Part Two with Maxine Todd: Three Skills Every Job Candidate Should Practice

August 6^th, 2024
By Marilyn Leider

After taking a mid-summer break, The Executive Path blog is back! Today I’m sharing the second installment of my two-part interview I had with Maxine Todd, the Assistant Director of the Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB) Career Center at University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). You can read the interview’s first part.

Maxine, what are some of your tips for body language and confidence while interviewing, particularly for interviewees who may feel insecure or shy?

Job hunting is not the time to be shy. You are a personal brand taking yourself to market. Hiring managers want confident, skilled and likeable candidates. Remember they are hiring their next co-worker, so be likeable, conversational, smile and know what you can bring to the organization. 

The professional handshake-- tips? What not to do?

Lean in, firm handshake, and always look your interviewer in the eyes when speaking to them. Keep arms uncrossed.

Bonus tip from Marilyn: I agree with Maxine that a firm handshake indicates confidence. Additionally, however, I would also recommend being mindful of interviewers and other folks who may be wearing rings on their fingers, as they may find an extremely strong handshake painful if it’s overdone.

2. The Art of Sharing Your Story

Do you have any general guidance and/or tips for elevator pitches?

I’d like to change the word pitch to story. Simple as that, tell your story, academic and work summary, and underscore your accomplishments and achievements. The elevator story is the only time you have control of the interview, and we know that question will be asked, “tell me about yourself.” Be in control, well versed, practice and sell yourself.  Knowing the job description for that opportunity is imperative, and your ability to exemplify how you are uniquely qualified for it is a must. Knowing all the transferrable skills that can apply to the role should also be emphasized. 

Is there a classic structure/template that is dependable, or should students try to come up with their own version?

Be authentic, honest and focus on your accomplishments. Focus on academic achievements, work and then provide your goals or 5-year plan. Forward thinkers and goal planners are achievers, and it’s also a great characteristic of a leader. 

What do you recommend should be the typical length for an elevator story (or does it just depend?)

Universally expected to be 30-60 seconds. A lot can be said in 60 seconds.

What should candidates avoid when giving elevator stories?

Being unprepared and going too long. Don’t only focus on basic tasks and responsibilities of the past-- showcase your accomplishments.

3. Leave a Positive Impression

Should interviewees follow up with the employer afterwards? If so, what is the best medium (e.g., an email?)

Yes, send [an email] within 24 hours of the interview, [and] express your gratitude, reiterate your interest and underscore your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job.

What to do if the employer does not respond or declines the candidate's pursuit of the opportunity.

If they ghost you, what’s important is that you were professional enough to follow up. Move on if you haven’t heard back after a few attempts of follow up correspondence. Good, experienced hiring managers will have you in their radar, and will also be professional enough to follow up with you too even if there has been a change or delay in the hiring process. Working for corporations most of my life and managing budgets, I can tell you that budgets can be cancelled at a moment’s notice, hiring ceases unexpectedly, it’s not the candidate’s fault.  All you can control is you, always be professional, keep searching and networking.

What to do if it does go well?

Celebrate!

Thank you, Maxine!

______________________________________________________________________________

The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may find our webpage at Houston's MBA Program (uhd.edu)., visit MBA Information Session (uhd.edu) for upcoming calendar of virtual Information Sessions. Contact Us (uhd.edu)to reach the UHD MBA Office.

Read the June 2024 newsletter written by the Career Center graduate students at UHD’s Marilyn Davies College of Business.

Thanks for stopping by our blog, and stay tuned for more posts to come!

Build a thriving future.

LEARN MORE

---

 

Part One: Meet Maxine Todd, Career Center Extraordinaire

July 26^th, 2024
By Marilyn Leider

After taking a mid-summer break, The Executive Path blog is back! Here is the first installment of my two-part interview with Maxine Todd, the Assistant Director of the Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB) Career Center at University of Houston-Downtown (UHD).

Maxine, tell us about your journey that led you to the UHD Marilyn Davies College of Business Career Center. What made you say yes to UHD?

It was time for a change, so I thought, hmm, how about building personal brands for a while. I spent 30+ years (started as an infant) in the media business, building, managing and consulting radio stations across the country. I love building brands of any kind, from the qualitative

research, understanding audience preferences in a given market, to launching the brand and hiring the air talent to deliver the brand on-air. A big part of that is building community partnerships and seeing the results of those efforts in those communities. [As part of my work] in Dallas, Houston, Charlotte and Norfolk markets, I committed to raising awareness for HIV/AIDS, still to this day, there are needs for both children and adults who suffer from the virus.

How long have you worked at UHD’s MDCOB Career Center?

Just over 10 years now I have been right here at the UHD MDCOB Career Center.

A decade is incredible. What do you find inspiring about UHD and/or your work?

A part of my role as Assistant Director is not only Graduate Career Coaching, but I also handle Employer Relations for the office. Introducing new companies to our business student talent is a joy. Over the last 10 years, we’ve grown employer participation in our career fairs by 352 new companies. Hiring is happening!

What have you learned from students over the years?

It doesn’t matter what socio-economic background you come from: you have to believe in yourself in order to sell yourself to others. Hiring managers love those who are confident in their abilities, driven, articulate and display an unwavering focus on achievement and love of learning.

What do you wish more people knew about UHD's students?

Their work ethic. I always say, you do not have to baby-sit a UHD Gator. They typically have previous work experience; they aren’t afraid to put in the extra work and they are disciplined. Working, going to school and managing a family life has its challenges, but our students meet those challenges with such a positive attitude.  

What do you wish more students knew about the Career Center?

We have students that work at the Big Four accounting firms, Google, Microsoft and other major corporations. Many of those opportunities came about by those students working with our Center and our [staff] getting connected with alumni working at these companies. We are a humble, dedicated staff, in terms of nothing makes us happier than to help a student with their career goals, and then reaching that dream job or internship. I find that those students who are plugged into the Career Center seem to have the most success prior to graduation in landing a job or internship. Houston is a competitive market for students, and we have other large universities here outside of UHD, so recruiters have an expectation of the student being polished and prepared.

What are your top three accomplishments that you feel most proud of?

Growing our employer base and employer partnership through underwriting, teaching the huge value of networking to MBA students in graduate classrooms, and finally, the biggest reward, are the emails and cards students and alumni thanking me for helping them on their career journey.  

 

Thank you doing such great work in the MDCOB Career Center, Maxine!

Next up: Part Two of Maxine’s interview, on three crucial skills every job seeker should practice.

---

The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may find our webpage at Houston's MBA Program (uhd.edu). For the upcoming calendar of virtual Information Session links, click MBA Information Session (uhd.edu). Contact Us (uhd.edu) to reach the UHD MBA Office.

Read the June 2024 newsletter written by the Career Center graduate students at UHD’s Marilyn Davies College of Business.

Thanks for stopping by our blog, and stay tuned for more posts to come!

Build a thriving future.

LEARN MORE

 

 

 

A Grad Assistant’s Top Tips for New UHD MBA Students

June 14^th, 2024
By Marilyn Leider

Lenka Hlavacova (Hlah-va-cho-va) is about to graduate with an MBA in International Business from University of Houston-Downtown, where she also works as a Graduate Assistant in the MBA Program Office. Originally from Slovakia, Lenka has lived around the world before coming to Houston, TX, and speaks five languages. While she has 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and is a member of ISM-Houston, her proudest moment is making her rescue dog Caramel a decent member of society. Lenka also believes one is never too old to discover new hobbies. In her free time, Lenka can be found traveling, cycling, country dancing, and enjoying musical theater.

I recently asked Lenka if she had any tips concerning important skills that she recommends all UHD MBA students learn prior to starting the program. She shared a short, yet potent list of skills to know (or learn, if you haven’t yet). If you’re not sure where to pick up these skills, I’ve noted resources and ideas in the blue boxes, where you can learn them for free.  

All right Lenka, it’s your turn now!

Tip #1: Read your syllabus.

Read your syllabus - I can't stress this enough. Read your syllabus! Know what's expected in the class, what's coming up for the semester, and what are the due dates and exams. It will make your life so much easier and less confusing. For me, taking three classes each Part of Term* with different requirements and deadlines, it was helpful to map what's important. Once you have a plan going in, it's easier to follow and less stressful as you are on top of the game.

*Marilyn’s note: In UHD’s MBA Program, semesters are actually split into Part of Term 1 and 2. Each Part of Term typically spans about eight weeks, with different classes taken each Part of Term. Each MBA class therefore has a more accelerated pace.

Tip #2: Plan your time accordingly.

Time management is important in general. And it's doubly important when you decide to add yet another activity to your already-full plate. You went back to school for a reason. Remember it. It's an investment for your long-term future. Plan accordingly your time to get the most out of the program. Don't do it for those 3 letters (MBA), do it because you want to advance. And advancement needs time. Plan it accordingly.

Tip #3: Know how to use Excel.

Excel is a relatively basic but very powerful tool. It will not just make your MBA journey easier, it will also make your life easier in any job post-graduation. The two key Excel functions which help people are =VLOOKUP and Pivot tables.

Then you could talk about =SUM / = SUMPRODUCT / =MIN / =MAX / =CONCATENATE and Analysis ToolPak, but if you don't know =VLOOKUP and Pivot tables, learn them fast.  

I've learned Excel thanks to Google, because Google helps dramatically - you need to have basic understanding of the software - what it does and/or could do - and then any other functions you might Google based on what you are trying to do. 

Tip #4: Know how to write in the era of ChatGPT.

As for academic writing skills - I'm going to be the first person to admit - I love ChatGPT. It makes life so much easier. It generates ideas and it helps you navigate complex topics. But it's not error-free. You still need to question what it provides. While it makes some parts easier (generation of ideas, structure, etc.) it's also a tool that at the moment produces lies. Question it! At the same time, it's you who is trying to learn. ChatGPT is a shortcut and at the end of the day, it's not your work. It's a modern form of plagiarism.* It's outsourcing the work to someone else and pretending it's your own. Learn how to use ChatGPT for coming up with research ideas, but don't use it as a way to get your paper done.

Lenka has an additional note: For writing in the corporate world, [it’s very different than academic writing]. You get to the point. It’s not fluff. It’s a lot of bullet points in emails.

*Marilyn’s note: Always ask your professor for clarity prior to using ChatGPT. While some professors may currently accommodate ChatGPT usage, not all UHD professors do, and they may implement software to check students’ submitted assignments. It’s important to be able to know how to write papers well enough without needing ChatGPT, in the event that your professor(s) prohibit using AI in their class(es).

---

The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may find our webpage at Houston's MBA Program (uhd.edu). For the upcoming calendar of virtual Information Session links, visit MBA Information Session (uhd.edu). To reach the UHD MBA Office, our contact information is here: Contact Us (uhd.edu).

Thanks for stopping by our blog, and stay tuned for more posts to come!

Build a thriving future.

LEARN MORE

 

 

“We dig into the details”: Dr. Julio Canedo on UHD’s MBA in Human Resource Management

May 20th, 2024
By Marilyn Leider

Dr. Canedo joined UHD's Marilyn Davies College of Business in 2015. He teaches Human Resources (HR) courses (e.g., Foundations of HR, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Compensation, Strategic HR). He serves on the Editorial Boards of journals such as Human Resource Management Review and Research in Human Resource Management. Dr. Canedo also serves as reviewer in multiple academic journals and the annual conferences of the Academy of Management and its regional chapters. At UHD, he serves in multiple roles at the department, college and university level. Before joining UHD, Dr. Canedo was an Assistant Professor of Management at Northern Michigan University for two years and an HR practitioner and consultant for 15 years. He held multiple roles of increasing responsibility, focused primarily on aligning HR practices with organizational strategy.    

Dr. Canedo earned his Ph.D. in Management and Organization Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. In his spare time, he enjoys watching football, baseball, and live music concerts.

Dr. Canedo, tell us one highlight or gem about UHD’s MBA in Human Resource Management, which you teach.

We take a holistic approach to the employee lifecycle. This is no easy task. On the one hand, we prepare our students to see the big picture in terms of organizational functioning and its strategy. On the other hand, we dig into the details. We are exhaustive about legal issues in HR, talent acquisition, talent management, and compensation. It is really a very comprehensive concentration for anyone interested in taking their HR career to the next level.

What's an assignment that you enjoy giving students, and why?

Use the Mission and Vision of their organization to create a Strategic Model of Competencies. This helps students understand how identifying the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that are strategic to the organization can help in designing employee lifecycle processes that contribute to the strategic intent of the company.

What has made you say Yes to teaching at UHD, year after year?

Having my former students connect with me via LinkedIn and learning how they progress in their careers. For me, that means mission accomplished!

Why should students pick the UHD MBA?

There are many reasons for this. Two very important are (a) the design of our classes obeys industry needs and (b) [each Faculty member teaches] with a Corporate Fellow, who is a partner from industry with strong experience in the class topic. Corporate Fellows enrich our classes a lot.

How do you prepare for class alongside your Corporate Fellow?

We usually connect well in advance to discuss syllabus contents. I integrate their insights into the topics and readings. Then, week after week, we discuss how to tackle each topic, the examples we will use in class and the assignments we will give our students to apply the contents.

Tell us about a favorite moment in a recent class.

Final projects presentations are my favorite. It’s very satisfying to see my students presenting what they did or are planning to do at work. This is no easy task. Applying contents in a real setting is not easy, especially in 8-week classes. Students, however, always provide great projects. I always feel proud of their achievements. I can also say Corporate Fellows feel very satisfied too.

What's a great question a student has asked you?

In Talent Acquisition: How do you assess fit at the culture level? This is usually the most difficult [question]. Assessing fit at the job/skills level might be challenging, but we can always find instruments to do it. Assessing culture-fit, values-fit is, in part, an art.

What do you appreciate or enjoy most about UHD's students?

Their curiosity and willingness to learn. I love students who are eager to learn and question what they’ve learned.

---

The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may find our webpage at Houston's MBA Program (uhd.edu). For the upcoming calendar of virtual Information Session links, visit MBA Information Session (uhd.edu). To reach the UHD MBA Office, our contact information is here: Contact Us (uhd.edu).

Thanks for stopping by our blog, and stay tuned for more posts to come!

Build a thriving future.

 

The Two Biggest Questions about MBA Degrees

April 30th, 2024
By Marilyn Leider

In this post, I’ll offer some answers to the two common questions below (and some others):

1. What is an MBA degree?
2. Why pursue an MBA?

Both are excellent questions. Let’s break down some of the lingo.

“MBA” stands for Master of Business Administration. It is a graduate degree held in value by many companies and other organizations.

With most MBA degrees, the goal is to develop students’ managerial and business expertise and open up new career opportunities. Over the course of the program, students become robustly equipped to lead organizations. University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA program offers more than nine Concentrations to choose from, ranging from Accounting to Supply Chain Management. Additionally, UHD’s MBA Core curriculum features 10 managerial courses designed to advance students’ leadership expertise.

What kind of new career opportunities could an MBA open up for me? According to a 2023 report from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), MBA graduates on average earn significantly higher starting salaries than their BBA counterparts.

“The mean salary for general business majors at the bachelor’s degree level was $65,246. However, Class of 2022 master’s grads in general business earned a mean salary of $110,700—a staggering 70% higher.” Kevin Gray, “Salary Differentials Show Value of Earning a Master’s Degree for Class of 2022 Graduates”.

Should I pursue an MBA? It depends on several factors to consider. You may wish to consider common factors such as cost, time of program completion, whether your organization values MBA degrees (or whether an MBA would benefit you if you’re self-employed), and of course the personal return on investment. Additionally, the UHD MBA program asks all applicants to answer the following questions: “Why do you want an MBA degree? How will it advance your career or your goals?” This requires candidates to spend some time in self-reflection and research prior to writing their personal statement. Successful responses that provide specific details are likelier to stand out than vague responses. For more helpful tips regarding the UHD MBA personal statement, you can find on our FAQ page.

Ultimately, pursuing an MBA degree is your decision and no one else’s. No MBA can be achieved without hard work and grit, but as graduates forge ahead in their careers, the payoff (such as a promotion or industry pivot) may be precisely the outcome that you are looking for.

The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may visit https://www.uhd.edu/mba. For the upcoming calendar of virtual Information Session links, check out https://www.uhd.edu/mbarsvp. To reach the UHD MBA Office, email mba@uhd.edu or call 713-221-8252. Thanks for stopping by our blog, and stay tuned for more posts to come!

Build a thriving future.

 

 

Welcome to The Executive Path: The Official UHD MBA Blog!

April 3, 2024
By Marilyn Leider

Perhaps you are researching to discern whether an MBA degree is the next right thing for your career. Perhaps you just want to know what “MBA” stands for (it’s simple: Master of Business Administration). Regardless of where you’re coming from, The Executive Path will provide you with essential information to help you learn more about MBA degrees, so you can make the best decision for your future.

The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may visit our webpage, www.uhd.edu/mba . For the upcoming calendar of virtual Information Session links, visit, www.uhd.edu/mbarsvp. To reach the UHD MBA Office, email mba@uhd.edu or call 713-221-8252.

Thanks for stopping by our blog, and stay tuned for more posts to come!

Build a thriving future.

LEARN MORE