Career Services Steps Up Alumni Support
Last fall, as world economies began to tremble from the collapse of the financial sector, HBS Alumni Career Services enhanced its suite of career offerings for alumni. “We anticipated an increase in the demand for individual career coaching, as well as the need for more events where alumni could connect with each other and network,” says Director Christine Sullivan.
To that end, her office tapped professional career specialists to lead workshops with alumni in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco during the first quarter of 2009. Called “Career Strategies for Turbulent Times,” the workshop series offered guidance on developing a new career vision, marketing oneself in an increasingly competitive environment, and mastering job search tactics to navigate market conditions. (Videos of the sessions may be viewed online at www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/strategies.html.)
In addition, existing counseling services have been expanded, Sullivan says. “We’ve increased the number of career coaches available, both in person and on the phone.” Alumni are eligible for three free counseling sessions a year, and appointments can be scheduled online.
Indeed, Sullivan suggests that graduates use the Alumni Career Services Web site (www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers) as a “career home base” because it serves as a clearinghouse of resources. It features the Alumni Job Bank; free access to eBaker, an online collection of information research resources; and useful tools, templates, and information on every stage of career transition, including a Board of Directors Résumé Database.
“At least 80 percent of jobs are found by networking,” notes Sullivan, “so the necessity of tapping into tools like Alumni Navigator and the new HBS Alumni LinkedIn community, which allow users to reach out to fellow alumni, cannot be overstated.”
— Margie Kelley
