The career center at your business school is your go-to destination for all things related to career preparation—it’s an invaluable resource you should tap into from your very first day.
While most business schools offer MBA career services, not every school channels a significant investment into such services.
Arizona State University’s (ASU) W. P. Carey School of Business has invested a whopping $15 million in career management services.
We spoke to Triné Nelson, the director of career services at W. P. Carey Career Services Center, to find out what this funding means for students, along with top tips on how to use MBA career services to your advantage.
1. Create a strategic mindset with the help of MBA career services
Most of the time, carving out a great career and future for yourself isn’t something that happens accidentally. It requires thought, dedication, and careful planning.
While career services at business school can increase your chances of finding your dream job, you’re going to need to put in the work to maximize the benefits.
The W. P. Carey Career Services Center aims to help students build a strategic mindset, going beyond just helping them secure jobs, as explained by Triné (pictured).
“We believe in helping students develop into competitive candidates who stand out in the market and are confident in their capabilities,” she says.
One of the ways that W. P. Carey achieves this goal is through the Career Blueprint resource, which helps students develop a comprehensive set of tools and a communication plan to showcase their assets.
“We assist students in recognizing not only their work experience and academic achievements but also the characteristics and talents that set them apart from the competition,” she adds.
2. Inform your career coach about your goals
Every MBA student has different career aspirations and target sectors, so career support services need to be as tailored to the individual as possible.
When meeting with a career advisor, make sure to think carefully about your career goals and where you would like to be post-MBA. The more information you provide, the more tailored the advice can be.
“We partner with students as they assess their skills, dissect areas, and explore industries of interest, while assisting them with activities traditionally associated with career services, such as resume development, interview preparation, and offer assessment,” says Triné.
This bespoke approach ensures that students receive personalized advice during 1:1 coaching appointments.
“All content is tailored by market-informed staff to address where students are in their academic journeys,” she adds, highlighting that the business school’s investment in career services has transformed how coaches engage with students."
3. Stay informed about MBA industry trends
Business school is leveling the playing field, helping to educate a generation of bright and ambitious future business leaders—so how can you stand out among the crowd?
Being aware of industry and hiring trends is one way to get ahead in a competitive jobs market.
“A trend we’ve observed at ASU is the emphasis that companies place on having a robust internship pipeline and focusing on converting those successful internships into full-time offers,” says Triné.
She adds that, based on the W. P. Carey MBA class of 2023 data, there is a noticeable trend of employers using internships as a 10-week job interview to secure talent early in the recruitment process.
In fact, 47% of those eligible for internship conversion accepted offers for full-time employment.
This implies that securing an MBA internship is about more than just filling your summer vacation break or boosting your resume—it could be your ticket to a job at a renowned company.
“Students can use their coaching appointments to refine their career skills, partnering with their career coach to develop their job/internship search strategy,” she says.
4. Connect with your target MBA recruiters
If you’re considering business school, it’s likely that you have a few companies in mind that you’d love to work for. This is where business school career services can really help, as these services are often partnered with or have links to top companies.
It’s a ready-made career network that you should take full advantage of.
The W. P. Carey Career Services Center partners with more than 600 companies across all MBA industries, including Enterprise, Zoom, and the National Security Agency.
“Students can connect with these employers through company information sessions, MBA networking events, and other on-campus recruiting events,” says Triné
Successful ASU MBA grads land a variety of jobs in entrepreneurship and the nonprofit sector. Meanwhile, grads from the ASU MBA class of 2023 secured jobs at top companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and EY.
5. Improve your MBA networking skills
If you’ve ever heard the phrase 'It’s not what you know, it’s who you know' and presumed this was a total myth, you’d be incorrect.
Of course, a holistic and sharp understanding of the business landscape is extremely important, but when it comes to getting your foot in the door, connections can make all the difference.
That’s why W. P. Carey hosts career networking events and offers advice on how to be a great networker.
“It’s important to hone your narrative by understanding how to discuss your skills and interests compellingly, but just as importantly, to go in armed with a natural curiosity about others and [the company’s] work,” advises Triné.
Even if you’re not yet ready to apply for an MBA job, it’s never too early to start thinking about ways that you can use your MBA experience to get ahead in the business world.
W. P. Carey School of Business - Arizona State University
Sophia
Verified
2/11/2023
Blended
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Student
Verified
30/09/2023
On Campus
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Jessica
Verified
26/07/2023
Online
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Alan
Verified
18/06/2023
On Campus
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Student
Verified
20/05/2023
Blended
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Dan
Verified
17/12/2022
On Campus
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Dawud
Verified
5/12/2022
Blended
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
Student
Verified
27/11/2022
Blended
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
Student
Verified
26/11/2022
Blended
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Sophia
Verified
2/11/2023
Blended
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Student
Verified
30/09/2023
On Campus
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Jessica
Verified
26/07/2023
Online
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Alan
Verified
18/06/2023
On Campus
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Student
Verified
20/05/2023
Blended
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Dan
Verified
17/12/2022
On Campus
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Dawud
Verified
5/12/2022
Blended
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
Student
Verified
27/11/2022
Blended
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
Student
Verified
26/11/2022
Blended
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Student
Verified
6/05/2024
Online
Uncomplicated and lots of great classes
The application process and anything with admin was easy and made students' lives easy. There were many good classes to choose from as well. The professors were professionals in their subjects and led successful class discussions. The reading lists were also full of great choices.
Student
Verified
20/07/2024
On Campus
Flexible coursework
I liked about the way a student could choose from thesis, applied project, or a portfolio to complete a degree. And it’s in a prime location where semiconductor companies are situated. Also the university is diversified and cost of living is less.
Student
Verified
29/09/2024
Online
Flexible
ASU is great for working students. What I like most is the flexibility. Students can choose to take their courses during the mornings, afternoons, evenings, or online. I dislike most is the lack of good electives to choose from.
Student
Verified
8/10/2024
On Campus
amazing professors
As a student at Arizona State University, I've had the pleasure of learning from outstanding professors who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely care about their students' success. They make complex topics easier to understand through engaging and practical teaching methods. Professors are approachable, always available for support during office hours or via email, and their passion for their subjects makes learning enjoyable. Their dedication and commitment truly enhance the academic experience at ASU.
