Yes, it is. As an Executive Recruiter I have a very good understanding of the market and what candidates are facing. That is why I made specific suggestions on how to make one stand apart from the pack. A year of experiencing the black hole is horribly frustrating.
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