What to Do Now

When you arrive on campus, the job search process starts almost immediately. You’ll want to be well positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities in the fall. Here are some key steps to take now and throughout the summer.

Adapt your résumé to the Stern format

• Create your résumé using the Stern résumé template
• Leverage the Stern résumé guide for useful tips

Research your target industries/functions 
Gain a working knowledge of current market trends, so that you have productive conversations and stand out early in the process. In addition, identify your primary company targets for your summer internship and post-MBA position.

• Take advantage of free access to career/industry guides:
  • WetFeet
  • Vault (Register as a new user by entering a valid email address.)
• Read major business publications, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times & Bloomberg Businessweek

Assess your skills/strengths, values and areas for growth
It is helpful for you to begin analyzing your skill sets and values - including strengths and areas for improvement. Below are some optional tools to get you started:

• Skill Patterns Worksheet - Determine your "natural skill pattern," which consists of skills that you like to use and that motivate you
• Values Assessment Exercise - Identify roles and job experiences that satisfy your values
• Grounding Your Vision Exercise - Discover the steps necessary for accomplishing your short-term and long-term goals and vision

Mark your calendar for January on-campus recruiting
A significant number of summer internship on-campus interviews occur in January between the first and second semesters of the first year. If you will be pursuing a summer internship through traditional on-campus recruiting, your availability during this time will be critical. For the Class of 2013, on-campus interviews will begin on January 9, 2012.