MBA career development workshops
"Workshops and mock interviews boosted my confidence and helped me get through the assessment centre for my new job."
Irina Gorbarenko
MBA, 2004
This is the core of the MBA Career Management Programme: a series of workshops and presentations running thoughout the year. The sessions are designed to get you thinking about your career, help you realise your goals and manage your career effectively in the years to come.
The programme changes each year to reflect the aspirations of the class. The activities below give an idea of the areas covered during a typical year of the Career Management Programme.
Self-analysis and motivation
These sessions are designed to assist you to identify your strengths and achievements, consider your values and how these relate to organisational fit, identify your career options and begin to construct an action plan.
Networking skills
Since changes in the job market mean that around 50% of jobs are found through networking, highly-developed networking skills are vital, as is the capability for effective self-marketing. We highlight the practical and organisational skills that make networking a successful route to employment and career progression. LUMS also organises a range of business networking events that many MBA students find useful.
Presentation skills
This workshop explores the personal and practical skills of professional presentations, enhancing participants' techniques and boosting their confidence.
Negotiation skills
Enhanced skills in negotiation can be of personal and organisational benefit in so many different situations – not least on the MBA. This workshop aims to develop your understanding of the negotiation process and increase your power in negotiations with employers, clients, customers and colleagues.
Company information - access and retrieval
These sessions, valuable for both job-hunting and academic research, show how to research organisations and get company information, using online databases available through the University Library and through Carnet.
CV design
Effective CVs or resumés remain one of the most important tools for successful job-hunting. We begin with a plenary workshop for the MBA class, followed by one-to-one sessions exploring the use of language to create enticing, succinct and achievement-focused CVs.
Work permits for overseas students
Run by immigration law experts, this session provides up-to-the-minute advice on obtaining work permits for the UK. It is designed for any Lancaster MBA students from outside the European Economic Area interested in finding a job in the UK. You might also be interested in our work permit information.
Online applications
Many employers expect you to make job applications via the internet, either through email or by completing online application forms. We provide tips on making successful online applications.
Assessment centres
Assessment centres are often seen as more effective tools for recruitment than standard one-to-one or panel interviews. In this workshop we walk you through the typical sequence of activities that can make up an assessment centre: presentations, case studies, group work and social interaction.
Psychometric tests
Often forming part of an assessment centre, psychometric tests are also used on their own as part of the screening process during recruitment. This workshop gives examples and practice in some of the most commonly used types of test.
Interview techniques
A plenary workshop is followed by one-to-one practice interviews with visiting managers and consultants, giving all students in the class the opportunity to practise and improve their interview technique.
Guest presentations
In addition to the Career Management Programme sessions described above, we operate a programme of visiting speakers, alumni talks and employer recruitment visits, all of which will be valuable in building your awareness of the job market and understanding of what employers are looking for in MBA recruits.
