|
Career Development Services (CDS) for The Magellan MBA students are delivered by the EGP-UPBS Career Service. The department was officially established in 2004 to address the growing need for a professional career development programme and a structured facilitation in the placement and recruiting of the MBA graduates. The programme is fully integrated into the Magellan curriculum and consists of individual advising and assessment sessions, group workshops addressing different steps in the career management process, and numerous recruiting and networking events. The Magellan MBA students are introduced to the career development programme and CDS at the end of the Foundation term in September. In the first term, the programme begins with personal interview sessions that lead to a joint analysis of each student's profile, skills, professional ambitions, and then to an assessment of their individual potential career strategies. The aim of these sessions is to prepare students for the job-seeking process, contribute towards managing of their expectations, and ensure they become active in development of their careers. CDS approach is highly personalised and confidential. In the second term, the CDS focus shifts to active development of students' self- knowledge, their understanding of the market and individual presentation. First, students go through a self assessment programme. Then the results are discussed with the CDS advisor and serve as the basis for creation of a self marketing plan. Numerous events with companies and alumni further develop students' understanding of the job market, and differences in industries and corporate cultures. CDS sessions focus as well on students' personal communication and presentation; all students receive training in CV and cover letter writing. The third term is dedicated to recruiting and placement activities. CDS organises students’ yearly Talent Show that presents the students to employers and recruiters who come to campus, and produces an annual Profile Book that is distributed to selected potential recruiters. In addition, multiple networking and industry events are organised on campus, and students obtain access to on-line Talent Link, connecting them and other EGP alumni to the job market. Students participate in mock interviews and enroll in job shadow activities. CDS also capitalises on the EGP-UPBS active and dedicated network of professionals and invites them to participate on a voluntary basis in the mentoring programme available to the Magellan students. Recruiting and placement activities continue for one year after the end of classes. CDS maintains contacts with over 2000 companies in Portugal and abroad. It also manages networking with the EGP-UPBS foreign ambassadors involved in international placement in 36 countries. |