4.Conduct Market Research and Target Your Market

Quick Link 1. Welcome 2. Introduction to career planning 3. Assess yourself (define your product) 4. Conduct market research and target your market 4.1 Networking 4.2 Information interviews 4.3 Job descriptions 4.4 Company presentations 4.5 Researching 4.6 Set preliminary goals 5. Develop and implement your marketing plan 6. Interviewing 7. Discussing compensation 8. Evaluating job offers 9. On-campus recruiting program 10. The summer internship 11. Taxes, visas and other legal information

In addition to understanding yourself, you also need to understand MBA career options. This requires researching industries, job roles, companies and geographic regions to learn how well they match your personal needs, interests, and abilities. Here are the types of information you might find valuable to collect as you conduct your research.

About Industries Key players Current business challenges and opportunities Expected growth Job supply and demand About Jobs Core tasks and responsibilities Scope of influence and authority Position requirements Lifestyle implications Growth and learning potential Recognition and rewards offered

About Companies Market and strategic position Current challenges and opportunities Financial track record Management style and philosophy Corporate culture Hiring needs and expectations Compensation and benefits Potential contact names About Geographic Regions Industries and organizations located in region Dual career opportunities Lifestyle implications

Information interviews with faculty members, IESE alumni or business professionals, are all good sources of information, as are business directories, on-line literature searches, professional associations, and conversations with relevant student club members. Each will provide another layer of information to help you make informed choices. Gather and then analyze the data you have collected.