Gallup's Talent Search

Gallup and Citigroup representatives chat about Gallup's joint MBA program with the University of Nebraska, and other issues

Jennifer Mosser
The Gallup Organization

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The Gallup Organization is a global management consulting, market strategy, and education firm—and employer of many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology. The company, especially recently, also hires many MBAs and some undergrads who majored in business (see BusinessWeek.com, 3/30/05, "Wanted: MBAs 'With a Clear Direction'").

A proponent of education, Gallup recently teamed up with the University of Nebraska to offer a specialized MBA or MA in executive leadership. The program is broken down into three blocks and students receive materials and homework before meeting in person for 10-day intervals in strategic locations.

Recently, Jennifer Mosser (JenniferGallup), director of talent sourcing for the Gallup Organization, Robb Webb (RobbCitigroup), head of global service delivery of Citigroup (C) Employee Services and alumnus of the Gallup/University of Nebraska at Lincoln MBA in executive leadership program, and Matt Norquist (MattGallup), global director of degree programs for Gallup, fielded questions from audience members and B-schools community manager Francesca Di Meglio (FrancescaBW) in a live chat event. They offered advice on the job hunt, making a good first impression, and furthering your education. Here, edited excerpts of their conversation:

FrancescaBW: Let's get started by asking Jennifer and Robb to tell us what they look for in a candidate when hiring either undergraduate business students or MBAs.

RobbCitigroup: Basically, I look for evidence that suggests the individual is intellectually agile with an interest in our business.

JenniferGallup: Personally, I am looking for students who are driven and have a clear direction for the future. They know what they love to do and what they're passionate about. Ideal candidates have the desire to be held accountable for their work and be paid for performance. High risk, high gain, and liking the pressure [are also plusses].

Silvestre3: What's the intended audience for this event? Daytime MBAs or executive MBAs as well? Are the companies presenting today targeting both MBAs and executive MBAs? Could you please clarify?

RobbCitigroup: Our organization is continually looking for talent at all levels. From undergraduate, graduate, and mid-career professionals, we are always looking to strengthen the leadership in our various businesses.

MattGallup: I would echo this for Gallup, as well. We're always looking for talent from all of the above-mentioned groups and would consider current and prospective MBA students.

FrancescaBW: For Robb and Jennifer, do you recruit undergraduate business students, too? If so, at what schools?

RobbCitigroup: Citigroup recruits broadly, within the U.S. and internationally (see BusinessWeek B-Schools Forum, "Best Jobs for New Grads?"). In some cases, the schools we visit are situated near a concentration of our businesses, but that isn't always the case.

JenniferGallup: We do recruit undergrads too. As of late, we have had more need for graduate students because of the experience they bring. Our core schools across the country are Berkeley, UCI, UCLA, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton, NYU, Georgetown, and Emory.

foster: Can you share some examples of behavior-based interviewing questions that help you determine if the candidate will proceed to the hiring stage?