Navigating Your Post-MS Job Search: Insights from Melissa O’Neill

At Simon, we understand one of the most common motivations for pursuing a graduate business degree is to elevate your career. The resources offered by the Benet Career Management Center are a huge asset to MS students—and all Simon students—as they prepare for their future. 

This Q&A with Melissa O'Neill, MS program director at the Benet Center, summarizes a recent webinar, “Navigating Your Post-MS Job Search.” Melissa shares invaluable insights into career strategies, resources, and best practices that will benefit both prospective and current Simon students.

Q: What is the Benet Career Management Center, and how does it support students?

A: The Benet Career Management Center is a dedicated resource for Simon Business School students, offering personalized career coaching, workshops, alumni networking opportunities, and tools to help students succeed in their job search. Highlights include:

Pre-Onboarding Program: Even before you arrive on campus, we start working with you. Incoming students receive five career modules to complete at their own pace. These modules cover topics like career exploration, industry research, and résumé building.

One-on-One Coaching: Each student is assigned a career advisor who provides personalized guidance tailored to their unique background and goals.

Workshops and Webinars: We offer sessions on résumé writing, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and more.

Alumni Engagement: Our robust alumni network frequently participates in events like spotlights, company info sessions, and fireside chats.
We also have tools like VMock, which helps you format your résumé to be recruiter-friendly, and CareerLeader, an assessment that provides insights into your strengths and career interests.

Q: What does the career journey look like for Simon students?

A: The career journey is a cyclical process, and it looks something like this:

1.) Exploring and Assessing Fit: This is where you identify your strengths, interests, and career goals.

2.) Building Materials: You’ll craft a strong résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.

3.) Networking: Engaging with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals is key.

4.) Interview Preparation: We do a lot of mock interviews to help you refine your responses and build confidence.

5.) Job Offers and Negotiation: We’ll guide you through salary discussions and understanding benefits.

This process is tailored to each student’s unique background and goals.

Q: How does the timeline differ for internship and non-internship tracks?

A: Non-Internship Track students graduate in May and focus on job applications during the academic year. Networking and job search activities are frontloaded in the fall and spring semesters.

Internship Track students complete their academics in May but officially graduate in December. This extended timeline allows for summer and/or fall internships, skill-building, or additional networking.

Both tracks have their own advantages, and we work with students to figure out which is the best option depending on their individual career goals.

Q: What are some key tools and strategies for a successful job search?

A: Let’s start with the résumé.

Your résumé is your key to getting in the door. It’s the first impression a recruiter will have of you, so it’s important to make it count. We provide a Simon-formatted résumé template that’s designed to be recruiter-friendly. Recruiters spend about 60 seconds or less on a résumé, so it needs to be structured, easy to read, and highlight your accomplishments in a way that answers the “so what?” question.
For example, if you list an achievement, you need to show why it matters. What impact did it have? How does it relate to the job you’re applying for? We also emphasize the importance of including data and intention in your bullets.

Another critical tool is LinkedIn. Recruiters often look at your LinkedIn profile right after reviewing your résumé. In fact, more than 90% of US employers research candidates on LinkedIn, and 70% of recruiters use LinkedIn Recruiter to find candidates.
If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, we’ll help you create one. If you do, we’ll work with you to optimize it. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your résumé and bring your professional story to life. It’s also a great place to showcase your personality and culture fit through the “About” section.

We even bring in an expert who worked for LinkedIn for many years to conduct workshops for our students. He shares insider tips and strategies to make your profile stand out.

Q: What about the interview process? How do you prepare students for that?

A: The interview process is where you really get to showcase both your hard skills and your behavioral skills.

Hard skills are the technical abilities and experiences you’ve gained, which are often highlighted on your résumé. Behavioral skills, on the other hand, include things like teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and self-motivation. These are assessed during the interview, often through behavioral questions.

Behavioral interviews are very common in the US job market. Employers will ask you questions like, “Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge,” or “Give an example of how you worked on a team.” Your task is to walk them through your experience using the STAR method:

• Situation: What was the context?
• Task: What was your role?
• Action: What steps did you take?
• Result: What was the outcome?

We do a lot of mock interviews with our students to help them practice and refine their STAR stories. It’s a safe space where you can fumble, get feedback, and improve.

Q: You mentioned earlier the importance of networking. Can you elaborate on that?

A: Networking is a huge component of the US job market. It’s not just about getting a job—it’s also about learning and building relationships. Many recruiters prioritize referrals, so having someone vouch for you can make a big difference. Networking can also help you understand company culture, the hiring process, and what a typical day looks like in a role you’re interested in.

We encourage students to have coffee chats with alumni and professionals in their target industries. Alumni, in particular, are a great resource because they’ve been in your shoes and often have a soft spot for Simon students.

Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’re not naturally outgoing. That’s why we offer workshops on small talk and one-on-one coaching to help you build your confidence. It’s a skill that takes practice, but it’s worth the effort.

Q: What are some tips for preparing for the US job market?

A: Here are a few key takeaways:

Self-Promotion: You need to be comfortable talking about your strengths and accomplishments. It’s not about bragging—it’s about showing your value. If you’re not used to this, we’ll help you build that confidence.

Follow-Up: Persistence is key. If you reach out to someone and don’t hear back, follow up politely. People are busy, and a gentle nudge can go a long way.

Be Prepared: Whether it’s for an interview, a networking event, or a coffee chat, preparation is everything. Research the company, the person you’re meeting, and the industry. Knowledge is power.

Be Professional and Personable: Employers want to hire people they like and can see themselves working with. Show your personality, be authentic, and make a connection.

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: The job search process takes time and effort. It’s not instant gratification, but if you stay organized, intentional, and persistent, it will pay off.

Finally, remember that you’re not alone! The Benet Career Management Center is here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, workshops, or networking opportunities, we’re committed to helping you succeed.

Q: Finally, what advice do you have for prospective students preparing for their MS journey?

A: I’d recommend prospective MS students do the following as they prepare for business school:

Research and Reflect: Identify your career interests, strengths, and goals. Consider industries, company sizes, and locations that align with your aspirations. Start building a target list of companies to focus your efforts.

Build Skills: Use the time before starting your program to strengthen technical and behavioral skills. Consider certifications, online courses, or internships to enhance your résumé.

Prepare Materials: Begin drafting your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Familiarize yourself with Simon’s resources, such as the pre-onboarding modules, to get a head start.

Practice Networking: Start reaching out to alumni or professionals in your field of interest. Even informal conversations can provide valuable insights and help you build confidence.

Stay Curious: Be open to exploring new industries or roles you may not have considered. The MS journey is a time for growth and discovery.

Learn more about Simon’s five full-time specialized master’s programs in Accountancy, AI in Business, Business Analytics, Finance, and Marketing Analytics and reach out to the Admissions team with any questions you have about Simon or the application process. We look forward to connecting with you!

Melissa O'Neill is an MS program director at Simon Business School's Jay S. and Jeanne Benet Career Management Center. 

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