But, should it really be a question?

As you search for an internship or job, and establish and/or maintain professional contacts, attending at least one of the conferences mentioned below, which are held by prominent associations, should be part of your search strategy. Literally hundreds of employers participate and are seeking qualified candidates. They want to meet YOU!

If you don’t fit into one of the demographics, should you attend anyway? ABSOLUTELY! The conferences are open to all individuals, and you want to stand out, don’t you?

While working on his Rollins MBA, a Caucasian male student went to the National Black MBA Conference. He conducted research prior to the conference and while networking throughout the event, he met leaders of a national healthcare organization. As a result of the introduction at the National Black MBA Conference, he landed a very impressive role which began right after graduation.

Below are the conferences the Career Development Center is encouraging you to research and attend:

NAAMBA
National Association of Asian MBAs
September 13 – 15
Santa Clara, CA
http://www.asianmba.org/4th-annual-naamba-highlights

NBMBAA
National Black MBA Association
September 25 – 29
Indianapolis, IN
http://www.nbmbaa.org/Conference/Default.aspx

NSHMBANational Society of Hispanic MBAs
October 4 – 6
Orlando, FL
http://www.nshmba.org/page/nationalconference

MBA Women International
October 18 – 20
Phoenix, AZ
http://www.mbawomen.org/events/2012-leadership-conference-and-career-fair
To help defray the costs associated with registration fees, the Career Development Center is offering financial assistance to current Rollins MBA students. Please contact our office at careerdevelopment@rollins.edu for more information.

And, for some tips on how to get the most out of conferences, check out "How to get the most out of career fairs." (Please note – the article, which was written by a leader in the UK, refers to having a CV rather than a resume. In the US, companies typically refer to resumes.)

Jane Trnka, SPHR
Executive Director, Rollins MBA Career Development Center