The Job Search Roller-Coaster

"By the end of Trinity Term, I had made no progress. I was rejected by every single company I applied for with no opportunities to interview"

By Larry Kao

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Larry Kao
Oxford Saïd Business School
MBA Class of 2008

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"Do what turns you on, not what the statistics say is best…Business ceases to be work when you're chasing a dream that has engorged you…And if the passion isn't there, then biotech and plumbing will be equal drags." –Tom Peters, author and ex-McKinsey partner

Throughout my MBA year, I have had mixed emotions about going back to technology, jumping into a new career track, or starting my own company. Instead of writing snippets on these thoughts throughout the year, I thought it would be best to write one column wherein I sum everything up. Before I jump into my year at Saïd Business School, I thought it would be best to list my background and viewpoints before my yearlong journey. After all, nobody's experience will be the exact same as mine, but perhaps my experience can be helpful to soon-to-be MBA grads.

This was me in October 2007:

Age: 26
Citizenship: USA
Ethnic Origin: Chinese-American
Born and raised in Southern California
Degree: B.S. Information & Computer Science at the University of California-Irvine
Career: Four years at Kingston Technology doing IT work

When I was an undergrad at UC Irvine, Professor Bernard McGrane's sociology lessons forever changed the way I thought about education. He told us to pursue learning instead of the grade. Study what you want to study. It would be better to learn a lot and earn a 'B' grade than to learn nothing and receive an 'A' grade (Note to all: This may be not good for your GPA). Professor McGrane's advice has changed me forever. In essence, he teaches that life is about the pursuit of truth and to seek out exciting projects that interest you.

These experiences have helped shaped my outlook on life and career, which has helped lead me through the turbulent job market and ultimately land a dream job in Central London without ever having to compromise. I'm positive that all MBA's graduating this year will have the opportunity to well surpass the things I have accomplished. Stay focused, work hard, and be helpful.

Michaelmas Term (first term)—Fall 2007

As with all business schools, at Saïd there is a heavy emphasis on finance recruiting in the fall term, with financial firms making their first rounds at business schools during this time. I remember attending the Merrill Lynch recruiting event and one of the first things they did was crack a finance joke. Before the MBA, I sensed finance wasn't something that would interest me and that joke confirmed my suspicions. My flat mate, a banker, insists I would make a great trader because of my quick wit and decision-making, but I decided to rid myself of striped suits and black ties. Finance was out of my life.

As the fall season continued, consulting began to "heat up." A few consulting firms had early application deadlines but most firms came to recruit during the winter season with applications coming later. For some reason, I was never too interested in strategic consulting firms either, and ended up missing recruiting events for some top firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and PWC.

Many big corporations offer great rotational programs. Rotational programs typically offer successful candidates the opportunity to work in 3+ job functions in international locations. To me, that sounded exciting. After accepting my place at Oxford, I targeted the Adidas rotational program as my top choice. I had researched the role, envisioned myself strategizing on how to run ahead of Nike and stave off Under Armor. Many of these programs are highly competitive and Adidas is no exception. There are only five spots open for 1,500 applicants, but I knew I could be one of those few. Why not? I'm smart and completely obsessed with sports. I fit the role and the role fit me.

Many corporations tend to recruit later in the year, typically a third wave in the winter and spring time. Adidas was one of these. I worked closely with Saïd's Career Services so I'd be prepared early for the Adidas application.