Throughout the M.S. in Commerce Program, the job search is a central focus for students. Juggling classes and recruiting activities—like networking calls, company events, and interviews—can be overwhelming, but the McIntire School of Commerce has a strong resource for students to turn to: Commerce Career Services.
Commerce Career Services (CCS) is conveniently located on the fourth floor of Rouss and Robertson Halls, where M.S. in Commerce students have all of their classes, so resources are easily accessible. CCS offers walk-in hours four days a week for students to speak with an adviser or for resume reviews. Since the Program moves so quickly, and we are constantly gaining new skills and experiences, it is essential to keep your resume up-to-date. CCS staff know exactly how to help us highlight the most important and marketable aspects of our personal brands.
How helpful is CCS in helping its students find great jobs? More than 70% of the jobs accepted by the M.S. in Commerce Class of 2018 were facilitated through CCS and the McIntire School of Commerce employer and alumni network. That’s pretty impressive.
CCS also sponsors a variety of career fairs, workshops, and employer/alumni panels throughout the year. In the fall, CCS kicks off on Grounds recruiting with Commerce Career Day, attracting 100+ companies from different industries to connect with students. It’s a great starting point for exploring what types of companies and/or positions you may be interested in. The Business Analytics Colloquium and Careers in Marketing Forum also allow M.S. in Commerce students to get an inside look at what careers in these fields can look like. Each event featured a full day of presentations from McIntire alumni representing a variety of businesses, as well as networking opportunities throughout the day and in the evening.
Another valuable resource is the Employer-in-Residence Program. This program helps students prepare for a competitive recruiting season by offering opportunities to engage in mock interviews, general networking, and resume reviews with industry experts. Recruiters come to McIntire, which gives students a “home-field advantage” and makes the networking and interviewing process easier to fit into our busy schedules.
CCS also organizes industry trips to major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Richmond, and San Francisco for students interested in exploring jobs in finance, marketing, government, and technology. These trips are held typically during academic breaks. Students are able to network firsthand with companies like Google, American Express, Red Bull, Capital One, and innovative start-ups. This is a great way to gain a better sense of company culture and work environment.
Many students form close relationships with the CCS advisers during the job hunt process. Kelly Eddins, the Associate Director of Commerce Career Services, frequently drops in on class to provide CCS updates, as well as takes time to email students personally about specific resources. She is an excellent listener, always open to meeting with students one-on-one, and truly invested in our M.S. in Commerce experience.
So, regardless of what track you’re applying to or what recruiting timeline you’re monitoring, remember: CCS has your back. The job search is challenging, but CCS really smooths out the process by providing so many opportunities for students to connect with employers. They want us to put our best foot forward and be successful finding a great job.
