Week 8: May 24, 2025
How do I find the companies I want to work for?
Andrea,

MBA recruiting starts early, especially for people utilizing an off-campus job search to find the right fit for their particular goals. As we’ve talked with successful MBA students who came before you, many of them shared how their early career exploration, months before they started school, is what resulted in amazing outcomes for them. This is a great time to differentiate yourself, particularly because you are more likely to find the time for thoughtful career exploration now rather than at school. 
 
There are a few ways to kick-start the process this week. Read on to find out how you can get started today, and use our quick checklist to mark your progress!
  
The 100 Week Sprint team
To-do's this week
Got 5 minutes? Bookmark some of the databases offered by your school so you can return to them later.
Got 30 minutes? Start your ProValues exercise. Even if you don't have future roles in mind yet, evaluate past and current roles to create a powerful framework that will last throughout your MBA.
Got an hour? Listen to one of our CareerBoost recordings on your chosen industry here. Or you can use these templates to connect with five people in a role/company that you want to learn more about to get a comprehensive look at the position (if you need a jump-start, let us know).
Pre-MBA checklist: What could I be doing?

We are often asked: "What could I be doing before school starts?" No matter how much time you have available, here are a few ideas. 

If you have completed...
1-3 tasks: These are helpful strides towards your recruiting goals, even at this early stage.
4-6 tasks: Great progress - these steps will prepare you for the coming months. Keep it up!
7+ tasks: Awesome job in getting ahead! The time invested in early career exploration will be incredibly valuable once your MBA experience begins. Make sure you don't burn out before school starts!

  • Reformat your resume to your school's resume format - this will make it easier to update!
  • Update your resume with accomplishments or promotions you’ve achieved since applying
  • Begin to customize resumes for future paths you are considering
  • Update your LinkedIn profile with your matriculation date
  • Bookmark and start using the financial and research databases (more details below)
  • Explore your school's career report to spark specific ideas (most contain company lists)
  • Complete the ProValues exercise; review the core values that you may be seeking in your MBA internship and post-MBA roles
  • Highlight networking questions from the ProValues report to ask in exploratory conversations
  • Write down 2-3 people whose careers you admire; research their paths to identify valuable skills, attributes, or experiences
  • Conduct a LinkedIn Advanced search and identify 2-3 people to have a networking conversation with
  • Planning to stay within your current industry/company? Identify 2-3 people in your organization to engage with before you go back to school
  • Read a few books on specific industries that interest you; keep track of key lessons from those resources (more about this in the weeks ahead)
  • Start a supplemental pre-MBA course to brush up on specific skills before school starts. It will reduce your stress as you get settled into your first few weeks in the program.
  • Check out one of the 100 Week Sprint CareerBoosts related to one of your interests.
  • Explore the 100 Week Sprint website’s early industry recruiting tips and other industry-specific resources.

Our top recommendation: start your research early!


Schools often provide access to extensive research and financial databases where you can learn about various industries based on analyst reports and government filings. For instance, what are the biggest concerns analysts have about a particular company? The answer could shape whether you want to work there, and how you approach recruiting. Many of these resources are available on the landing page of your school's intranet, or you may have access now through work. Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieva - is the electronic filing system created by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to increase the efficiency and accessibility of corporate filings. This free system is used by all publicly traded companies when submitting required documents to the SEC.


The basics

  • Edgar - Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieva - is the electronic filing system created by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to increase the efficiency and accessibility of corporate filings. This free system is used by all publicly traded companies when submitting required documents to the SEC.


Saves you time/effort

  • BamSEC - more user-friendly way of getting SEC documents 
  • Pitchbook - private company deal and valuation information
  • IBISWorld - industry reports and statistics
  • Statista - repository of interesting statistics
  • CB Insights - news and analysis on private companies
  • D&B Hoovers - company profiles and sales leads
  • The Deal - corporate governance resources


One-stop for everything you realistically need


Financial data
Update your resume

Before you know it, you will have moved on from your current job. The further you get away from that position, the harder it will be to remember what you have achieved over the last several months.

  • Add significant projects and out-of-the-ordinary tasks: keep track of who you worked with, who was affected, and what the results were (including quantitative detail wherever possible). No results yet? Note expected results and set a reminder to follow-up when project deliverables are due.
  • Make space in your resume: even if you're not sure there's a place for all of your most recent successes on your current resume, keep a draft that includes them - you never know when a specific bullet point will be perfect for a job that interests you, and you don't want to be trying to remember the details months down the road.

Focus your search with ProValues


One of the best ways to explore choices is to identify and prioritize characteristics that are important to you. That approach allows you to narrow down the many options you'll encounter at business school, saving you time, stress, and calories when in-person events resume. 


This week, take the first step towards identifying your career path by taking 30 minutes to complete the ProValues tool. Follow the instructions below, and you'll be well on your way to learning about how your values fit with future roles you're considering.



  • Click here to login to ProValues or click "Sign Up Now" to create an account.
  • Enter promo code PV50PDC at checkout for a 50% discount.
Common MBA mistakes to avoid

"I have lots of time to decide."

"This is the only time that I'll have to take a break."

"I'll start talking to people when I feel ready."
 
It's so easy to put off networking and learning more about roles. We have certainly heard our share of reasons, all of which we'd encourage you to ignore.

The most successful MBA students have made it an early priority to meet people. From the consultant who met with people at each of his preferred targets before school started to the aspiring VC candidate who interned for several weeks to build relationships, each of them was proactive in their search.

Make it easier on yourself! Use ProValues to get prepared with great questions to make networking easier.

Missed a week or two? Click here for our article archives.

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