ßÙßÇÂþ»­

School of Management Career Services developed a successful formula for students to use in order to graduate with a job. Two key components are 1). developing a true partnership with our office and 2). effort on behalf of the student.

We recommend that students visit with us each semester. Our senior career advisors have to know you to help you!

Here are some ways you can enhance your path to a career:

• Student organization involvement

  There are over 20 SOM-related student organizations! Involvement with a student organization is a great way to build your network of peers, faculty and professionals while learning about different majors and career options. You'll also have opportunities for professional development while also learning advanced technical skills and gaining leadership experience.

• Employer/campus engagement and networking

  Networking and establishing relationships with business professionals are some of the most effective job search methods. SOM provides numerous opportunities for its students to engage with potential employers from freshman to senior year. Students should engage with employers early and often to maximize the likelihood of a job offer(s) upon graduation!

  Opportunities include:

  • Career treks (New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, West Coast)
  • Executives in residence
  • Employer info sessions and round tables
  • Meet the firms night
  • Mentoring and networking events
  • Case competitions
  • Ignite
  • Job and Internship Fair
• Access to SOM Career Services Student Resource Drive

  School of Management students have exclusive Google Drive access to our Student Resource Drive. The drive includes many invaluable and up-to-date resources, including résumé templates, professional development guides, news regarding upcoming important events, jobs/internship postings and more!

  Reach out to somcs@binghamton.edu with questions about student resource drive access.

• Alumni distance mentoring program

  Mentor Match, ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s distance mentoring resource, connects alumni to students in order to help them prepare for a successful future, navigate their careers and, perhaps, explore new career paths.

  Open to all students and alumni from all class years, programs and schools, Mentor Match gives mentees exclusive access to a robust network of alumni mentors who are eager to share their wisdom and advice about professional life after graduation.

  Learn more about Mentor Match here.

• Informational interview
  An informational interview is an opportunity to gather information and get advice from an experienced person in a career or industry that interests you. You can learn valuable, candid, and up-to- date career information and learn about the culture of a company. It can also aid in your decision about a particular industry/career.
• Career toolbox
  It is essential to have a resume and cover letter that are visually appealing, easy to read and are able to clearly and concisely portray your skills, knowledge and experiences. SOM Career Services receives continuous feedback from employers about resume and cover letter best practices. With this feedback, we have created a standardized template that we require of all of our students, and all resumes and cover letters must be approved in hireBING.
• Gain relevant experience (Internship, volunteer, professional)
  The more relevant work experience you have, the more desirable you will be as a job candidate. Leaderships, internships (paid and unpaid), volunteer positions and professional jobs will all help you to gain both the soft skills and technical skills that employers seek. Strive to add these experiences to your resume, keeping in mind both quality and quantity.
• Develop a job search strategy
  The key to an effective job search plan is to consistently set goals, hold yourself accountable, be organized, and stay on track. Keep in mind that finding the right employer takes time. A job search takes an average of two to six months of organized and consistent effort. SOM Career Services is here to support you throughout this process.
• Interview preparation
  Proper preparation for an interview involves researching the industry, company, position and your interviewer(s). Employers will expect you to be familiar with who they are, what they do and general industry information. Do not be afraid to reach out to contacts within the company in addition to utilizing the Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, the Vault Guide and other online resources.
• Four-year action plan
  Don't wait! Start taking action for your career as early as your freshman year. Follow our checklists for both incoming freshmen and transfer students to make sure you're set up for success!
• Time/recruitment cycle

  First-year student â€“ Fall Semester: Meet with your mentor. Draft your resume. Create a LinkedIn Profile.

  Sophomore – Fall Semester: Meet with a Senior Career Advisor. Apply for Leaderships, and look for a summer internship within Business. Schedule a mock interview. 

  Sophomore – Spring Semester: Front Office Finance Recruitment begins

  Junior – Fall Semester: Internship recruitment for summer Internships.  Schedule a mock interview

  Junior– Spring Semester: Marketing recruitment

  Senior – Fall semester: Recruitment season and decisions typically made by Nov. 1 for accounting, finance, and business.

  Senior – Spring Semester: Full Time Marketing positions open – offers made on a rolling basis from March to May

  For a more detailed timeline, check out the student shared drive.

• 10 tips for a successful job search
  1. Stay optimistic. It can be difficult, stressful and take time.
  2. Have a plan. Outline a plan for your job search and stick to it in order to stay focused. Utilize the SOM Career Services office to develop your plan.
  3. Create and maintain your brand. Have a resume that presents well. Ensure that you have a professional online brand that markets you in the way you intend.
  4. Research companies that interest you. Take time to research companies that are not only doing well and are actively hiring, but that you are also interested in working for. You may target large and/or small, public and/or private, for-profit and/or not-for-profit.
  5. Gain experience. Leaderships, internships, volunteer work and part-time and seasonal positions all give your resume a boost.
  6. Keep an open mind. Explore job openings, industries and even locations that expand your search.
  7. Network, Network, Network! Networking is one of the most effective job search strategies. Strive to continuously build and maintain your network.
  8. Get online! Most jobs are posted online. Check the big job boards (such as Indeed), but also check job boards that are industry-specific.
  9. Never burn bridges. Whether it's a recruiter or a receptionist, always be respectful and courteous. You never know who is contributing to a decision or when you will encounter that person again.
  10. Express your appreciation. Always send a personalized thank you note for helping you after a job or internship fair, following an interview or to someone who connected you to the hiring manager of a job opening.