Additional Pre-MBA Opportunities

Several organizations are focused on helping increase the pipeline of underrepresented demographics—such as women, LGBTQ+ students, and those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds—to business school and the larger business world. As part of these efforts, many host pre-MBA conferences, bootcamps, and forums providing recruiting and networking opportunities to diverse admitted students headed to business school. For eligible participants, these opportunities are designed to provide a head start for students in the MBA recruiting process before they even arrive on campus.

If planning to attend these conferences, we suggest you prepare yourself by completing the Benet Center Onboarding Program and the associated deliverables.

Forté MBA Financial Services FAST Track Virtual Conference 2021

Incoming women MBA students have the opportunity to participate in the Forté MBA Financial Services FAST Track Conference where they will meet with financial firms, network with potential employers, and explore all areas of finance to find the most rewarding career possible. Apply to attend and start your career in finance a step ahead.

• Date: May 20–21, 2021
• Location: Virtual
• Admission is free
• Visit the Forté Financial Services FAST Track website for more information and to apply to attend

An exclusive opportunity to find your career and fulfill your potential

• Focused networking with finance leaders
• Financial services showcases in asset management, investment banking, and alternative investments
• Industry insight from associate- and VP-level MBA alumnae

JumpStart Advisory Group 2021

JumpStart Advisory Group fills a critical network gap in connecting a talented diverse workforce to career progression opportunities with companies representing key industries and functions. The organization creates a pipeline between highly qualified candidates and employers in those fields committed to strengthening their businesses by improving diversity and inclusion efforts. Forums consist of 2–2.5 day boot camp experiences where attendees gain hands on experience to understand the industry, the function, the job, career progression, the recruiting process, and how to get the job in an engaging format.

• Event and Date:
  • ​Path to Brand Management Careers Network: May 17–18, 2021
  • Path to Finance or Financial Services Careers: May 18–19, 2021
  • Path to Management Consulting for MBAs: May 19–21, 2021
• Location: Virtual
• Visit the JumpStart Advisory Group website for more information and to apply to attend (the application process opens in Spring 2021)
• If you plan to participate, please contact us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu

Reaching Out Admitted Student Virtual Treks 2021

Get a jump-start on your preparations and networking by attending one of Reaching Out's Admitted Student Treks. Treks are an amazing opportunity for admitted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer MBAs to connect with a range of top-tier companies looking for MBA talent. The treks run through June and July every summer and focus on the following industries: finance, consulting, technology, marketing/retail, and healthcare. Each trek has a different industry focus and allows students to get a feel for a “day in the life.”

• Event and Date:
  • ​Finance Trek: June 10–11, 2021
  • Consulting Trek: June 24–25, 2021
  • Healthcare Trek: July 9, 2021
  • Technology Trek: July 12–13, 2021
  • Marketing & Retail Trek: July 19–20, 2021
• Location: Virtual
• Visit the Reaching Out Summer Treks website for more information and to apply to attend a trek
• If you plan to participate, please contact us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu

Student Testimonial

Emily Bader

2020 Simon MBA
Reaching Out Admitted LGBTQ MBA Career Trek Attendee – 2018

“In 2018 I attended the Minneapolis trek for students interested in marketing and retail and would absolutely recommend it. The trek provided a low-stress way for participants to be exposed to hugely successful organizations (like General Mills, Target, and 3M) before their formal recruiting process while giving us all a chance to bond with LGBTQ+ MBA candidates from across the US. I would 100% do it again!”

Hear recent alumni talk about conference opportunities available that can help you jump start your recruiting efforts and gain clarity about your career goals in our video below: