Top MBA Recruiters: Microsoft vs. Google

Microsoft and Google are two brands that are practically synonymous in tech. Google provides search and email services to billions, while Microsoft’s Office is a ubiquitous presence across college campuses and cubicles around the world.

Both companies have long been top destinations in tech but their reputation is rapidly growing within the business world as well. MBAs looking to enter tech may find their dream job at one of these companies.

Microsoft vs. Google: MBA Salaries

Both Microsoft and Google, unsurprisingly, compensate their employees handsomely. Given the numerous opportunities MBA graduates might have due to their past experience and interests, we will will examine only one position: Project Manager, a common entry-level position for many new MBAs.

According to Glassdoor, project managers at Microsoft earn an average annual salary of $96,520, which can rise sharply for MBAs. Average additional play, include cash bonuses, stock shares, and more, can increase the annual sum by a measure of $20,000.

At Google, project managers typically earn a bit more per year, with a current estimate around $107,000. With bonus and stock incentives, that can increase that figure by a measure of $40,000 or more per year.

Microsoft vs. Google: Company Culture

Google has one of the most infamous company cultures in the tech world. Aside from the well-known benefits of working at a Google campus, Google operates according to a philosophy; Ten things we know to be true. This document drives all of the work that the company does. It also influences who they choose to employ at their company.

In terms of office life, Google is extremely relaxed. Employees work hard, but they are given the space to do so in their own idiosyncratic ways. Employees are encouraged to be creative by working across departments to develop new products and come up with solutions.

In the past, Microsoft was a place known for its ruthless culture. Spearheaded by founder Bill Gates, Microsoft demanded a lot from its employees and cultivated a hostile workplace. Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, however, Microsoft encourages a growth mindset. This new attitude allows employees to learn from one another, as well as Microsoft customers.

Microsoft’s new approach to work has transformed the workplace as well. Rather than working employees like dogs, Microsoft now encourages its employees to maintain a work-life balance. In addition, the office has been opened, providing more spaces for collaboration and communication.

Microsoft has disconnected from its reputation as a rough employer, creating an inviting, fun culture of inclusivity and modernity / Photo via Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures

Microsoft vs. Google: Employee Numbers

Operating at the forefront of innovation, Google and Microsoft are two of the largest employers in the technology sector. Google employs over 98,000 employees, while Microsoft has almost 135,000 employees.

Many of Google’s employees are centered at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. The remainder are spread across more than 70 offices in 50 countries. Microsoft has 50,294 employees in its home region around the Puget Sound. The remaining employees are located in 646 office sites spread across 109 countries.

Microsoft vs. Google: Employee Satisfaction

Google and Microsoft offer generous benefits and make themselves accessible to address any employees concerns that may arise.

Both companies are ranked highly on lists of the best places to work. Google is eighth on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list for 2019, a list voted on by the employees at the companies themselves. Microsoft is ranked 34th on the Glassdoor list.

The business world has recognized the efforts of both companies to push innovation and creativity. Comparably.com surveyed employees and wrote a list of the companies with the brightest outlook—Google ranked 10th on this list and Microsoft ranked 12th.

Top MBA Recruiters: Atlassian

In 2002, Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar went into $10,000 of debt to release an issue and project tracker named Jira—a reference to Gojira, the Japanese name for Godzilla. Seventeen years later, Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar are owners and founders of Atlassian, an enterprise software company that employs over 3,000 people in six different countries and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.

As a major player in the enterprise software industry, MBAs with a keen interest in tech would do well to explore Atlassian. We reckon they will like what they see.

Why MBAs Love Working for Atlassian

Atlassian is widely considered to be one of the best companies to work for. It is, in fact, certified as a “Great Place to Work”. To start, employees are paid extremely competitive wages. According to Glassdoor, product managers—the positions that most MBAs occupy—are paid on average $136,000 annually. In addition to the salary, employees receive numerous benefits and perks.

The benefits start for employees before they have even claimed their desk. The company allows new hires to take a vacation to a destination of their choice before they start their position.

When Atlassian employees arrive at the office, they encounter many of the standard features that one sees at a tech company, such as pool tables, bean bags, and catered meals. However, there is no coffee. This, according to Head of Workplace Experience Brent Harman, is because they want to encourage the staff “to get some fresh air on a daily basis.”

“It’s not a money or productivity thing, it’s more about creating a reason for small groups of staff to get out of the office for the 15 minute breaks in the morning and afternoon.”

Atlassian covers many major costs for its employees. For example, health care is completely free. In addition, Atlassian provides $600 to cover its employee gym memberships. Along with these health benefits, employees have a budget with which to attend conferences and take continuing education courses. Employees can also take up to five days a year to work for a community service organization of their choice. In addition, there is unlimited vacation.

Life at Atlassian

Atlassian prides itself on maintaining a strong work-life balance and giving its employees flexibility. Some employees will work from the office, while others will stay home and work remotely. As one might suspect of a tech firm, the atmosphere in the office is extremely relaxed, with people in casual attire and working where they desire. Some might even take time away from their desk to partake in a yoga class or share a beer with their colleagues, with both the class and the keg provided by the company.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The 5 Top Paying Tech Companies for MBAs

Atlassian Career Opportunities

Although Atlassian gives off a breezy vibe, they do maintain a specific culture that is based around five core values:

• Open company, no bullshit
• Built with heart and balance
• Don’t screw the customer
• Play, as a team
• Be the change that you seek

To land a job with Atlassian, potential candidates must understand what these values mean and then show the Atlassian staff that they embody them. This ability will be as important—if not more so—than any technical skills.

In terms of programs, there is an associate product manager program that allows new graduates to learn the ropes over the course of one to two years. The general interview process consists of a written component, where applicants submit responses to questions posed by Atlassian. After approval, successful candidates are invited to interview at their a local office. This interview is usually in two parts and does not take longer than other interviews.

During the interview process, Atlassian assesses the candidate’s skills as well as their understanding of the company’s culture. As mentioned above, a cultural fit is as important as a skill fit, so any candidates considering applying must understand the Atlassian culture. Embodying these values will give candidates an advantage over others.

Top MBA Recruiters: Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank, the 15th-largest bank in the world, oversees $1.6 trillion in total assets, operates offices in 58 countries, and employs more than 91,000 employees. And, of course, that means a lot of Deutsche Bank career opportunities for MBA students and graduates.

Given its stellar reputation for international investment and strong position in the global financial market, Deutsche Bank has long been a desirable destination for MBA graduates. Although Deutsche Bank has not always been in the news for the most honorable reasons, right now is actually an excellent time for MBAs to join the company.

Continue reading…

Top MBA Recruiters: Merck

Global health care is one of the fastest growing sectors in 2019, with Deloitte expecting spending to reach $10.059 trillion by 2022. Thanks to aging and growing populations, you can expect a greater prevalence of chronic diseases, ultimately translating to exponential advances in innovative technologies, medicines, and care.

For MBA graduates, this translates into a huge potential for job opportunities in the health care sector. In particular, there are opportunities for:

• New innovative technologies and personalized programs to engage with consumers.
• Better data security and ownership.
• Increased health care delivery and mobility.

One of the companies at the leading edge of this sector is Merck. Continue reading…

Top MBA Recruiters: Samsung

With Vision 2020 goals that include $400 billion in revenue via VR technology, the implementation of 5G, and biotech, Samsung is one of the most desirable companies for MBAs who want to advance their careers at the intersection of business and tech. Along with a strong recruitment record from top programs for interns, a potential Samsung career also offers recent MBA grads competitive starting pay.

Samsung Career and Internship Opportunities

Samsung’s Global Strategy Group (GSG) is comprised of 25 affiliates across a wide range of industries. In a recent talk with Harvard Business School, Jake Junghyun Suh, Senior Manager at Samsung GSG notes that the company “recruits the best talent from top business schools and develops them into high-caliber global general managers … [As an intern or a strategist], one learns essential management skills by working across diverse geographies, industries and functions.”

The company recruits first year MBAs as interns and second year students as Global Strategists via its Leadership Development Program (LDP), which has been active since 2016. The program seeks to place students into positions furthering the company’s goals and enriching the management pipeline. Adhering to the principle of “a company is its people,” Suh says, recruits are not just brought in and left to their own devices. Instead, they become ambassadors for GSG, connecting with managers across affiliated companies. Interns and second year strategists continue to be engaged at all levels as they advance through the LDP.

Interns begin the LDP with a two month placement at Samsung’s Seoul headquarters, before advancing into marketing or strategy roles as internal consultants. If they choose to advance, strategists then transfer to one of GSG’s subsidiaries or one of fifteen regional headquarters.

Three main categories of rotations make up the LDP: Product Marketing (12 months); Strategy & Operations (six months); and Sales and Marketing (six months).

Product Marketing

In product marketing, students see development of products through development to launch, and end-of-life cycle transition. In this rotation, interns are exposed to both customers and various stakeholders from the Seoul headquarters.

Strategy & Operations

During the strategy & operations rotation, interns engage in strategic planning and a wide variety of functional areas, gaining the opportunity to provide support toward driving company goals.

Sales and Marketing

During the six months of the sales and marketing rotation, interns can expect to consolidate market information to shape consumer profiles while interacting with ad agencies and working on brand development projects.

While the three rotations provide students with a framework within which to develop, each recruit is encouraged to explore projects based upon their own interests and expertise. Initiative is key to Samsung career success.

Roshan Vaidyanathan, Michigan State University MBA said in a contribution to Samsung’s recruiting website, “This program provides countless opportunities for valuable industry exposure, rapid professional development, and accelerated networking … You are given the platform to define your career.”

Samsung MBA Salary Expectations

Samsung career salaries, according to recent figures from Glassdoor, range widely based upon education and experience level. While a field sales manager with a BA can expect to start at around $50,000 per year and a $12,000 bonus, senior managers with MBAs earn upwards of $125,000 with $30,000 in bonuses.

Recent openings include a Senior Strategy Management position within Samsung’s Accelerator, which supports the company’s startup efforts via innovative software and product development; a Product Marketing Manager job with Samsung’s TV division, and a Senior Manager for Integrated Marketing position. Each of these are located in Samsung’s Ridgefield Park, NJ headquarters.

MBAs willing to relocate may seek employment openings in the Seoul headquarters, or at one of the company’s locations in Silicon Valley, Seattle, Dallas, or New York City. The internship program also offers positions at each of these locations.

Some recent reviews by employees address Samsung’s company culture and benefit structure. Among these are that the company offers “an awesome environment [with] lots of freedom”… along with “exposure to new technologies and good benefits.”  Samsung offers paid parental leave, along with competitive 401K matching and healthcare coverage that includes fitness memberships and wellness education.

Along with a strong community engagement/volunteer program, one of the other benefits of working at Samsung is its diverse environment. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for women, veterans, new mothers, and LGBTQ people offer networking and connection that help to enhance the employee’s experience at Samsung.

Top MBA Recruiters: Bridgewater Associates

Of the manifold of competing hedge funds, one clearly stands out above the rest: Bridgewater Associates.

With over $150 billion in assets under management, the Westport, Connecticut, firm is highly-regarded for its ability to consistently make gains—even during the 2008 economic crisis. In 2018, the firm’s flagship Pure Alpha fund gained 14.6 percent.

Let’s take a closer look at why MBA graduates should consider a Bridgewater Associates career.

Why MBAs Love Working at Bridgewater

Given its position in the market, Bridgewater provides a generous starting salary. According to Glassdoor, Management Associates—a position which MBAs would start their careers—are paid an average of $120,199 per year.

As with most investment jobs, bonuses from a successful year can raise this total even higher. This base rate puts Bridgewater well ahead of many of its peers in terms of compensation.

In addition to the starting salary, many MBAs are drawn to Ray Dalio, Bridgewater’s idiosyncratic leader. Dalio runs Bridgewater according to a series of principles that he developed early in the firm’s life that all employees are expected to follow.

Life at Bridgewater

Bridgewater’s culture is rooted in two major policies: radical truth and radical transparency.

Unlike other hedge funds, there is a flat hierarchy at Bridgewater. No one person is above criticism, meaning that anyone can criticize anyone else if they have done something incorrect. Since the company thrives on openness, employees’ ideas are often challenged by others to ensure that they are the best possible ones. Every person at Bridgewater is held accountable; all communication and meetings are recorded and made available to anyone who cares to access them.

While some find this environment to be too intense, many thrive in it. The openness of the company has created a tight-knit community that supports and takes care of one another. In terms of perks, the company offers employees free breakfast, lunch, and dinner; on-site meditation rooms, gyms, and laundry facilities; and shuttle service for those commuting from New York City or north.

Bridgewater Associates Career Prospects

Given that Bridgewater is extremely tight-lipped to the public about many aspects of its business, it is unclear where they recruit people and how many people they pull from particular locations. It can be said that they do engage in on-campus recruiting. When interviewing a managerial candidate, Bridgewater looks for “intellectually curious people” who value “truth, openness, and the pursuit of excellence at all costs.”

Candidates undergo the Bridgewater interview process. Often described as weird, the process involves many different interviews and tests to assess a candidate’s skills, as well as his/her potential fit with the organization. This can be a grueling process that wears down less interested candidates.

As noted earlier, the most important aspect is whether a candidate fits into the Bridgewater culture. To this end, anyone who is considering applying to work at Bridgewater must read Dalio’s Principles. This will let potential applicants know if Bridgewater is for them and give them a leg up during the interview process.

MBA Recruiters: What Does General Mills Want From Business School Students?

You have probably eaten a General Mills product at some point. The maker of Cheerios, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Annie’s Homegrown, and Old El Paso products operates in more than 100 countries, producing and marketing more than 100 consumer brands. But it may surprise you knowing that an MBA can directly link you to a General Mills career. Continue reading…

Top MBA Recruiters: Kaiser Permanente

Finding a job post-MBA is at once exciting and challenging. There are thousands of new opportunities before you that you’ll have to choose between, and that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. What happens if you choose Career A over Career B? Which employer will offer an MBA graduate the best perks and potential? What industry offers the most job satisfaction?

While there’s no single right answer, there are a few employers that stand out for MBAs. These are companies that actively recruit MBAs and have programs in place to enhance the first job experience. One such top MBA recruiter is Kaiser Permanente.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a consortium of for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare entities based in Oakland, California. Founded in 1945, the company is made up of three distinct interdependent groups: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (KFHP), Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and Permanente Medical Groups. Currently, Kaiser operates in eight states and one district (Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and Washington DC) and is the largest managed healthcare organization in the U.S.

Fast facts about Kaiser:

• 11.7 million health plan members
• 208,975 employees
• 21,275 physicians and 54,072 nurses
• 39 medical centers
• 720 medical facilities
• $72.7 billion in revenue
• $3.8 billion in net income

What Is Kaiser Permanente Like for MBAs?

As the largest healthcare organization in the states, Kaiser Permanente has many unique opportunities available for MBA graduates. Not only does the company host internships each summer, but they also offer multiple early career opportunities lasting anywhere from six months to two years in a variety of areas from finance to marketing, sales, and administration.

The great part about choosing Kaiser Permanente as an MBA is that it means you don’t have to choose between a health insurance company and a hospital. Kaiser rolls together health plans, hospitals, and medical groups all in one, allowing MBAs to test their skills in a variety of settings. And hire they do, each year Kaiser hires hundreds of MBAs to fill positions throughout their organization.

As for working at Kaiser, 83 percent of employees say it’s a great place to work offering great challenges (86 percent), great atmosphere (89 percent), and great rewards (88 percent). Some of those rewards include unique benefits and perks such as KP WELL (KP Women Embracing Life and Leadership), which is a program to help women learn, connect, and develop their experience. Kaiser is also known for having a healthy workforce with multiple programs and tools for keeping their employees healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

It’s no wonder that Kaiser ranks 16th overall on the Great Places to Work list of the ‘Best Workplaces in Health Care and Biopharma in 2018,’ and ranked 43rd on the Great Places to Work list of the ‘Best Workplaces for Diversity in 2017.’

Among other benefits of working for Kaiser is a healthy salary. According to PayScale, MBAs can expect to earn around $108,000. However, salary varies based on experience and job with Executive MBAs earning $149,000, and MBAs with focuses in business administration earn $112,000.

Several of the most prominent business schools to offer a healthcare-focused MBA include:

• The Wharton School – Health Care Management MBA
• Columbia Business School – Health and Pharmaceutical Management MBA
• UCLA Anderson – Health Care Management MBA

The Kaiser Permanente Careers Search

MBAs should first consider a summer internship during on the Kaiser Permanente careers search. These internship programs are in a variety of locations, including California, Washington, and Oregon. In particular, MBAs should consider the Business Functions Internship, or Northwest Internship programs.

Both internships last 10 to 12 weeks (typically June through August) with recruiting from January to April. As interns, MBAs  work on real-world projects and initiatives, like developing and analyzing financial data, supporting technology initiatives, and conducting market research. Areas of interest for the corporate internships include:

• Finance
• National facilities services
• Human resources
• Internal audit services
• Marketing
• Sales
• Service and administration

Join Kaiser Permanente’s University Talent Network to learn more.

After completing an internship, MBAs can join Kaiser in one of its many early-career opportunities programs. There are multiple programs available including:

• Marketing & Sales Program: One year working on marketing and sales strategy while also undergoing professional development through job shadowing, exposure to leadership, and educational experiences.
• Finance Fellowship Program: This two-year fellowship consists of three rotation assignments and is designed for new graduate candidates interested in a finance career.
• California Administrative Fellowship Program: This 12-or-24-month fellowship consists of two or three rotations at medical centers around Northern or Southern California.

What Does Kaiser Look for in MBA Candidates?

When hiring MBAs for a full-time position or internship opportunity, Kaiser looks for individuals with technical, business, and leadership skills. In particular, candidates with strong leadership, agility, quantitative, and communication skills are highly sought after. For consideration, you need a strong interest in the healthcare industry.

To get started, search for Kaiser Permanente careers here.

Top MBA Recruiters – ESPN

When researching MBA programs, the inevitable questions will arise;  what will I do with my degree? What will potential employers recognize about my background aside from grades and standardized test scores? Will my extracurricular resume benefit me in the future? The pursuit of a sports management MBA may help to answer these questions. As sports transforms into a multi-billion dollar industry, b-school students are well-positioned to pursue these emerging careers. The George Washington University Business School, Degroote School of Business at McMaster University, and UCLA Anderson School of Management are several of many nationwide programs offering a sports management MBA. And there may be no bigger sports destination, than Bristol, CT landmark ESPN.

Continue reading…

Top MBA Recruiters: Fidelity Investments

When deciding to earn an MBA, you may have a lot of expectations. Whether you are more excited to build a professional network, gain industry-specific training, or develop leadership skills that can take your career to the next level, MBAs can certainly all agree on one thing they hope to get from their program: a job.

MBA graduates can feel more confident entering the job market knowing that top companies throughout the world are looking to recruit talent like them. To help find the perfect fit, MBAs might consider looking at employment reports from their school and other MBA programs around the world. This can help reveal some of the top companies in the country that are actively looking to recruit MBA talent to join the company.

One familiar company is Fidelity Investments, a multinational financial services with its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Fidelity consistently makes the list of companies hiring MBA grads from some of the best business schools in the country, such as MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Originally founded in 1946, Fidelity today is the fourth largest asset manager in the world, with $2.4 trillion in assets.

Knowing that, how can you find Fidelity jobs that are right for you?

What is a Fidelity Career Like for MBAs?

Fidelity’s slogan is ‘blaze your own trail’, which probably explains why ambitious MBAs fit in well at the company. The company offers a number of ways for MBA grads to do so, whether through internships or full-time development programs. Whether graduates are interested technology, finance, investment, or business strategy, there are a variety of Fidelity jobs open for MBAs and MBA graduates.

Fidelity not only encourages their employees to blaze their “own trail,” but aims to create the perfect environment in which to do so. MBAs might be pleased to know the company has been recognized among the “50 Happiest Companies” by Career Bliss in 2018, and in 2017 it was recognized by the National Business Group on Health as one of the “Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles,” and a “Best of the Best” by the National Business Inclusion Consortium.

Among the other benefits of working in a diverse and happy workplace like Fidelity, the average salary for employees with an MBA degree is $89,271, according to Payscale data. This can vary depending on the specific career path of each MBA, the highest being MBAs in Global Business Management, who make an average salary of $93,000 per year.

Several of the most prominent business schools in the country offer valuable Global Business Management MBA degree. Of which, include:

• The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University
• The Fox School of Business at Temple University
• The Foster School of Business at the University of Washington (EMBA)

Starting the Fidelity Jobs Search

Fidelity demonstrates a commitment to hiring MBAs through an active recruitment program. The program includes Coffee Chats and Campus Presentations at business schools throughout the country. These visits give current students the chance to meet those currently doing the work that MBAs would likely do at the company, including Research Analysts, Directors of Research, and Portfolio Managers.

MBAs starting at Fidelity typically have two main career paths they will follow. Some may develop into a Portfolio Manager. Others may become a Career Sector Analyst. First round interviews typically occur on-campus, but special arrangements are made for students not on Fidelity’s campus recruitment schedule.

At Fidelity International, the company’s international investment subsidiary, there are additional opportunities for current MBAs to join the company as summer interns. The Equity Research Analyst Summer Internship is an 8-12 week global internship with opportunities in the UK, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, India, and China.

What Does Fidelity Look For in MBA Candidates?

When hiring MBAs for internships and development programs, Fidelity may have different needs and requirements for applicants depending on the specific field and career they seek. Hard skills tailored to your field of interest are necessary, however. Fidelity also looks for candidates with important soft skills like initiative, ambition, the ability to think independently, and keep cool under pressure.

Interested students can begin searching for Fidelity jobs on the official company website. Applicants should keep in mind the different opportunities available for those currently in an MBA program, near completion, and post-graduation.

Top MBA Recruiters: AT&T

Finding employment after graduating from an MBA program can be a challenge for some. Thankfully, new MBAs are never alone in the process. From companies that actively recruit talent from business schools throughout the country, to MBA programs themselves helping to facilitate interviews and job referrals for their students, students should be sure to take advantage of resources available to them.

A look at 2017 employment data from a top MBA program like the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business reveals the overwhelming trend: a whopping 89.2 percent of students found employment through university-facilitated avenues, be it on-campus recruitment and interviews, networking events, or through a Booth-facilitated summer employer. The success of campus recruitment benefits everyone, not only because universities are willing to open their doors and advocate for their students, but because top companies go out of their way to recruit young talent and create opportunities for them.

One such company is American multinational telecommunications holding company, AT&T. Founded in 1983 as the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company—part of the Bell Telephone Company with roots in the late 19th century—today AT&T has more than 254,000 employees worldwide and $190 billion in revenue. With a commitment to MBA graduates through internships and early career development programs, AT&T makes the grade as a top recruiter and employment destination for MBAs.

What Is An AT&T Career Like for MBAs?

It should be no surprise that MBAs love working at AT&T when you know the kind of investment this company makes in the educational development of its employees. In 2016, AT&T spent $250 million on employee training and invested roughly 20 million hours into the process. With so many opportunities for ambitious team members to accelerate their careers through leadership and development programs, this is the perfect company for those looking to quickly rise into leadership roles.

AT&T has been awarded many times for its workplace culture, including being named on Fortune‘s ‘100 Best Companies to Work for in 2018‘ and 3rd overall on the Diversity Inc. list of the ‘Top 50 Companies for Diversity‘ in 2018.

Of course, it pays to have an AT&T career, even beyond a positive workplace culture. According to PayScale data, MBA graduates at AT&T earn an average annual salary over $95,000. This can range as high as $142,000 for those in operations management. Employees, including interns, are rewarded with competitive compensation and benefits, including paid holidays, time off, and discounts for AT&T products.

Getting Started

MBA students interested in starting an AT&T career should keep an eye out for the various recruitment events set up through their university, where they can apply on campus and may be selected to interview with college recruiting managers. Because of the company’s heavy investment in a diverse workforce, AT&T also has a strong presence at recruitment conferences like the Forté Foundation for female business leaders, Reaching Out MBA for LGBT candidates, and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA).

Many MBAs start their AT&T career through its many internship opportunities, which are found at locations throughout the country and typically last 10-12 weeks. AT&T offers these paid internships a huge variety of fields, such as data analytics, cybersecurity, entertainment group technology, software development, and leadership, among others.

In addition to internships, MBA graduates may apply for one of the many AT&T career development programs. These are full-time, paid rotational programs that may last anywhere from two to three years, providing hands-on experience, exposure and opportunity. Development programs at AT&T include:

• B2B Sales
• Cybersecurity Development
• Engineering and Operations Development
• Finance Leadership Development
• Leadership Development
• Software Development

What Does AT&T Look for in MBA Candidates?

When hiring for its MBA internships and development programs, AT&T looks for students with at least three years of professional experience with the ability to collaborate on complex issues and thrive in a leadership role. The company seeks candidates who are passionate about the role technology can play in people’s lives and its capacity to transform.

In addition to the internships and early career programs, AT&T also looks for more experienced MBA holders for higher-level executive and management positions. For these roles, the company seeks candidates with at least five to eight years in experience related to the role with the ability to work in a team, be a self-starter, and think critically.

Top MBA Recruiters: Fidelity Investments

With more than $2.4 trillion in assets under management, Fidelity Investments is the fourth largest asset manager in the world. A multinational financial services corporation, Fidelity operates a brokerage firm, manages mutual funds, and provides advice, retirement services, wealth management, securities execution, and life insurance. Continue reading…

Top MBA Recruiters: Guggenheim Partners

For graduating MBA students, the connections made through their university and business school program can be a crucial part of starting a career. At a top program like the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, for instance, 73.9 percent of the 2017 graduating class who accepted full-time offers had the opportunity facilitated by the school. Roughly 30.1 percent of these school-facilitated offers were the results of on-or off-campus interviews.

Not only can your university be instrumental in setting up long-lasting career opportunities, but the companies that seek and recruit MBA students also play an important role. Companies like Guggenheim Partners, based in New York and Chicago with office locations throughout the world, are actively looking for talented MBA students and graduates for opportunities that could be the start of brand new career. And the best part? They’ll come to you.

What is Guggenheim Partners?

Guggenheim partners is a global investment and advisory firm that believes in finding innovative solutions to deliver long-term results to their clients. The company, which is headquartered in New York City and Chicago, operates through three main businesses: investments, securities, and insurance services.

Guggenheim Partners is the culmination of years of the Guggenheim family business, dating back to the late 1800s. Today, the firm is operating with more than $305 billion in assets across a variety of managed accounts and funds. Over 2,400 professionals are currently staffed at the firm across six countries, and roughly 45 percent of the independently owned company is owned by employees themselves.

Why MBAs Love Guggenheim Partners?

One of the cornerstones of Guggenheim Partners today is their focus on finding innovative solutions to complex problems. In hiring, they seek creative people who can perform at high levels, take pride in their work and think creatively. In a word? An MBA.

Guggenheim Partners jobs might also be attractive to MBA graduates because they don’t expect a long resume of professional experience to join their team. According to Payscale, the largest percentage of employees (roughly 40 percent) have between one and four years of professional experience, still earning paychecks of up to $57,000 per year, on average. For MBAs with more experience, of course, it only gets better: the average pay for employees with five to nine years of work experience reveals salaries averaging $93,000 per year.

It also does appear that the company rewards those with advanced degrees. While there is no data on employees with MBAs directly, Payscale does note that those with the company’s highest salary average (around $110,000 per year) are those with Master of Science degrees.

Life at Guggenheim Partners

MBA graduates looking for full-time Guggenheim Partners jobs will likely begin as full-time analysts or associates at one of several recruitment groups around the country. Groups from both the Investments and Securities segment of the company recruit full-time Analysts, such as Sales & Trading (NY and Boston), Research (NY), Corporate Credit (NY), Operations (Chicago) and several others. Those interested in full-time Associate positions will be recruited through the Investment Banking division of Guggenheim Securities, based in New York.

On Ivy Exec, a website that gathers company and employment data, Guggenheim Partners jobs received fairly high marks across the board. A full 100 percent of surveyed employees said they would recommend the job to a friend, 80 percent said it was a great place to work, and 80 percent said they are proud to have the company on their resume.

Guggenheim Partners Jobs

Guggenheim Partners recruit students for full-time jobs in their final year of study, seeking motivated candidates with an impressive academic background and strong interpersonal skills. They also look for graduates with the potential to take on leadership roles while being able to work effectively on a team.

Students can interview on campus for full-time associate or analyst positions, apply directly for open entry level roles, or get their foot in the door even sooner by joining the company’s internship program. The program, which was created to provide students with “visibility and exposure into the day-to-day activities of key business units within Guggenheim Partners” goes above and beyond to create opportunities for advancement, including networking opportunities, speakers, performance evaluations and mentoring.

The Guggenheim Partners internship program is available at all office locations, though some locations offer special focuses for the internship in fields like Investment Banking, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Credit, and more.

For a list of current opportunities available at Guggenheim Partners, you can check out their career page here.

Top MBA Recruiters: The World of L.E.K. Consulting

L.E.K. Consulting is a leader in management consulting. Headquartered in London and Boston, the company is known for its services in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and operations. And with over 1,200 employees across 21 worldwide offices, it’s one of the most desirable companies for MBA graduates—trailing only Google—according to a 2017 national survey and ranking by TransparentCareer.

Founded in 1983 by three partners from Bain & Company, L.E.K Consulting offers MBA graduates the opportunity to work across all major industries including defense, aviation, life sciences, healthcare, energy, entertainment, transport, retail, consumer products, and finance. This wide breadth of expertise provides a unique opportunity to explore many different areas while working at a single company. It’s also one of the reasons L.E.K Consulting made it onto Forbes “2018 The Best Management Consulting Firms” list.

Other awards and recognition for L.E.K. Consulting include:

• Named “Strategic Consultants of the Year” at the 2015 Health Investor Awards
• Recognized by the 2016 Excellence in Social & Community Investment Awards
• Ranked #11 in Consulting Magazine’s 2016 Best Firms to Work For

MBA Recruiting at L.E.K Consulting

L.E.K Consulting looks for MBA job candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance and contributions. As a consultant, you can expect your role to involve:

• Regular collaboration with partners and managers
• Answering critical questions through analyses and structured approaches
• Managing your team’s day-to-day activities

In 2017, L.E.K. Consulting hired around 50 MBAs from U.S. business schools, looking for candidates with a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. However, gaining a position at L.E.K. Consulting can be an intimidating experience. They’re ranked as having one of the world’s most challenging interview processes—ranking 3.4 on a 5-point scale—according to Fortune Magazine.

Salary & Benefits of Working at L.E.K. Consulting

According to TransparentCareer, the average total compensation for an L.E.K. Consulting employee with an MBA degree is $252,500. That can be broken down into approximately:

• Base: $150,000
• Performance Bonus: $25,000
• Retirement & Profit Sharing: up to $30,000
• Signing Bonus: $25,000
• Relocation: up to $5,000

As for employee benefits, it’s a large, multi-national organization, so there are many advantages including life insurance/disability, 401(k), paid holidays, and vacation.

MBA Internship Program

One of the best ways for an MBA candidate to get an “in” at L.E.K. Consulting is through their Summer Associate program. This eight- to ten-week program is available for top-performing MBA candidates who want to experience real casework as part of a team.

Students will dedicate 100 percent of their time to a single engagement, which will result in guiding and managing the client to a solution. As a Summer Consultant, you can expect to complete a range of day-to-day activities, and you’ll be responsible for:

• Identifying critical issues
• Structuring analyses
• Managing Associates
• Communicating insights
• Participating in client communication

Summer Consultants have the support of all full-time Consultants at L.E.K. This means that you’ll have a chance to be mentored throughout the summer with guidance and coaching.

International SWAP Program

One unique opportunity that L.E.K. Consulting offers its employees is their SWAP Program. This program gives consultants a chance to SWAP their position with another associate anywhere in the world for a short period. For example, a Boston consultant might head to Paris while the Paris associate heads to Boston for six months. During the SWAP, you do not change your job. Instead, you change your work location for a unique international experience.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: What Are The 5 Highest Paying Consulting Firms in the World?

Working at L.E.K. Consulting

What’s it like to work at L.E.K. Consulting? According to Glassdoor reviews, it’s a “fast-paced, dynamic work environment.” However, it can also be demanding and “hard to maintain a work-life balance.” One thing that most employees agree on is that the work is challenging with great people to work with who are talented, smart, and fun.

According to one consultant who has been at the company for three years, “L.E.K. runs teams lean compared to other consulting firms, meaning all team members will have meaningful step-up opportunities and more responsibility/ownership relative to their peers at other firms, earlier in their careers. The work is generally interesting, and the learning curve is steep. This job will keep you learning and challenged.”

On the flip-side, “Work/life balance seems worse at L.E.K. relative to other firms, because of the lean structure. Most projects are under-staffed. In addition, there are no systems/processes in place to retain talent that is burned out.”

Top MBA Recruiters: Breaking Into Personal Care Empire L’Oreal

Considered by many as the world’s top beauty brand, L’Oreal is well known for its well-known fragrances, hair, nails, makeup, and skincare products, with a portfolio boasting legendary brands like Maybelline, Garnier, Redken, and Ralph Lauren. Headquartered in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France, the company has also become a surprisingly strong top MBA recruiter. Lets take a look at what business school students need to know about the personal care empire.

Continue reading…

Top MBA Recruiters: Starbucks

American coffee behemoth and casual status symbol Starbucks has become one of the most well-known companies in the world with over 27,000 stores and a massive headquarters located in Seattle, Washington. The company is known its quality service, customizable drinks, and pre-packaged items. As it continues to grow, so does the appeal for a Starbucks corporate career.

The company got its start in 1971 when the first store was opened in the Pacific Northwest. However, it wouldn’t be until 1987, when Howard Schultz took over and re-branded the company that they would open their first location outside of Seattle. By 1989, it had 46 stores and were roasting over two million pounds of coffee.

In 1992, Starbucks released its initial public offering (IPO) with a revenue of $73.5 million and a market value of $271 million. By the end of the year, the share price had risen over 100 times the earnings per share of the previous year. Now, the company earns more than $22.3 billion per year and employs over 238,000 people worldwide.

You can’t talk about Starbucks without talking about the location of its headquarters in Seattle. Located in the city’s SoDo neighborhood, Starbucks can be found in the largest multi-tenant building in the city with over 2,200,000 square feet of space. But while the building is impressive, it’s the city that really stands out.

Washington was ranked as “America’s Top State for Business in 2017,” by CNBC, and Seattle is the city to be in. According to Outside Magazine, Seattle is one “America’s Best Towns Ever,” and a PWC survey considers it one of the nation’s most innovative cities. There’s much to love about Seattle from its opportunities for adventure, laid-back culture, and strong economy, which grew 3.7 percent last year—almost 2.5 times the national average.

MBA Recruiting at Starbucks

Starbucks is a major MBA recruiter. It looks for MBA students who understand who Starbucks is as a company. As well, it recommends reading former CEO Howard Schultz’s book, Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul and following the company on social media including LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. The company wants to know why you want to be a part of it and how you fit in with the Starbucks Mission Statement.

Other required qualities include:

• Strong analytical and technical skills
• Ability to analyze business trends
• A strong team player who can collaborate cross-functionally
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Great communication skills orally and in writing
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines

You may also be required to have a deep understanding of financial planning, forecasting, and inventory management. You should also have a strong understanding of marketing fundamentals and be able to understand sales, return on investments, and profit and loss.

As for where Starbucks recruits, many MBA programs feed into the company including:

• The University of Washington Foster School of Business
• Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business
• The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
• Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business
• The University of Michigan Ross School of Business

Salary & Benefits of Starbucks Employment

According to PayScale, MBAs hired at Starbucks are paid well:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration – $128,500
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accounting – $65,111
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing – $109,823
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), General Business – $89,000
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Global Management – $77,419

As for benefits, Starbucks offers a tailored benefits package that’s called “Your Special Blend,” which includes Medical, Dental and Vision coverage as well as life insurance, disability, adoption assistance, paid vacation, a 401(k) Savings Plan, stock investment, one free pound of coffee per week, and more. There are also perks that include in-store merchandise discounts, matching gifts programs, etc.

Interning at Starbucks

Every year, Starbucks offers an exclusive ten-week internship program in Seattle that is designed to provide a robust and meaningful experience. MBA students who are chosen to participate can expect to participate in high-impact, business relevant projects that have well-defined goals and expectations. Interns also have access to mentorship and leadership opportunities. Graduate internship applications open from January to February each year for the summer program.

According to Peter Kazarian, a ’16 UW Foster MBA graduate who interned at Starbucks, the intern program is very deliberate and well laid out.

“With part MBAs and the rest technical and undergrad interns, there was a formal on-boarding program, weekly meetings with SVP/C-suite leadership, and great experiences like a Sounders game or fancy catered dinners at museums,” Kazarian explained in a blog. “My department was under the Channel Development arm of Starbucks, which included consumer packaged goods and anything else not in a Starbucks retail store, like grocery bottled fB2brappuccinos, licensed stores, and in my case, bulk B2B customers like airlines, hotel chains, restaurants, and campus cafes. As part of the Digital and Loyalty team, my main project involved e-commerce enhancements to our B2B team’s website, and forecasting new sales revenue and cost savings from these changes.”

As for what Kazarian enjoyed most about his experience, he enjoyed the free pound of coffee each week. He also loved getting to know his fellow MBAs who are now good friends of his. “I had a great experience … and I’ll be returning to Starbucks … as a Product Manager,” he said.

Top MBA Recruiters: IBM

Finding a job after graduating with your MBA isn’t typically the issue. There are hundreds of industries and companies that would be happy to hire a freshly minted MBA graduate. The trouble is choosing the right company and job for you. If IBM hasn’t been on your list of top tech companies, maybe it should be.

About IBM

Headquartered in Armonk, New York—north of NYC and bordering Connecticut—IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is a multinational technology company that operates in over 170 countries worldwide. It got its start in 1911, and since that time has manufactured leading-edge computer hardware, middleware, and software. The company also provides hosting and consulting services across the technology industry on topics ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology.

IBM is dedicated to a constant state of innovation, which is evidenced by its performance. In 2017, the company earned $79.1 billion in revenue and demonstrated that it’s still a cutting-edge technology company by expanding on many of its services including the IBM Cloud—who’s revenue accounted for 21 percent of total revenue. Other top products from the company include:

• z14: The world’s most powerful transaction system that encrypts data at scale, all the time.
• POWER9: POWER9 systems and software cut training times by 4x and boost AI accuracy.
• IBM Q Experience: The world’s first (and only) prototype 50-qubit system, which leads in quantum computing.

And IBM is always looking for new ways to be competitive. Last year, the company spent $5.6 billion on research and development. And in 2016, IBM filed 8,000 patents (the most of any company). It’s a company that is moving forward quickly, which can make it an exciting prospect for many MBA students. So, why should you work for IBM?

Why IBM?

Nicknamed Big Blue, the appeal of working for a company like IBM is fairly obvious. It’s one of the world’s largest employers with over 380,000 employees as of 2016, and those employees are top notch. Throughout the company’s history, employees have been awarded:

• Five Nobel Prizes
• Six Turing Awards
• Ten National Medals of Technology
• Five National Medals of Science

And some former IBM employees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson, SAP Co-Founder Hasso Plattner, and former Lenovo CEO Steve Ward.

In addition, if you choose to work for IBM, you have the opportunity to work almost anywhere in the world. The company has several main campuses across the globe including:

• Austin, Texas
• Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
• Rochester, Minnesota
• New York City, New York
• Silicon Valley, California
• Rome, Italy
• Winchester, UK
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• Tokyo, Japan

And that’s just to name a few of IBM’s premier locations. And no matter where you land a job, you’ll be called an “IBMer” and receive a myriad of benefits including group life insurance, survivor benefits, paid vacation, and more.

In 2017, IBM was also recognized by Mogul as one of the Top 100 Innovators in Diversity & Inclusion as well as one of the Top 100 Companies for Millennial Women. And in 2015, IBM was named to Working Mother’s 100 Best Companies list for the 30th consecutive year.

Landing a Job at IBM

So, how do you land a job at IBM as a new MBA graduate? There are a few options. The first is the IBM General Management Leadership Development Program (GMLDP), which is the premier leadership development program for top MBA graduates. If you’re accepted, you’re hired into IBM on an accelerated path to leadership with opportunities across many of IBM’s areas including cloud, Watson, digital, offering management, and consulting.

And speaking of consulting, MBA graduates also have the opportunity to work as consultants in IBM Global Business Services. Within this area, MBA consultants are given a chance to combine sophisticated analytics with market-leading global solutions to provide deep industry insight and expertise alongside an actionable plan.

At any given time, there are over 5,000 job openings available in every industry and area from project management to marketing. Some available jobs for MBA graduates include:

• Strategy Consultant
• Projects Manager
• Account Executive
• Offering Manager
• Associate Partner for Tech/Data Strategy
• Digital Business Consultant
• Business Analyst

Meet an Employee

According to Nish Parekh, who leads IBM’s client and partner programming teaching businesses how to use IBM’s Watson technology, she’s living her dream. With Watson, she gets to work on the leading edge of AI technology and touch a variety of industries, which is exciting in and of itself.

“They bring in a lot of people from different parts of IBM, as well as some folks from outside IBM. Seeing the mix and all these people work together is fun. I get to learn from them,” Parekh told Fast Company. “Also, one of the greatest things about my job is the ability to stay on top of the latest and greatest technology. AI is up and coming; it’s exciting to be a part of that moment.”

Top MBA Recruiters: Finding Your MBA Career at PwC Firm Strategy&

Navigating job applications and interviews after all the hard work of earning your MBA can be tiresome. After devoting a year or more of your time to gaining the skills of a top business professional, shouldn’t future companies be knocking down your door?

It might not be that easy, but there are certainly a number of companies currently seeking the best and the brightest up-and-coming business leaders, who acknowledge the kind of skills an MBA can contribute to their team. Among them is Strategy&, one of the top recruiters of MBA students at business schools throughout the world.

For MBA graduates looking for careers in the consulting industry, Strategy& could be the perfect opportunity to break into the field and develop critical skills in strategy and consulting. And as an MBA graduate with a wealth of knowledge within the industry, companies like Strategy& are probably also looking for you.

About Strategy&

Strategy& was established more than 100 years ago by Edwin G. Booz, eventually being known for most of its life as Booz & Company. In 2014, the firm was acquired by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), when it was renamed to Strategy&. The firm is headquartered in New York City, with more than 57 offices throughout the world. Today, the company features roughly 3,000 employees and more more than $1.3 billion in revenue.

Strategy& functions currently as the strategy consulting team for PwC, offering strategic solutions in an uneven business climate, helping companies to transform, invest in growth, and stay in tune with business trends even through rapidly changing times.

Why MBAs Love Strategy&

Strategy& is an active recruiter from business schools around the world, including top programs like Harvard Business School, NYU Stern, and INSEAD, among many others. The company is also supportive of staff who have not yet earned an MBA but hope to advance their business education. Strategy& even offers junior staff the chance to apply for full MBA sponsorship, and provides flexible work opportunities so students can pursue a degree while still maintaining their career.

The Strategy& consulting experience is shaped in a way that relies on mentorship, with a 1:6 ratio of partners to junior consultants. For MBA students—who have already demonstrated an interest in investing in their growth and education in the field—this type of setting means that class is always in session.

Life at Strategy&

New consultants at Strategy& can expect a clear and structured path laid out at the start of their career, with rapid career progression possible. New associates will advance towards roles as partners, typically spending two to three years at each level along the way.

While undergraduates would begin in associate roles, those with MBA degrees can jump right in at the senior associate level. Senior associates have the opportunity to develop their skills by working closely alongside clients to resolve complex issues and guide clients and their companies towards success. From there, MBAs could move upward into a manager role, then director, and finally partner.

The development of strong mentor relationships is seen as crucial at Strategy&. Mentors will provide a constant source of support for new associates, offering guidance as they move upwards through the company, choosing projects they are passionate about and forming strong professional networks. Mentors will also provide real-time feedback, helping pave the way for a successful career.

Landing a Job at Strategy&

Strategy& is an active recruiter of MBA programs throughout the country, where they may host events on campus and offer direct information to students on applying for positions at the company. Students from any program, even if the school does not actively recruit there, are able to apply directly for their internship and job openings through their website. Jobs are available at a number of the firm’s locations throughout the country and around the globe.

Summer internship opportunities are a great way for students to get their foot in the door at Strategy&, and may end up leading to full time employment. This was the case for Bryan, now a director at the company and based out of Chicago. Bryan interned for the company during the summer while earning his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He completed his MBA in 2011, joined Strategy& as a full-time colleague, and is now a key member of the Technology Strategy team.

“I had the opportunity to do an internship with the firm between my first and second year at business school, and I came away impressed with the caliber and character of the people at the firm,” Bryan said of his experience with Strategy&. “In only nine weeks, the camaraderie and professional bonds that I was able to develop with my teammates, fellow interns and leaders at the firm was special.”