Recruiting Strategies
Whether you're recruiting for a fortune 500 company, an early stage start-up or an organization on the other side of the globe, our office takes a personalized approach to helping you recruit on campus. Just as every company is unique, your recruiting strategy should be too.
When developing your recruiting strategy, be thoughtful about who your ideal candidates are and how you can create awareness of your firm among a larger audience before targeting a select group of students. Review various HBS recruiting events and opportunities below as you begin developing your strategy.
Print All Recruiting Strategies
Create Brand Awareness Among Large Groups Of Students
There are numerous ways to successfully market your company's opportunities among the 1,800 students at HBS.
| Post a job in Career Hub | Students have the ability to search job postings via more than 10 search criteria including industry, function and location, providing your company with an easy way to target students with interest in your firm. |
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| Advertise in the Harbus | Your advertisement will run alongside articles, commentaries, and life-style features written and read by the HBS student body. |
| Educate students about your company's culture and opportunities at Company Information Day | Company Information Day is a great forum to educate first-year students about your company's culture and opportunities. Companies will be assigned a 30 minute time slot for a presentation. Date: October 29th, 2013. |
| Hold a Company Presentation | Hold a Company Presentation for first-year students and second-year students to educate them on the opportunities at your firm. |
Target Smaller Groups Of Students
With an abundance of student clubs, conferences, career treks, and more, it's no secret that interests among HBS students stretch far beyond a handful of industry topics. Reaching out to smaller groups of students whose interests are aligned with those of your firm is a successful way to engage students on campus.
| Host Company Appointments | Company Appointments is a way to connect with students in individual or small group sessions. These HBS coordinated meetings are hosted in the Spangler Project Rooms on-campus. Students will sign-up for time slots through Career Hub. |
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| Sponsor a conference or student club event | Supporting a conference or student club event through a sponsorship allows you to promote your company and meet a targeted group of students. |
| Attend a conference | Present at a conference or mingle with students at a club event and get to know students with interests in specific industries, functions and more. |
| Host a dinner or gathering | Get to know students in a relaxed setting off-campus, by hosting a dinner or small gathering. |
| Engage in field based learning | Organizations benefit from sponsoring a field based learning project in which students tackle real world business challenges. |
| Hold a content presentation | Hold a purely educational presentation to provide students with thought leadership about content in which your firm holds expertise. |
Connect With Individual Students
Reach out to individual students you've identified as potential candidates.
| Request a resume book | Identify individual candidates and send emails notifying them of your interest. Personalized emails are extremely efficient in engaging students. |
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| Hold a coffee chat | Share information about your organization and answer student questions on an individualized basis. |
| Interview | Companies can choose to interview on or off-campus. Our office can help facilitate and manage your schedule, should you choose to interview on-campus during our dedicated interview period. |
| Video conference meetings | Arrange a meeting or interview from a remote location. |
Utilize Your Company's Recruiting Tools
Your company has a vast toolkit of recruiting resources which can compliment any of the opportunities above.
| HBS Alumni | HBS Alumni at your firm make great company representatives on campus as their opinions are highly valued by current students. Have them present at a company presentation or attend an event to greatly impact awareness on-campus. |
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| Former HBS interns and employees | Your summer interns, in addition to former employees who are now at HBS, can create buzz on-campus about their experience at your organization, leading to additional student interest. Hire an intern and organically grow your brand on-campus. |
| Your website | Your company website is a robust tool to engage students on campus. Whether touting the latest press about your company, showcasing what makes your company culture unique, or highlighting specific MBA opportunities within the careers section of your site, your company website can be one of your greatest resources. |
| Social media | Our students hold accounts on social media platforms ranging from LinkedIn and Twitter to Pintrest and YouTube. Ensuring your company's profile is up-to-date is a great way to promote your brand and provide students with another means of contacting you. |
Recruiting Options
There are numerous ways to get involved in recruiting at HBS; below are just a few to get you started. We encourage you to reach out to Our Office to create a strategy tailored to your company's needs.
Post a Job
Advertise your company's opportunities via our recruiting platform, Career Hub, and reach over 1,800 Harvard Business School MBA students. We've created a checklist of thought provoking questions to help you craft an exciting and relevant job posting.
Purchase a Resume Book
Resume books are designed to help you identify students who fit your candidate profile and better target your outreach efforts. Purchase a full class book or request a complimentary club resume book.
Participate in a Recruiting Event
Participating in recruiting events is a great way to build brand awareness and connect with students. Second-year recruiting begins on September 9th, 2013 and all first-year recruiting begins on October 28th, 2013. Please note, there are no fees when participating in on-campus recruiting events coordinated by HBS.
Conduct Interviews
HBS supports on-campus Dedicated Interview Periods for both second and first-year students, as well as additional interview dates throughout the year. For more information, view Interview Options.
Partner with a Student Club
The 70 plus student clubs provide an excellent opportunity for your company to connect with a targeted group of MBA candidates.
Propose an Independent Project
Field Based Learning provides students with the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world challenges facing organizations, while companies benefit directly from the student interaction and deliverables.
International Students & Companies
International students are an extraordinary addition to any company. At Harvard Business School they represent over a third of the MBA population and come from more than 70 countries. In an increasingly global marketplace, competitive organizations are pursuing global competency as a key attribute in their hiring so this is a pool of talented professionals you should not overlook.
Internship Hiring
All international students are eligible for U.S. work authorization after the first year of the MBA program and none requires visa sponsorship from your organization to work. Most students hold F-1 status and qualify through a grant of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Those in J-1 status qualify for Academic Training (AT). Work authorization is issued by Harvard so hiring international students requires no more paperwork than when you hire U.S. workers.
Career Hiring
Upon graduation, all F-1 students have U.S. work authorization for 12 months through a grant of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students in J-1 status have up to 18 months of Academic Training (AT). All students are able to work in any professional business function and employers do not need to interact with the U.S. government to secure work authorization. There is no cost to employers and this is the first step to ensuring a smooth transition to full-time worker. It is then easy to convert these workers to long-term hires at your company.
Long-Term Employment
The H-1B category is the most common long-term work visa but it may be just one option for you. It is easy to sponsor an international student for long-term work in the United States. In fact, each year more than 25,000 U.S. companies employ at least one international worker in H-1B status.
Common Business Category |
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H-1BSpecialty Occupation |
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TN
Free Trade Agreement
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L-1Intracompany |
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O-1Extraordinary Ability |
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Global Recruiting
For those organizations seeking to place students outside the United States, our students have permanent work authorization in more than 85 countries and about half of international students choose career positions outside the country. If you want to discuss how to effectively recruit for your international offices, please review our Closer Look pages and refer to our Recruiting Stategies. If you have specific questions regarding U.S. immigration issues, please contact Kurt Piemonte in MBA Career & Professional Development.
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Global Locations
Entrepreneurship
Consulting
Did you know, over 750 students report having experience in consulting prior to attending HBS? In addition, our diverse student body includes hundreds of students with robust experience who are looking to transition to a career in consulting. Take a closer look at this rich source of professional talent and the resources available to help guide your recruiting strategy at HBS.
Fast Facts
- 279 members in the Management Consulting Club
- Over 50 faculty members involved in consulting and corporate strategy related research, teaching, and activities
- 25% of the Class of 2012 accepted full-time consulting positions and 24% of the Class of 2013 accepted summer internships in consulting
Resources for Recruiters
- Contact Our Office.
- Connect with the Management and Consulting Club.
- Reach out to other student clubs: Many students within The Healthcare Club and The Social Enterprise Club are interested in pursuing careers in consulting.
- Develop a recruiting strategy that works for your organization.
- Request a complimentary Management and Consulting Club Resume Book.
- View our Consulting recruiting partners.
Questions about connecting with students interested in consulting? Please contact your consulting sector liaisons Rebecca Storo (rstoro+hbs.edu) and Sandra Genere (sgenere+hbs.edu).
Consumer Packaged Goods
Take a closer look at students with passion for Consumer Packaged Goods. Last year, 3% of graduates joined a marketing-driven firm where they inspire to become innovative and insightful leaders on a team.
Fast Facts:
- 370 current students with previous experience in Consumer Packaged Goods
- 316 members of the Marketing & CPG Club
- 264 members of the Retail & Luxury Goods Club
Resources for Recruiters
- Contact Our Office.
- Connect with the Marketing & CPG Club and the Food & Beverage and Agribusiness Club.
- Reach out to other student clubs: Midwest Student Association is a great club to find talent passionate about going back to the Midwest region; many of these students have an interest in CPG.
- Develop a recruiting strategy that works for your organization.
- Request a complimentary Marketing & CPG Club Resume Book.
Questions about connecting with students interested in Consumer Packaged Goods? Please contact your sector liaisons Lauren Murphy (lmurphy+hbs.edu) and Becca Carnahan (rcarnahan+hbs.edu).
Venture Capital and Private Equity
Venture Capital and Private Equity (VC/PE) have a long tradition at Harvard Business School. Our alumni have founded and grown some of the most respected VC/PE firms around the world. In the class of 2013, 136 students report having experience in Venture Capital or Private Equity prior to attending HBS, and 749 students are members of the Venture Capital & Private Equity Club. Additionally, over U115 companies hired HBS students in 2012 for summer or career positions in VC/PE.
Resources for Recruiters
Companies' recruiting approaches within the Venture Capital and Private Equity space vary by firm. While some firms like to have a strong presence on campus and recruit broadly through the MBA Career & Professional Development office, others prefer to only work with the VC/PE Club and take a more subtle approach. Whether you are an existing recruiting partner or this is your first time recruiting at HBS, the MBA Career & Professional Development team would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your firm's needs and help determine the best approach for you.
Preparing for Careers in Finance
HBS students interact daily with the school's world class faculty and their research, including close to 40 faculty members involved in VC/PE-related research, teaching, and activities. After completing the rigorous first-year required curriculum which includes two courses in finance and one in financial reporting and control, students have access to many sophisticated technical courses.
We encourage you to:
- Check out these overall Recruiting Strategies.
- Develop good relationships with the student clubs that best fit your organization and/or the roles you're recruiting for. For example: the Venture Capital and Private Equity Club and perhaps also a geographic regional club like the West Coast Club.
- Consider holding targeted events in collaboration with student clubs. It's great when compelling senior leaders talk directly to students.
- Remember: we are here to help you when the time is right. Whether it's advice on how to time your efforts, craft the right job description, or customize your efforts here, please feel free to contact your sector liaisons Jonathan Shepherd (jshepherd+hbs.edu) and Drew Davis (ddavis+hbs.edu).
Social Enterprise
274 students worked within the nonprofit or government sectors before coming to HBS, and many students from other industries are interested in switching into work that has social impact. Take a closer look at students with a passion for creating value beyond just the bottom line.
Fast Facts:
- 274 students with experience in Social Enterprise
- 375 members of the Social Enterprise Club
- 90+ HBS faculty engage in social enterprise research and teaching
- 1/3 HBS Alumni currently serving on nonprofit boards
Start Recruiting Now!
- Contact Our Office.
- Connect with the Social Enterprise Club.
- Reach out to other student clubs: The Management Consulting Club and the Healthcare Club have members who are passionate about making an impact.
- The HBS Social Enterprise Initiative (SEI) has been a catalyst for driving social change. Learn about their Summer Fellowship Program and Leadership Fellows Program, providing support to students and organizations interested in seeking or hiring for social enterprise positions.
- Request a complimentary Social Enterprise Club Resume Book.
Questions about connecting with students interested in social enterprise? Please contact your sector liaisons Betsy Strickland (estrickland+hbs.edu) and Jennifer Simons (jsimons+hbs.edu).
Technology
Each year, approximately 11% of the HBS graduating class pursues a career in the technology sector. Ranging from working for a global technology firm as an internal consultant, to a product manager at an established software firm, to founding a cloud-computing start-up, HBS students are incredibly interested in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in this industry.
Our students are ready to face the challenges of a career in technology and are exposed to many facets of this industry—from classes and cases to conferences and company presentations—during their two years at HBS.
Connect with Students
You can connect with our students interested in pursuing a career in technology through both student clubs and events.
More than 340 students had experience in technology prior to attending HBS, and the TechMedia Club boasts over 350 student members. The TechMedia Club strives to make Harvard Business School a powerful source of global leadership in technology and digital media. The club hosts speakers from the industry throughout the year as well as the annual Cyberposium Conference typically held at HBS in November. The club also organizes an annual Career Trek "WesTrek" to visit Bay Area companies.
The Entrepreneurship Club aims to provide a conduit by which students can access relevant entrepreneurial resources, network with prominent community entrepreneurs, and share ideas. To this end, the club is dedicated to furthering understanding about new or small businesses, in technology and beyond.
Working with Our Office
We work with corporate partners in many ways to ensure the best possible recruiting experience. No matter the size or location of your firm, your recruiting budget or the timing of your hiring needs, we can collaborate with you to determine a tailored recruiting strategy.
Throughout the year, we are on the road meeting with firms that recruit our students. We value your partnership and look forward to meeting with you in your environment to gain an understanding of your company culture and hiring needs. Should you wish to meet with us when we're in your region, please reach out to your technology sector liaisons, Cathy Hutchinson (chutchinson+hbs.edu) and Becca Carnahan (rcarnahan+hbs.edu).
Greater China
With 60 Chinese students, more than 247 Mandarin speakers, and over 106 students with previous work experience in Greater China, HBS is the perfect place to find outstanding MBA talent for organizations in the region. During the past year our students worked in private equity, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, consulting and numerous other industries across Greater China.
Preparing Students for a Career in China
As an institution, HBS also is committed to having more of our students gain direct business experience in Greater China. For the past two years we have sent hundreds of first-year students to China with no previous work experience in the country, to work directly with companies there on projects as part of the FIELD Global Immersion.
Connect with Students
Greater China Club: 80 members Asia Business Club: 166 members Asia Business Conference on April 13, 2013: The largest Asia-focused business conference in North America
Develop an Effective Recruiting Strategy
MBA Career & Professional Development is committed to helping you customize your recruitment needs in Greater China. In addition to connecting with student clubs and posting a job opportunity in Career Hub, you may want to also target students directly by reviewing their resumes (CVs) through our our Resume Books. We realize that it is often difficult to come to campus to interview students for positions and so HBS offers video conferencing facilities for students which enable you to conduct an interview without making the trip to campus.
Please contact Kurt Piemonte (kpiemonte+hbs.edu or on +1.617.495.6390) to discuss how to most effectively find the right MBA talent for your organization.
Latin America
Over the past decade, HBS faculty and student interest in the dynamic Latin American business and economic environment has grown substantially. There are currently more than 5,000 Harvard alumni in the 11 alumni clubs throughout Latin America, while on campus, more than 200 students have experience working in Latin America prior to coming to HBS. HBS is committed to having our students gain direct work experience in Latin America and in 2012 began sending more than 230 students annually to Latin America where they engaged with dozens of companies as part of the FIELD Global Immersion.
Connect with Students
Club Latinoamericano: 121 members Latino Student Organization: 48 members Latin American Conference
Develop an Effective Recruiting Strategy
MBA Career & Professional Development is committed to helping you customize your recruitment needs in Latin America. In addition to connecting with student clubs and posting a job opportunity in Career Hub you may want to also target students directly by reviewing their resumes (CVs) through our Resume Books. We realize that it is often difficult to come to campus to interview students for positions and so HBS offers video conferencing facilities for students which enable you to conduct an interview without making the trip to campus.
Please contact Phillip Andrews (phandrews+hbs.edu or on +1.617.495.6086) to discuss how to most effectively find the right MBA talent for your organization.
South Asia
The largest international student group at HBS is from India with 77 students holding India passports and an additional 13 students from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In total 13% of the entire MBA population is from South Asia and more than 90 students have previous professional experience in the region.
As an institution, HBS also is committed to having more of our students gain direct business experience in South Asia. For the past two years we have sent hundreds of first-year students to India with no previous work experience in the country, to work directly with companies there on projects as part of FIELD Global Immersion.
Connect with Students
- South Asian Business Association (SABA): 98 members
- India Conference
Develop an Effective Recruiting Strategy
MBA Career & Professional Development is committed to helping you customize your recruitment needs in South Asia. In addition to connecting with student clubs and posting a job opportunity in Career Hub you may want to also target students directly by reviewing their resumes (CVs) through our Resume Books. We realize that it is often difficult to come to campus to interview students for positions and so HBS offers video conferencing facilities for students which enable you to conduct an interview without making the trip to campus.
Please contact Kurt Piemonte (kpiemonte+hbs.edu) or on +1.617.495.6390 to discuss how to most effectively find the right MBA talent for your organization.
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