MBACSC Global Conference in Washington DC

I chose quite an industry to join!  I could not believe what a welcome I had to the MBACSC conference (www.MBACSC.org) this year – where I got to meet and mingle with Career Advisors from great business schools around the world, as well as the multitude of vendors who serve this industry.

It was clear that everyone was genuinely interested in the development and success of their students and their programs – they had passion. Everyone was warm and friendly, and I have to say… a lot of fun to hang out with! Exactly the type of people I’d like to wake up to work with every day! Even the camaraderie amongst vendors was really great, and we had fun getting to know each other in the (really cold) exhibitor hall.

Starting with New Member Orientation (NMO), to the crews of people who went out for beers at night, to the presentations where I learned a great deal, to finally the Gala Event at the Newseum the whole event was a rollercoaster of new faces, new friends, new experiences and new ideas! An event like this isn’t easy to put together, so I warmly thank Jana Klauke and LaTanya Johns, co-chairs of this year’s conference, and their teams for a great job.

The highlight for me was the presentation I gave with Scott Turner, Associate Director of Career Services coming at the USC Marshall School of Business, entitled “Between the Resume and the Interview: How to Get Your Students to Network Like Rockstars!”. It turned out to be a very popular topic, as it was hard to even find a seat! And the response received after the presentation was just as amazing – over a dozen programs (including international programs) came up to me right after and said “Lets partner together”.

As much fun as the conference was, it was just as much hard work. Being a first time vendor was an interesting experience, and I learned ways that I could continue to get better. I’m excited to come back next year! Next year it will be known as the MBACSEA.

Finally, I can say that the entirety of this great experience would not be possible without my sister who came and supported me at the conference. She helped man the table, networked with the movers and shakers, got me prepared for the events, and even took care of me when I was sick. Truly, she was the #1 Rockstar of the Conference!

PS> Check out what some other attendees blogged about, including how Rockstar should be a new verb: http://mbacsea.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/global-conference-2013-a-newcomers-perspective/