Isenberg Office of Career Success Expands Services for Online and Hybrid MBA Students

An expanded suite of career services and resources is powering Isenberg’s online and hybrid MBA students to create their individual career paths—whether they wish to elevate their professional goals or make a strategic pivot.

New career services and support offerings have continuously been rolled out this academic year, according to Trista Hevey, executive director of graduate employer relations and outreach in the Isenberg Office of Career Success (OCS). 

“Based on a student survey in December, we aligned strategic offerings to better support our online MBA student population,” she said. “Results indicated that most students want support with salary negotiations and networking, and desire one-on-one career coaching and access to on-demand coaching videos and workshops. In response, we’ve created a new suite of offerings this semester.”

Career services for online and hybrid MBA students include:

Individual coaching offers personalized support to students—and alumni—for up to six months after graduation. Students can sign up for personalized virtual career coaching sessions or, if they live near campus, can book in-person appointments.  

Monthly mini workshops provide quick tips and ideas that address specific aspects of job searches. Topics include:  

• LinkedIn Made Easy: Strategies for Success
• Dust Off Your Networking Skills: Creating Momentum with Ease
• Salary Negotiations: Elevate Your Worth
• Summer Job Search Boost: Tips to Stay Consistent
• ChatGPT Prompts to Make Your Job Journey Easier

Short videos, available on the Isenberg Canvas Hub and IConnect, provide five-minute snapshots on topics related to career searching (such as salary negotiation and how to use LinkedIn in a job search).

Networking opportunities include in-person events in Boston, Amherst, and, more recently, through the online platform REMO. “The events held virtually have been interactive and engaging,” said Hevey. “Our students have enjoyed meeting each other and the Isenberg community during these sessions. The platform provides an environment where students and alumni can connect and interact with each other, faculty, and advisors, and move to a new table as if it’s a real-life event.”

OCS will host a healthcare/life science networking event April 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Students and alumni can sign up here.

The bimonthly Career Accountability Group is for online MBA students searching for a job. Hosted by Beth Pellettieri, OCS associate director of graduate career development, each meeting is facilitated to provide group connections and individual support. Students provide short updates on their job search, including highs and lows, and Pellettieri offers strategies and tools to create progress and navigate any difficulties. The group closes with action steps moving forward. Register to attend.  

“Isenberg is a partner in a student’s career journey,” said Pellettieri, who also helps online MBA students with career pathing, resume edits, LinkedIn optimization, networking, and more. “Students come to OCS feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by the job search process. We’re offering a structured approach to career advancement or pivots—from figuring out career goals to wordsmithing resume bullets. It’s an honor to get to work with our students.

“It’s exciting to see them find roles that better fit their skills and expertise, even in a difficult job market,” she added.

The new career offerings have given a current online MBA student the confidence to take bold steps in their professional journey. 

“The career services team at Isenberg is a powerhouse of skilled and experienced professionals dedicated to guiding students through every step of their career journey. My discussions with Beth and the team consistently left me feeling better prepared and more self-assured. For anyone new to Isenberg, my advice is simple: Take full advantage of the career services. Whether you’re navigating a job search or making a career transition, reaching out for expert support can make a world of difference.”