With the Executive MBA (EMBA) and Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) program expansion to the UVA Darden Sands Family Grounds in Rosslyn, Virginia, there have been substantial opportunities to expand career services for executive students, and alumni of the executive formats are playing a key role. Some highlights include:
- Networking Partners – 155 Executive MBA alumni have volunteered to serve as network partners. This program has established a network for and connections among current EMBA and GEMBA students and alumni to provide students with advice and referrals as they consider their career directions and explore career transitions.
- Networking Nights in Rosslyn – Six alumni networking nights have been hosted in conjunction with on-Grounds residencies. More than 30 alumni have volunteered their time to attend those dinners and receptions to meet with students and discuss their industries, companies and career directions.
- Career Insights – Over the past year, 25 career education programs were produced for the Class of 2019, and 12 alumni joined those sessions to share their experiences and insights on topics including career paths, job search and networking strategies, use of LinkedIn, negotiations, working for startups, and more. Sessions which alumni were prominently featured or participated in dramatically increased student satisfaction.
This increase in Executive MBA alumni involvement has been a huge plus, and students report great value, noting the alumni contributions to supporting career explorations and job searches, and increased feeling of connections with the Darden community.
The Career Development Center (CDC) continues to make improvements to our career programming and recruiting support for students. New workshops, alumni networking dinners, a virtual career fair, virtual company briefings and the addition this year of quarterly “career” challenges have provided new ways for students to get connected, explore opportunities, and build skills for successful advancement.
If you have questions or an interest in finding ways to get involved, please reach out to Sarita Soldz or Jim Collins.
