Bentley Success Network

Degree: MBA & MS in Human Factors in Information Design

Immediate past position: Production Stage Manager (Off Broadway)

New Position: User Experience Architect at Pegasystems.

How I found position: For Career Changers especially, get as much experience in the new field as possible. Get involved in things that will help keep you informed about the field, especially events and volunteering. I found my current job through a Yahoo group I was on (that I had given up on but was still checking). Bentley Career Services was instrumental in giving me encouragement and helping me to refocus. I'm certain the last revision of my resume was crucial in making me more marketable. Being able to sit down with a professional resume writer (for free!) gave me a new perspective on my assets.

Advice: I found that it was helpful to think about myself as a brand. There are a lot of books that help you build on your networks by being helpful (vs. being pushy). "Get Back to Work Faster" and "Me 2.0" were helpful. Also, a lot of companies have referral bonuses so there are people who are motivated to help you get a job at their company.

If you see an opening at Pega, send a resume (.doc format) and 3 bullet points about why you are a good fit. tamavarose@gmail.com

Immediate past position: Contract position

New Position: Financial/Powerplant Analyst, National Grid

How I found position: I started going to the Bentley Success Network events when my contract position ended last September. I took notes at every event, reworked my resume, and reposted it on Monster, Careerbuilder, etc. I got a call from Beacon Hill Staffing about a position that required a very industry-specific financial/accounting software program that I hadn't listed on my original resume, but now was on the reworked resume. My initial interview was at the end of October--I remembered all of the tips that I received from attending the Success Network events, including the advice to be patient about the process. I went to my interview, aced it with the client, kept in touch with the staffing agency--and was told that I was top candidate. To make an exciting story shorter--I began work recently at National Grid as a Financial/Powerplant Analyst through Beacon Hill Staffing.

The Bentley Success Network gave me the confidence to go into the interview with the client with my "A" game. This is a great program to have for the alumni--keep up the good work.

Degree: MSA

Immediate Past Position: Senior Corporate Accountant, American Dental Partners

New Position: International Accountant, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

How I found position: I found my new position through networking and consulting. I knew that I wanted to use my accounting and finance skills for a major organization in the health care space and, when I made my decision, I was considering an opportunity to work with a very strong multinational organization led by a former US president that provides solutions to governments facing challenges associated with the HIV/AIDS epidemic (CHAI) and a major multinational that provides medical technology solutions in crisis situations, such as a SARS outbreak in an urban center.

Advice: My one piece of advice is to never forget the value of networking. One of the best networking groups I belonged to is the Bentley Success Network, where groups of very strong Bentley alums get together to talk about the job search process.

Degree: B.S. Economics, May 2009

Previous position: Assistant to a government consultant Washington DC (summer job)

New position: Bid Analyst, W.B. Mason

How I found the job: I noticed this job opportunity on Monster.com and applied through the website. Because I was deeply interested, I went a step further and found the recruiter contact information through the company's website. I contacted the recruiter directly resubmitting my application information and restating my interest in the position. After a week of waiting I sent a follow up email and was eventually contacted for an interview. Once I was given the interview I took all of the advice I had gathered from the Bentley Success Network and applied it. I was educated on the company, enthusiastic about the position and got along very well with both the hiring and department manager. I had a second round of interviews and the next thing I knew I was offered the position.

Advice: I would say the best piece of advice I could give is to be persistent in getting an interview because without the interview you can't get the job. If you feel strongly about a position look on LinkedIn, FalconNet or on the company's website to get in contact with someone who knows the hiring manager or the recruiter directly. If you can get your information to them you have a better chance of them actually viewing your application and you will stand out. Finally, don't forget about the small things like follow up phone calls and thank-you notes, they may end up playing a part in the hiring managers final decision. I personally would submit thank-you notes with my business card enclosed directing them to my LinkedIn profile and other contact information. Be creative and use your resources, eventually your hard work will pay off!

Degree: BSBA Accounting

Immediate past position: Over my close to 30 year career at Polaroid I held a variety of Finance positions most recently Finance Controller responsible for our FP&A function.

New Position: I'm thrilled to have joined Resources Global Professionals, a Boston based consulting firm. My first assignment is with a major financial institution in Boston.

How did you find the opportunity? I found the opportunity through networking. Early on in my search I recall a Bentley statisitic that said that ~70% of all jobs were coming through networking and that is how I spent my time. I took a personal inventory of everyone I knew, friends, family and business colleagues and contacted each of them to let them know I was out of work (LinkedIn is a great way to communicate, but a personal phone call is far more effective). This is no time to allow your personal pride to get in the way.

My brother-in-law was nice enough to forward my resume to a friend of his at a major financial institution in Boston. This friend was nice enough to forward it along to the local CFO who brought me in for an informational interview. That day, I remember it was a Monday, I met the CFO along with two other members of his staff. Later that day, I heard from the admin that they would like for me to come back in and meet other members of the team. In total, including the admin, I met 7 people and each was nicer than the last.

Time goes by and I stay in touch with the CFO. I saw a job on their job board that looked interesting and sent a note to the CFO but I heard nothing. I allowed a week to go by and decided (I've got nothing to lose) to contact the admin, with whom I had developed a nice relationship with during my 2 prior visits. I asked her to follow up with the CFO and next thing I know I was contacted about a fascinating project they had coming up. I will go to my grave believing that it was my relationship with the admin that got me this position.

Advice: Keep networking. Keep picking up that phone to make appointments, continue meeting people, stay diligent. Get back to Bentley for help - Barbara Hyle and her staff are fabulous. Follow up and follow through, don't get discouraged and most important of all, always, always, always maintain a positive attitude and a high energy level.