Finding a job after earning your MBA can be a challenge for anyone. For minority groups with a history of being underrepresented in professional employment, however, the challenge can appear massive. Thankfully, several organizations throughout the country are working to address the problem of lacking minority representation in business by providing resources and empowerment for these populations.
Among these organizations is Prospanica (formerly the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, or NSHMBA). According to Prospanica’s website, current trends reveal that Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority group, and yet have the highest school dropout rate and remain massively underrepresented in professional employment. As the Hispanic population in the United States continues to grow, Prospanica recognizes that success for Hispanic students today will mean success for the country tomorrow.
Prospanica’s Story
Originally named NSHMBA, Prospanica was founded in 1988 with a commitment to be the premier organization for Hispanic business talent. The organization hoped to increase opportunities for Hispanic talent by providing job placement services, sourcing leadership positions and encouraging professional development.
Prospanica continues to do the same work today, empowering Hispanic students and professionals with the tools they need to enter and thrive in the corporate world.
Becoming a Member of Prospanica
As a member of Prospanica, students and professionals will have access to a long list of benefits, including access to NektPro, a job search site affiliated with the organization, as well as professional development opportunities, discounted pricing for local and national events, and access to the organization’s online community.
Both students and professionals can join local chapters throughout the country, with the opportunity for students to start a University Chapter if their campus doesn’t already have one.
National Conference
Membership to Prospanica includes discounted pricing for a number of professional development and networking events throughout the country, including the annual Prospanica National Conference, which will occur this year in Houston, Texas. The three day event invites hundreds of professionals from around the country, providing networking opportunities, professional development, career management, recruitment and more, as part of the conference’s goal of “building a legacy of Hispanic leaders”. This year, director, actor and community activist Edward James Olmos will serve as keynote speaker for the event.
Case Competition
Among the multitude of opportunities already offered at the National Conference, Prospanica will also give graduate students the chance to participate in a PepsiCo sponsored case competition. Teams of graduate students from around the nation can participate in the competition, with finalists given the opportunity to present their case to an executive panel from PepsiCo.
Emerging Professionals Program
This program is intended to provide recent graduates and undergraduate students with the resources they need to enter a competitive workforce, and offer advice to those students who choose to go on and pursue an advanced degree. The three-day career development program is held each year at the Prospanica Conference & Career Expo, and helps connect students with universities and corporate partners to open the door for new internships, graduate degrees and new careers. Sessions will be provided throughout the conference on networking, graduate applications, and providing important cultural awareness for students as they look towards the future.
Tuition Benefits for Students
All students feel pressure when it comes to the cost of tuition, but some student-debt-anxiety can be lifted with Prospanica’s tuition benefits for members, which can offer benefits of up to $10,000 towards different universities and degrees. Recipients of the scholarship need only be members of Prospanica and admitted to one of the programs which offers tuition benefits to apply.