Anonymous wrote:He wants someone to pay him to be a strategic thinker when he can't even map out a job-hunt process? Yikes.

It's stunning how catty people can be on DCUM. Why don't we all make OP feel even worse when she's just asking for some advice?? Right. OP, there have been several good responses and I hope you have read them while ignoring all the other posts from the jerks of DCUM looking to roll around in schadenfreude. Good luck to you. I'm betting things will work out fine for your family.

He wants someone to pay him to be a strategic thinker when he can't even map out a job-hunt process? Yikes.

OP, here's the bottom line. Many times one person ends up being the main breadwinner. It's not every couple where both have high-powered high-paying jobs (which comes with its own stressors). In my case, I am the primary breadwinner. It's hard. And it's stressful as fuck.
And it gives me a lot more understanding of the pressures that men have felt since time immemorial. Yes, the system has always supported men's achievement over women's, but the pressures to provide are still the same.

The difference, in my mind, is how each spouse handles it. In my case, my DH is working PT, getting an MBA PT, and he understands how I feel. It's hard for him to accept that I am the primary breadwinner (he's over it now, for the most part, though it wasn't by choice or design), and it's been hard for me to adjust to having most of the financial weight on my shoulders and deal with the stress of my job and all of the needs I have to fulfill at home. But he definitely picks up the slack at home and with our child. He is a partner.

You two have to be in this together. Yes, your DH needs to apply himself to finding a job and stop expecting something to drop into his lap. If he is at a Top 20 program he needs to be networking with alumni and putting on the hustle. He needs to understand the pressure that you feel. And you need to understand how he's feeling (likely a different kind of pressure). Be kind to each other. Work as a team.

OP, I really feel for you. Your hubby needs to wake the *uck up - he has a kid!! It is fine that he is willing to wait for a senior strategist position.....meanwhile, bills need to get paid. I am stunned. He needs to sell himself, and, it seems he is not able to do that even. So he now has two degrees, in chem engineering, and, an MBA, and he still isn't sure what to do, or what interests him? Where he went to get his MBA, or whether he got it at day or night is at this point water under the bridge. People shouldn't need to list the companies around here for him....jeez, if he can't do that on his own, seven more degrees won't help him....how good a strategic thinker would he be? He needs to WORK, and as such, he needs to show he is a WORKER, ie, willing to bust his butt and prove his worth, sell product or services, improve areas where money can be saved. He needs to OFFER solutions to problems that companies have.
Steps: 1) get his ass into the career office for ALL help available. Look at ALL alumni, and try and reach out to each one who is in a power position at corps. 2) bust his ass searching EVERYWHERE. On-line, company websites, job sites, Linked In, you name it...he needs to whore himself to land a gig. Sheesh.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top 20? Maryland level? He needs to target companies and speak to alumni working there. Network, network, network.....Is he able to answer the question "why should I hire you"?

...respectfully, I'd say there's a big difference between a top 40 which is where Maryland falls and a top 20 school where OP's husband goes to. However, the advice is still relevant that OP's hudband should be speaking to alumni of his program which will give him a better sense of the type of work be may want to pursue.

If he is in a fulltime in DC then it isn't top 20. Both Maryland and Georgetown are in the 20-30 range. Outside the top 16 you are basically at a regional school with a small percentage of students getting gigs at top companies outside the area.

As others have said; network with alumni, use career services, start applying to jobs that are not specifically for fresh MBAs. Hiring season is over for the majors, best bet is smaller firms and immediate fill positions. And most important, don't be picky.

I assumed he was at Virginia - it's the only local option in the top 20. I am surprised that UVAs career office isn't helping more though.

But if it's Georgetown that makes more sense - they are still seen as second tier.

Look, aren't we quibbling? Regardless of where he goes, he needs to be getting in front of the career counselors that he's been paying for with his tuition. He could go to freaking Harvard and the career office wouldn't be helping him if he doesn't bother to seek help in the first place! Whether he's at Darden or Georgetown or Maryland - it sounds like he had yet to do the most basic thing which is ask for guidance from the professionals who are paid specifically to help him narrow down a career and find a job. It doesn't seem like speculating where OP's husband goes to school and whether it's "top" tier or "second" tier is really helpful to this working mom who is just looking for advice to her her partner.

For the record, I went to Darden. But, I also considered going to Georgetown. I would not consider Georgetown a "second" tier B school. Low first tier, but definitely still in the first tier. However, who really cares what tier school this guy goes to? OP is not asking "can he get a job or where" she's asking "how do I help my husband think about his career and job choices and persuade him to pursue smart options."

Actually what school he is at does matter when recommending a course of action outside of general recommendations. UVA's program is technically second tier, outside the top 7 (M7), but the name will still get you interviews nationally for almost any type of position. Georgetown and Maryland are regional schools that will generally only get you into the door via alumni or an already impressive resume.

I would highly recommend:
- #1. What role does he want to be in when he retires??? Backwards plan to see what starting positions could get him there. This will open up ideas for jobs he may not have thought about previously.
- Cold calling/emailing alumni in targeted companies over the next two weeks. At a minimum 4 a day.
- Apply online to 5 positions a day until interviews start rolling in.
- Talk to classmates that have offers in desired roles and find out what worked for them.
- Start going to DC job fairs. The recruiters there may be able to get you contact info for the company MBA recruiter.
- Consider applying for a second internship. Some companies will take second years since they can do an immediate hire post-internship.

Signed, A soon to be graduating MBA student. I received interviews via on campus recruiting, alumni and online blackhole applications so they are all solid options.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top 20? Maryland level? He needs to target companies and speak to alumni working there. Network, network, network.....Is he able to answer the question "why should I hire you"?

...respectfully, I'd say there's a big difference between a top 40 which is where Maryland falls and a top 20 school where OP's husband goes to. However, the advice is still relevant that OP's hudband should be speaking to alumni of his program which will give him a better sense of the type of work be may want to pursue.

If he is in a fulltime in DC then it isn't top 20. Both Maryland and Georgetown are in the 20-30 range. Outside the top 16 you are basically at a regional school with a small percentage of students getting gigs at top companies outside the area.

As others have said; network with alumni, use career services, start applying to jobs that are not specifically for fresh MBAs. Hiring season is over for the majors, best bet is smaller firms and immediate fill positions. And most important, don't be picky.

I assumed he was at Virginia - it's the only local option in the top 20. I am surprised that UVAs career office isn't helping more though.

But if it's Georgetown that makes more sense - they are still seen as second tier.

Look, aren't we quibbling? Regardless of where he goes, he needs to be getting in front of the career counselors that he's been paying for with his tuition. He could go to freaking Harvard and the career office wouldn't be helping him if he doesn't bother to seek help in the first place! Whether he's at Darden or Georgetown or Maryland - it sounds like he had yet to do the most basic thing which is ask for guidance from the professionals who are paid specifically to help him narrow down a career and find a job. It doesn't seem like speculating where OP's husband goes to school and whether it's "top" tier or "second" tier is really helpful to this working mom who is just looking for advice to her her partner.

For the record, I went to Darden. But, I also considered going to Georgetown. I would not consider Georgetown a "second" tier B school. Low first tier, but definitely still in the first tier. However, who really cares what tier school this guy goes to? OP is not asking "can he get a job or where" she's asking "how do I help my husband think about his career and job choices and persuade him to pursue smart options."

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top 20? Maryland level? He needs to target companies and speak to alumni working there. Network, network, network.....Is he able to answer the question "why should I hire you"?

...respectfully, I'd say there's a big difference between a top 40 which is where Maryland falls and a top 20 school where OP's husband goes to. However, the advice is still relevant that OP's hudband should be speaking to alumni of his program which will give him a better sense of the type of work be may want to pursue.

If he is in a fulltime in DC then it isn't top 20. Both Maryland and Georgetown are in the 20-30 range. Outside the top 16 you are basically at a regional school with a small percentage of students getting gigs at top companies outside the area.

As others have said; network with alumni, use career services, start applying to jobs that are not specifically for fresh MBAs. Hiring season is over for the majors, best bet is smaller firms and immediate fill positions. And most important, don't be picky.

I assumed he was at Virginia - it's the only local option in the top 20. I am surprised that UVAs career office isn't helping more though.

But if it's Georgetown that makes more sense - they are still seen as second tier.

Look, aren't we quibbling? Regardless of where he goes, he needs to be getting in front of the career counselors that he's been paying for with his tuition. He could go to freaking Harvard and the career office wouldn't be helping him if he doesn't bother to seek help in the first place! Whether he's at Darden or Georgetown or Maryland - it sounds like he had yet to do the most basic thing which is ask for guidance from the professionals who are paid specifically to help him narrow down a career and find a job. It doesn't seem like speculating where OP's husband goes to school and whether it's "top" tier or "second" tier is really helpful to this working mom who is just looking for advice to her her partner.

For the record, I went to Darden. But, I also considered going to Georgetown. I would not consider Georgetown a "second" tier B school. Low first tier, but definitely still in the first tier. However, who really cares what tier school this guy goes to? OP is not asking "can he get a job or where" she's asking "how do I help my husband think about his career and job choices and persuade him to pursue smart options."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top 20? Maryland level? He needs to target companies and speak to alumni working there. Network, network, network.....Is he able to answer the question "why should I hire you"?

...respectfully, I'd say there's a big difference between a top 40 which is where Maryland falls and a top 20 school where OP's husband goes to. However, the advice is still relevant that OP's hudband should be speaking to alumni of his program which will give him a better sense of the type of work be may want to pursue.

If he is in a fulltime in DC then it isn't top 20. Both Maryland and Georgetown are in the 20-30 range. Outside the top 16 you are basically at a regional school with a small percentage of students getting gigs at top companies outside the area.

As others have said; network with alumni, use career services, start applying to jobs that are not specifically for fresh MBAs. Hiring season is over for the majors, best bet is smaller firms and immediate fill positions. And most important, don't be picky.

I assumed he was at Virginia - it's the only local option in the top 20. I am surprised that UVAs career office isn't helping more though.

But if it's Georgetown that makes more sense - they are still seen as second tier.

Anonymous wrote:I only skimmed the other responses but the "you should never quit your job and go back to get an MBA full-time" posters are jerks and not helpful.

I was in a similar position to your husband in 2003, minus the family responsibilities. I finished my MBA (top 25 school) and didn't know what I wanted to do. I did some on-campus interviewing in the fall but no offers. I ended up getting an offer in June and started work late July. He'll find something.

I ended up in consulting but in general I would say tell him to use both the on-campus career services and alumni networks - via linkedin or the school's database. Just network like crazy.

Uh, it's a different world than it was in 2003.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top 20? Maryland level? He needs to target companies and speak to alumni working there. Network, network, network.....Is he able to answer the question "why should I hire you"?

...respectfully, I'd say there's a big difference between a top 40 which is where Maryland falls and a top 20 school where OP's husband goes to. However, the advice is still relevant that OP's hudband should be speaking to alumni of his program which will give him a better sense of the type of work be may want to pursue.

If he is in a fulltime in DC then it isn't top 20. Both Maryland and Georgetown are in the 20-30 range. Outside the top 16 you are basically at a regional school with a small percentage of students getting gigs at top companies outside the area.

As others have said; network with alumni, use career services, start applying to jobs that are not specifically for fresh MBAs. Hiring season is over for the majors, best bet is smaller firms and immediate fill positions. And most important, don't be picky.

Anonymous wrote:I only skimmed the other responses but the "you should never quit your job and go back to get an MBA full-time" posters are jerks and not helpful.

I was in a similar position to your husband in 2003, minus the family responsibilities. I finished my MBA (top 25 school) and didn't know what I wanted to do. I did some on-campus interviewing in the fall but no offers. I ended up getting an offer in June and started work late July. He'll find something.

I ended up in consulting but in general I would say tell him to use both the on-campus career services and alumni networks - via linkedin or the school's database. Just network like crazy.

Thanks Cheers! OP

I only skimmed the other responses but the "you should never quit your job and go back to get an MBA full-time" posters are jerks and not helpful.

I was in a similar position to your husband in 2003, minus the family responsibilities. I finished my MBA (top 25 school) and didn't know what I wanted to do. I did some on-campus interviewing in the fall but no offers. I ended up getting an offer in June and started work late July. He'll find something.

I ended up in consulting but in general I would say tell him to use both the on-campus career services and alumni networks - via linkedin or the school's database. Just network like crazy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Firms that hire MBAs round here...

Marketbridge
Capital one
Td bank
Uber
Aol
Msft for sales
Google
CEB
KPMG
Pwc
Deloitte
Bain
McKinsey
Bcg
E&y
Equifax
Hilton
Marriott
Choice hotels

Hit them all up

Firms that Hire mostly H1B Indians, I am sure you could find a job as the token white american mba.

Tata
Infosys
Cognizant
Wipro
HCL America
Mahindra

Dignified Business Technologies
Sterling System
Venkateshwara Computers
Satyam

Why are you assuming OP's husband is a "token white american mba"?

Anonymous wrote:Firms that hire MBAs round here...

Marketbridge
Capital one
Td bank
Uber
Aol
Msft for sales
Google
CEB
KPMG
Pwc
Deloitte
Bain
McKinsey
Bcg
E&y
Equifax
Hilton
Marriott
Choice hotels

Hit them all up

Firms that Hire mostly H1B Indians, I am sure you could find a job as the token white american mba.

Tata
Infosys
Cognizant
Wipro
HCL America
Mahindra

Dignified Business Technologies
Sterling System
Venkateshwara Computers
Satyam

Anonymous wrote:Top 20? Maryland level? He needs to target companies and speak to alumni working there. Network, network, network.....Is he able to answer the question "why should I hire you"?

...respectfully, I'd say there's a big difference between a top 40 which is where Maryland falls and a top 20 school where OP's husband goes to. However, the advice is still relevant that OP's hudband should be speaking to alumni of his program which will give him a better sense of the type of work be may want to pursue.