Black MBA - Winter 2008/2009 - (Page 59)

as a team leader in the company, even in informal settings. Find out what competencies or proficiencies are required at the next level, and then see what experience you’ve had that demonstrates your ability to manage, he says. “Also, be ready to accept a lateral move to a new company, with the intention of developing the experience needed to move into management,” he points out. If the company at which you are working now does not have much room for movement, be sure the potential new employer offers more opportunity and make your career goals clear in the interview. RESEARCH CRITICAL TO SUCCESS Research about the potential employer and the position is important before you apply for a position, says Van Travis II, MHRM, senior employer relations liaison for DeVry University in Alpharetta, Ga. “Go to the company’s Web site to find information on the company’s philosophy and values,” he suggests. By visiting a company's Web site you can generally fi nd out if the size its size, office locations and primary mission are right for your career. “You can also browse fi nancial statements and press releases on company Web sites,” adds Christine Gist, MPM, senior career services specialist at DeVry. This information will help you ask pertinent questions about the direction of the company or point out new ventures in which you are most interested, she says. It is important to demonstrate that you took time to make sure that this is a company at which you want to be during the interview. “Another powerful way to gather information about companies you are approaching for a job is to listen to their earnings conference calls,” says Crowder. If you visit the investor information section of a company Web site, many companies will post Web casts of their earnings calls. “Listen to the questions that are being asked to find out what issues are most important to investors.” “Be genuine when talking about your reasons for a change because if you are not, you’ll make statements during the rest of the interview that might be inconsistent with the reasons you originally stated.” In addition to finding out about companies on their own Web sites, visit message boards or Internet posts by current or former employees, suggests Gist. Be aware that disgruntled employees may be especially negative, but you can get a sense of the company’s work environment or at least issues to a Wealth of Experience for a World of Change IFC brings a unique combination of financial products and advisory services to create value for our clients and foster sustainable, results-oriented development in Sub-Saharan Africa and throughout emerging markets. Join our team and make a difference. www.ifc.org/careers BlackMBA • Winter 2008/2009 59 http://www.ifc.org

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Black MBA - Winter 2008/2009 Contents Preserving Dr. King’s Legacy: Harry E. Johnson is Six Years and $100 million into his First Fundraising Effort Online: www.nbmbaa.org and www.blackmbaonline.com Up Front: Inauguration Takes Over D.C. From the President: Connecting With the Basics The First 100 Days – Already in Progress Back to Basics: Finances 101 Is the Middle Class Disappearing? – Your View From Medals to MBA Conference Highlights Market Forces: The Job of Trying to Find a Job in a Tight Market Applying to an MBA Program?: Avoid Making these Five Critical Mistakes How They Did It: Catching up with the Winning Teams from NBMBAA’s 2008 National Case Competition Change It Up: If a New Job is at the Top of your New Year’s Resolutions, it’s Time for Careful Planning and Preparation Bull Market: Now is the Time to Take Advantage of Web 2.0 On the Move: Member News, Promotions and More Backstage at BET: NBMBAA’s Leadership Institute Takes on BET’s Case for Growth Toronto Rising: NBMBAA’s Toronto Chapter is on a Progressive Track, Building Strong Partnerships and Exposure as Membership Climbs NBMBAA® Chapters: Find Your Local Chapter Here Do What You Love: Turning Your Passion into a Successful Business Requires Patience, Planning and Plenty of Hard Work Above and Beyond: Meet the Winners of the 2008 Wells Fargo/NBMBAA Entrepreneurial Excellence Award Decorating by Design: Michelle Rider Leaves Corporate Life for Entrepreneurship Culture Shock: Black Museums Nationwide Appeal for Greater Support from the People whose Heritage they Strive to Preserve Gear Up for 2009: Books to Herald Success in the New Year Advertiser Index: Who’s Who in the Issue

Black MBA - Winter 2008/2009

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