California Miramar University

Congratulations on your graduation from an MBA program! You should be very proud of yourself.Not to spoil the fun, but now is the time to find a job. But as you start looking for one, here are some helpful tips that will definitely benefit you in the long run.

Create a Well-Organized Resume

A resume is a definite need for those searching for employment. Otherwise known as a curriculum vitae, a resume contains your educational background, personal information, projects and organizations attended, seminars conducted, and a reference guide when necessary.

Company Reputation

A famous or globally recognized corporation may give you a better chance of landing that dream job you’ve always kept in the back of your mind. Some of the criteria involving such companies include:

• Credibility
• Relationship between Fellow Employees
• Comfortable Work Environment
• High Salaries
• Incentives and other Perks
• Demeanor of Management

If you belonged to any of the online MBA programs, you are probably already rising high in your current job and have the opportunity to either continue to climb that ladder or move on to a different company and new opportunity. Remember: at the end of the day it’s your life, so do what makes you the happiest.

Your Career Path

Selecting and concentrating on a particular career path may help you land your dream job and maintain focus. Sections derived from online MBA programs include finance, marketing, health care management, global business, business administration and technology management, and help you choose and properly prepare for the career you wish to pursue.

Consult Friends and Family

Higher batch friends and your parents are an important source of wisdom and experience for you to land a dream job, so go heed their advice and use them to your advantage.

Location

Logistical problems may hinder your prospects of searching for the dream job. A company not only has a head office but also has branch offices. Look for one that is closest to your home and practice going to and from the office in order to get used to it. Also don’t be afraid to branch out a little. Now is one of the best times of your life to try something new, live in that place that you’ve always dreamed of; so why not do it?

Competition

You are not the only one competing for one job. You and others graduating from online MBA programs are essentially doing the same thing. So try to be a little aggressive and confident in order to have a best chance of landing it.

Be Positive

Finally, be positive. It will help you land a job when you flash your positive smile and answer questions consistently and spontaneously. Even if you did not land the job, stay confident because the right opportunity will come around eventually.

While we are known for our online MBA programs and our Doctor of Business Administration and Masters in Leadership courses, our Hybrid MBA program is also what sets us apart from other universities. A Hybrid MBA contains both on-campus and online components for completing your MBA degree, providing a well-rounded graduate school experience that fosters both in-class instruction and discussion and an online component to keep other responsibilities you have and hone your time management skills.

Have you heard of a Hybrid MBA? What are your thoughts on the mixed in-class and online components for MBA instruction?

Transcript of the Video

[Question 1: Why choose CMU?]
[First Speaker:] We’re all out there to get ahead, and CMU was the right opportunity at the right time for me.

[Second Speaker:] The opportunity was right. It was also a course that I got to participate in and it wasn’t just online.

[Question 2: What do you think of the faculty?]
Faculty here is awesome. They are knowledgeable, they know their subject and they know how to teach. Absolutely helpful, couldn’t have been better. Really sent a message to me that this was a school serious about teaching us business in the real world and have all the time for me as a student.

[Question 3: How would you grade CMU as a university?]
[First Speaker:] Definitely an A, A+.
[Second Speaker:] B+.
[Third Speaker:] I’d give them an A.
[Fourth Speaker:] I’d give them an A; they meet my needs as a university offering courses that I am interested in at times that are convenient for me.
[First Speaker:] I just think that the personalized education is really amazing.
[Third Speaker:] This is so much more and they’re getting out of me than I expected.
Video Transcription by GMR Transcription

1. Ask Appropriate Questions

By being engaged in the interview process, you will show your employer that you are interested in the position and the company. Ask many questions about the company’s history, where it currently stands in terms of growth and ethos, and what its ultimately goal is for the future. You want to show the interviewer that you want to look at the company holistically and really get on bored to help it expand in the future.


2. Research the Job Position

You should know as much about the company and the job before you enter the interview. This will help you understand its role in the company and the overall importance of the job. It will also show your interviewer that you took the time to research and therefore care about the position.


3. Prepare Copies of Your Resume

You may wind up in a group interview, and although it would be ideal for them to have copies prepared in advance, it is a good idea to bring some of your own just in case. This will show that you are organized. If you have an online MBA, be prepared to explain the elements of your degree program and how it has ultimately helped you stay organized and maintain focus in all facets of your life.


4. Turn Off Your Phone

Nothing ruins an interview faster than an unwanted phone call. Turn off your phone completely before entering an interview. Don’t just put it on vibrate.


5. Dress for the Job

Understand the level of the position for which you are applying and dress one level above the level of formality of your position. This will demonstrate to the employer that you are professional, but won’t leave you over-dressed.


6. Arrive Early

Never be late to an interview. If possible, be ten minutes early to allow yourself time to visit the restroom or to read over your questions beforehand. Also use this time to sit in the waiting room, relax and compose yourself.



7. Bring Reference Information

Before you go to an interview, be sure to have reference information available. If you completed one of the online MBA programs, contact your advisers/professors in advance for a letter of reference and other information to bring with you.


8. Know Your Skills and Accomplishments

Of course, you wouldn’t have gotten an interview if the employer did not feel that you were talented in your field. However, you should be able to articulate your skills and accomplishments in an interview and show how they related to the job for which you are interviewing.


9. Know Where You Need to Improve

In addition to strengths, employers also want to know about your weaknesses. Try to show how your weaknesses can be used as strengths rather than as hindrances and show how you are eager to improve in these areas. Admitting these makes you human which people love, but not building on them and showing improvements/painting them in a positive light could ultimately hurt you.


10. Follow-Up with the Interviewer

Send a handwritten thank you note to your interviewer after you have met with them. This will not only show that you appreciate the time they took to meet with you, but it will also keep you in their thoughts and give you a better chance at getting the job.

Okay so I know the title might be misleading because, well, Spring is always in the air in beautiful San Diego. But there are some activities that either only pop up this time of year or are just more fun to do when the “Winter” goes into hibernation. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing and ensure you can never say, “But there’s nothing to do!” on the weekend. And for those in one of our online MBA programs, you can beat weekend traffic by doing some of these on a weekday.

Free Botanical Tours at Balboa Park

There are free 1-hour tours at Balboa Park starting bright and early at 10 AM (San Diego time). Visit the Park’s vibrant botanical gardens, including its award-winning Alcazar Garden, a floral garden that is a replica of the famed gardens in the Spanish Alcazar Castle, and rose garden with nearly 2500 roses in hundreds of different varieties.

The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Located right by Balboa Park, hop on down to the lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival and celebrate Irish culture how it should be celebrated: with good people, live music, overwhelming beer gardens and delicious fare. How can anyone turn down a St. Patty’s Day FEASTival?

The 29th Annual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo

One of the best Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country (trust me, it’s amazing), enjoy traditional Mexican dancers swaying to the grooves laid down by very talented musical artists. And when you need to take a break from showing off your dance skills, check out some very well-done historical reenactments and stuff down some of the best Mexican food San Diego has to offer. Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is held in the Old Town State Historic Park from May 4th through May 6th (Fiesta Seis y Siete de Mayo actually…).

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

For all of the music lovers out there, you all know how special Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay can be. (One of the first concerts I ever went to was a Beach Boys show here; I still remember jammin’ out to ‘Surfin’ USA’ to this day.) There are myriad different artists that are set to take the stage this year on Shelter Island, so you know that there will be at least a few shows you will want to check out. And even if you don’t know the artists, who cares? What can top an evening of great music and good company under the calming, setting San Diego sun?

These are just a few San Diego springtime activities, but they are definitely highlights that will not disappoint. They are ideal for all ages, and especially as a study break for our wonderful students in our Associate Bachelors, Doctorate and on-campus, hybrid and online MBA courses. Happy Spring everyone, let’s make some memories!

An MBA is not just a goal or degree; it’s a means to an end. Achievable in myriad forms, including on-campus, hybrid, online and Masters Leadership degrees, they can help you get a job, advance you into higher positions and essentially make you more money.

Don’t take it for granted. You have spent a lot of time studying and learning about various industries and jobs and have gained new skillsets that will improve invaluable to your career. Now it’s time to choose the right career – one for which you have a passion and will excel.

Look for companies that have sustainable business concepts. For example, in 2012 there’s a push for more green products. Therefore look for jobs with companies that are passionate and aggressive about protecting and saving the environment. Examples include companies that sell solar panels, specialize in hydroelectric power and those seeking renewed energy sources, such as the ones using food or natural resources instead of oil or gas for energy.

Assess and use your key skills. You should have an idea of what you want to do your with online MBA. However, take time to fully assess your skills. You may uncover some innate skillsets that you never knew you had. Knowing all your skills and (specific) abilities will better help you prepare for your new job. ( Quintcareers.com lists some of these skills tests online.)

It is not always the most qualified people who get the job, even with an on-site or online MBA. Employers look for job candidates that can make an immediate impact. Show the hiring manager you are the right person for the job. Assume the role of the consultant and explain how you can help their company. Read articles about both the company industry (and location when relevant, mainly for small businesses) and understand some of their key challenges. Explain specifically what you can do to solve these issues.

Use networking to land your next job. Join professional associations and attend seminars and luncheons with people in your field. Contact mentors or people you know from college, or past business associates if you have business experience.

Alright it’s time for the BIG question of 2012… Are you on Twitter?? Forget business projections. Forget economic trends. Forget the presidential election. Twitter is gaining a stronghold in all aspects of our daily lives, pervasive in areas we don’t even realize. Okay maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but I am trying to stress a point. For businesses and self-branding alike, Twitter is an easy and fun way to spread knowledge and information to your Followers (yeah kind of weird, I know) and really create an online community.

In today’s search engine driven world (what are the Yellow Pages again??), search engine optimization has become an integral part to businesses of all shapes and sizes. Tweeting is fast and easy, something that everyone loves because it means quick consumption and not a lot of time investment. And with so many distractions and random information floating around the Internet, 140 characters is exactly what has made Twitter such a social powerhouse. There are currently over 250 million Tweets every day, up from 100 million at the beginning of 2011. If that isn’t enough proof of Twitter’s growing command of the social networking scene, I don’t know what is.

One of my favorite things on Twitter are #hashtags. Not going to lie… at first I was not a fan AT ALL. But for categorizing information it’s absolutely brilliant; a simple way to spread your information to even more people and inspire more people to Follow you (yeah, still kind of weird). For online MBA students, looking up #hashtags relevant to course subjects and points of interest lead to a lot of new and exciting educational information. It’s also great for having live conversations. Yesterday during President Obama’s State of the Union address, White House officials answered questions live for people using the #SOTU and #WHChat hashtags. What a great way to interact and engage with your target market.

Hashtags are also great for that “thinly veiled” sarcasm we all eat up. A recent Tweet I made on my personal account was “KFC > gym > McDonalds #logic”. Small but it’s so fun to #hashtag your inner monologues and creatively intertwine them into your Tweets. And it’s also a great way to gain respect and make brands human.

From sharing links and interesting news stories to #hashtagging and sending off quick thoughts, Twitter has grown into THE social network for 2012. So even if you’re against it and think it’s a little ridiculous, rethink it. I used to think like that but I’ve definitely come around and now even speak in #hashtags. (Trust me, my friends are not happy about it.)

Let’s face it; the economy is still in a pretty bad state. The Occupy Wall Street movement has gone global, unemployment rates are still high, investments are down and people are more or less unhappy with the financial system. That said though, there is hope for those with MBA degrees.

Despite the tough financial times, MBA graduates are still highly sought after by all types of businesses. A growing number of graduates today are going a new direction and opting for an online MBA. Not only are they more affordable than going to a traditional business school, but they also put the educational experience in the students’ hands.

You can essentially make your own schedule, choosing to study when you want and really learn at your own pace. This holds many advantages, one being that we all excel in different areas and thus are more effective when we can go at our own pace.

Another advantage, and this is a big one, is work experience. If you are in one of the accredited online MBA programs in the education sphere you can have a job during the day and study for a little when you get home. This is great for résumés because employers want to see that you have work experience and that you have consistency in the positions that you’ve held. It also allows you to earn an income to support your family and yourself and pay off your school expenses, rather than taking out loans to pay for expensive grad school.

Online MBA degrees are booming in popularity right now, a major reason being that people are beginning to realize how advantageous they really are. And while some remain skeptical and think that online MBA degrees are not viewed as highly as MBA degrees earned from traditional on-campus programs, here’s something very important: most employers don’t see a difference. Unless you graduate from a top 10 MBA university, employers are just looking for "M.B.A." on your résumé and consistent work experience – exactly what online programs provide.

The Internet has opened up new vistas for organizations in their recruiting efforts, and it has given the job candidates another vehicle to promote themselves to potential employers, yet there are some risks.

Recent Survey Results: Over 1/3 of Human Resources Executives indicate that electronic recruiting is the most effective way for them for find qualified candidates, followed by local newspapers, recruiters, job fairs, referrals, and walk-ins, in that order. Yet, HR Executives caution candidates not to rely only on the Internet.

8 Rules for the Job Candidate:

1. (+) Use the target organization’s web site to find out more about the specific organization, its core-values, its benefits, the jobs available, etc. as well as to submit your resume electronically. (-) However, appreciate that you might only find generalities about careers and jobs on the organization’s web site. (-) Additionally, understand that electronic resume submission/posting will most likely be scanned for “key code words,” and if your resume does not include those “key code words,” your resume is sent to the “trash.” To mitigate against this hazard, use words/phrases that exist in the particular job description you are applying for, as well as use words that seem to characterize the organization. But, do not misrepresent yourself!

2. Use your former college alumni web site for career job searches and industry information.

3. Use “niche boards” which are web sites of a particular industry, professional career, or desirable geographic location. For example, www.telecommcareers.net is for the telecommunications industry and www.CIO.com is the companion site to the CIO Magazine for chief information officers. Other web sites explain specific geographic locations, such as a particular state or city.

4. (+) Read about careers, jobs, industries, and organizations found in blogs. This gives the jobseeker informal comments written by others. (-) Disgruntled current/former employees, vendors, customers, etc. might have a biased view. (-) The organization has no way of editing the information.

5. (+) Post your resume on web site job boards specifically designed to attract job seekers such as LinkedIn, Career Builder, Monster, Job Central. (-) The same cautions apply that are mentioned in (1) above.

6. Privacy. (+) While using the Internet to post your resume, using social networking sites to discuss your background, career interests, and experiences, and using e-mail to communicate with others are ways to conduct a job/career search, it has dangers of invading your privacy. (-) Do not post or write anything electronically that you would not want made public. (-) Do not believe that “delete message” really permanently deletes the message… it does not.

7. (+) Create your own online resume using LinkedIn. Connect with classmates, colleagues, and potential jobs. You can search for people you know or university alumni from any year that work at a specific company you are interested in working at.

8. Since there are many small to medium size organizations that have excellent careers and work environments but that do not have the resources for electronic recruiting, do not solely rely on electronic posting of your resume. Use as many different tactics as possible.

Whether a prospective student is looking to spend time at the beach or just wants to study hard, they may want to start searching for a school in Southern California. Southern California has many strong academic institutions, including several prominent and esteemed ones that lead the nation. Southern California colleges come in all shapes and sizes, with several of these schools offering online degrees. Some of these schools, in addition, offer accredited online business programs and part time MBA programs. Each Southern California School is distinctive, with strengths that include everything from academics and athletics to outreach and alumni networks.

There are many benefits and features of attending one of the many academic institutions in this part of the country. Southern California has the best climate in the United States. An obvious appeal of attending school here is the summer; it is endless with year-round warm weather. Additionally, attendance at one of the many excellent schools offers access to a large number of educational and cultural benefits. There are a large number of museums and cultural amenities available to benefit from and enjoy, along with rich cultural nooks in cities that allow you to be entrenched in and truly experience a different way of life.

Going to school in Southern California also provides access to business and industrial opportunities that flourish in the larger cities like San Diego and Los Angles. The job opportunities are much more abundant than many other parts of the nation, which is particularly beneficial both while in school and after graduation. Additionally living in a thriving city is the ideal place to find a job, establish career contacts or receive an internship.

In Southern California, the lifestyle is highly active and extremely healthy; it is an exciting place to live and learn. Going to classes at a school in Southern California also offers access to a multitude of social recreational outdoor activities, from numerous beaches where surfing, swimming, boating and scuba diving are extremely popular, to rock climbing and hiking.

It used to be that going on to postsecondary education after high school and earning a bachelor’s degree was all that would be needed to ensure employment in a profitable and successful career field. But the times and the business world are changing, and the world of education is reflecting that. If you are hoping to achieve a higher paying career, it is a good time to consider a level of higher education. Specifically in the business world, obtaining an MBA degree can lead to a thriving career.

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree that focuses study on the theory and application of business and management. Most MBA programs take around two years to complete, but this investment of time does not go unnoticed by potential employers. Having an MBA degree demonstrates to companies that you are dedicated and willing to put in the extra time and effort that it takes to be successful in the business world.

There are many different career options available to those who hold an MBA degree. The most common career choices tend to be in business management and financial services. Accounting, economics, human resource management, information technology, marketing, investment banking, financial management, e-commerce and business consulting tend to be the concentration areas for those pursuing an MBA degree. However, the business training received in an MBA program has proven to be valuable for doctors, lawyers and engineers as well. Overall, there tend to be many employment opportunities for those who hold an MBA degree. Industry options for those with an MBA range from working in large corporations to smaller companies and even non-profits and entrepreneurship ventures.

MBA graduates typically command a higher salary than those entering the workforce without an advanced degree. Salaries of MBA graduates vary greatly, depending on the chosen specialization, but it is reported that the median salary averages around $85-$95,000. According to a national salary chart on Payscale.com (as of publishing this article), a financial analyst makes $30,000-$52,000; a project manager in information technology makes $72,000-$88,000; a financial controller makes $85,000-$110,000; and a marketing director can make upwards of $170,000.

No matter the field, all companies are grounded in one similarity: business. MBA degrees not only teach the management skills and techniques necessary to reach higher echelons of the professional world, but they instill indispensable business ethics that propel MBA graduates to achieve success and prosperity in their careers.