For international students:

• Help with career related writing (resumes, cover letters, thank you's, networking e-mails). Sign up in the CMC for a one on one meeting with Rachel Dennis. Her hours this week are: Wednesday 11/12 4:30-7:30pm & Sunday 11/16 12-3pm
• Review last week's blog on visa updates and information

For Everyone:

• Stay abreast of all the latest information on Career Treks: London and Hong Kong (Thanksgiving week-Nov 24) and Dubai (date still being debated).

International Week - Nov 17-21. Keep an eye out for international related activities throughout the week.

MBA Enterprise Corps Briefing, 20 Nov, 3-4:30 pm B10 - The MBA Enterprise Corps strengthens entrepreneurs, enterprises and economies through the deployment of recently-graduated MBAs from top 50 U.S. business schools for long-term volunteer assignments with the goal of creating economic growth and opportunities in developing nations and emerging economies around the world.
MBAEC Advisors design business plans, conduct strategic analysis, establish marketing programs and provide consulting assistance to build management and financial capacity that will increase incomes and employment, promote business opportunities, and foster broad-based economic development. For more information, link here: http://www.cdc.org/desktopdefault.aspx?page_id=109

Dear First and Second Year Students:
A few brief points:
1. Career Treks: Students are conducting career treks to London, Hong Kong and Dubai this year. Contacts listed on my last blog entry. Let me know if you have questions or concerns. i'll be joining the students headed to Hong Kong.
2. International Students: Two immigration attorneys from our local firm, Miller Mayer and an advisor from the ISSO conducted an important workshop on work visas last evening. There is important and critical new legislation EVERY international student should be aware of. I've attached the powerpoint slides from that talk.
JGSM%20work%20talk%20FA08.ppt
Visas%20After%20Graduation%20revised%20no%20web%20links%28short%20HTF%20version%2010-08%29.ppt

3. For everyone: International Week is Nov 17-21. Please keep an eye out for events!

4. Finally, some tips for conducting a job search in these uncertain times.

• Make an appointment with a CMC Advisor and meet regularly with that person. This will keep you on track and encouraged. A job search can take its toll on your morale.
• Don't necessarily forget your dreams, but think creatively about ways to achieve them. This may mean casting a broader net and/or taking an interim position that will get you a step closer to your dream job, but you may have to delay getting there until things pick up!
• Keep talking to people about your interests and aspirations. Sequestering yourself is NOT the answer.
• Use all of the resources offered through the CMC - talk to an advisor to make sure you know everything that's available to you.
• Stay positive-there is always hope.

With kind regards,
Laurie

Subject: Boost your international career!

We are happy to remind you of the Careers in Europe Event in Brussels!
Careers in Europe holds a unique, invitation-only event at which top international employers meet and interview the very best graduates and early-career professionals for a wide variety of positions throughout the continent.
On 11th & 12th December Careers in Europe is organising a recruitment event for internationally minded candidates in Brussels.
Apply before October 26th to be among those who get invited for real first-round interviews!
Who gets invited?
Candidates with an excellent academic track record (at least undergraduate level)
Fluency in English
0-7 years of professional experience
· Outstanding intellectual and interpersonal skills
Among the participating companies are:Audi, BASF SE, BearingPoint, BEKAERT, Bosch Group, bp, British American Tobacco, Cargill, De Lage Landen International, Deutsche Börse Group, DuPont, Elia, Euroclear, European Patent Office, GDF SUEZ, Juniper Networks, Lombard International Assurance SA, MasterCard WorldWide, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Umicore, Vale, Yara…
For more information visit our website www.careersineurope.com/Brussels or send an email to infobrussels@careersineurope.com. The application deadline is October 26th!

Kind regards,
Careers in Europe Team

I thought these were important to take note of!
The French MBA Conference – Nov 14-16, 2008 – Columbia University
www.frenchmbaconference.com

The German MBA Conference – Nov 21-23, 2008 – Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
http://www.germanmbaconference.org/conference2008/

In the past there’s been an Italian MBA conference, but I couldn’t find it on the website:
http://www.nova-mba.org/

European Career Fair – January 24-26, 2009 - MIT
https://www.euro-career.com/

If you know of others, please share them with me so I can alert students!

What's going on in the Johnson School that's 'Global' within the last couple of weeks? On Friday Oct 3, members of the Advisory Council held lunch panels with students around different topics. I attended the discussion around international careers. Below are my notes from that discussion. On Monday, Oct 6, three alumni based in Dubai, UAE phoned in to speak with students about their experiences working in the Middle East, the culture there, job prospects, Real Estate, the government, etc. My notes from that discussion are also posted below.
Meanwhile, students are in the process of planning three Career Treks to different regions of the world: London (Nov 27, 28 - Laillah Rice lsr62@cornell.edu and Hilary Renison hkl2@cornell.edu are student contacts) Hong Kong (Likely Nov 24-28* - Jason Ha - yh292@cornell.edu student contact) and Dubai (To Be Determined, but likely over winter break - Craig Franklin - ckf24@cornell.edu student contact).
*students must get faculty permission to attend and make up missed work.

Notes from Round Table Discussion with Advisory Board Members: Oct 3, 2008
Advisory Board Members:
Jeff Kabel, ’97 – Koch Industries, London, UK
Nell Kady-Kruse, ’85 – Credit Suisse, Hong Kong
Jim Hauslein, ’84 - Hauslein Company Inc – NY, NY, USA
William Kidd, ’64 – Kidd Company, Llc – Connecticut, USA

General Discussion on Current State of World Economy:
“De-coupling� – the U.S. Economy DOES seem to matter. The down turn in the U.S. economy has had a domino effect on the World economy.
(*see: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/27/business/26delink.php?page=1)

Steel second largest commodity after oil (Jeff Kabel) and lots of oppty in Sao Paulo. Students should seek out world ‘centers’.

Students should certainly be more flexible, creative, open minded with regards to their job search – not just NY centric. “I wouldn’t rely on recruiters….wear out a pair of shoes…best jobs in Brazil are those with young, small growing companies.� Brazil hot market right now.

Don’t lose focus of why you’re here – studies. Ultimately you have to come away from Johnson with a marketable skill-MBA. Use ‘gorilla marketing tactics’. Don’t over-react to the current market conditions either.

Another idea in a tough economy: “offer to work free for a couple of months. Show you’re hungry!�
There is less angst in London – hiring is on target as compared to last year.

Asia is best place to be still. China growth is not 10% any longer – but it’s not NOT growing either. Growth is slowing down.
Alumni emphasized using the internal network when sending out resumes. It’s MUCH more powerful for an advisory board member or alum to receive a resume when it’s coming as a referral from a staff person that the alum knows – rather than out of the blue, blind.

The Middle East seems to be slowing down? Skepticism in this opinion.
The question of going abroad first or after working in the US HQ for some time first? Mixed reactions: Some said get the face time in HQ first, others said if you have the international opportunity – cease it!

Finally regarding seeking international opportunities: companies/alumni are looking for what you are bringing to the table-it can’t just be ‘wanting to work abroad’. You must be offering a specific skill. Speaking another language and having prior experience helps.
The Johnson School has approx. 11,000 alumni.

Notes from Dubai Conference Call – Monday, Oct 6
Call participants from Dubai:
Devendar Agarwal, Class of 2005 Exchange Student
Lending Associate @ Citi – Dubai –devendar.agarwal@citigroup.com

Dan Zook, Class of 2007 - Orig. with Standard Chartered Bank based in Singapore. Moved to Dubai. Recently left Standard Chartered to accept a position with Booz in Dubai. dlzook@gmail.com

Armen Vartanian, Class of 2003 – orig in P.E. in environmental technology focusing on China. Asia West Funds. Moved to Beruit in ’06 to work for another P.E. fund. 1 year ago moved to Dubai with Manara Capital -Orion Holdings. Recently started a carbon trading firm. armen.vartanian@ecoventures.ae

The first topic is one that’s on everyone’s mind: Current Events in the Market:
“The Middle East is waiting to see how the U.S. downturn will affect their economy. There are rumors floating around that some of the liquidity is drying up; but economy seems to be moving full steam ahead despite. Dubai has diversified away from simply an oil-based economy, unlike Abu Dhabi (whose major enterprise is oil). The next six months will decide….the R.E. market is believed to be a balloon market. Politics affect things (jobs). Abu Dhabi is the big dog in the room. Could bail out Dubai if necessary. To a certain extent Dubai and Abu Dhabi are competitors but they each have a vested interest that the other succeed.
There is lots of opportunity but there is not a lack of intelligence – lots of smart people (MBA’s) see the opportunity and are flocking to the region. What’s in demand is ‘talent’ really skilled individuals who can bring something specific to the table.

More comment on the economic outlook:
There are three burgeoning industries:
1. Trade and Shipping: Dubai is home to a very active and strategically located port. They’re also in the process of linking their sea and air ports – so shipment of goods is seemless.
2. Finance: Dubai is and continues to evolve as a world financial center. It certainly is for the region.
3. Tourism: Dubai continues to develop to bring people to the region: “Dubai Land� - http://www.dubailand.ae/
However, it’s relevant to remember that Dubai is not a free market economy and that their governmental system could influence business at any time.

How to conduct a job search in Dubai?:
1. Use the newly established Johnson School Club of Dubai; about 20 folks in the group. President of the club is Dan Zook. Other helpful websites: gulf.com http://www.recruitgulf.com/

It appears that fall has arrived! Cooler temperatures and the leaves changing color-a sure sign. Meanwhile, our global economy seems to be topsy-turvy. The only certainty is that all is uncertain. In times like these, its important to take inventory of what we DO know! Here are few events to take note of.
1. Monday, Oct 6 - 7:30 a.m. - Sage Room 127 - Dubai/Middle East Conference call. Please join us as alumni call in to share their experiences of life and career in the Middle East. Dan Zook, JS ’07, Davendar Agarwal, JS ’05, Armen Vartanian, JS’03, and Jay Anand, JS '05.

2. International Treks

• London - Nov 27, 28
• Asia - tbd (Dec-Jan)
• Dubai - tbd (Dec-Jan)

3. International Week - Nov 17-21 - Keep an eye out for details! - speakers, cultural and business events in the planning.

Also in November, we'll have a visit and briefing from representatives from the MBA Enterprise Corps. For U.S. students seeking an opportunity to work in a developing country for a 15-month assignment following graduation, the MBA Enterprise Corps offers exciting and rewarding opportunities. Stay tuned. Meanwhile: http://www.cdc.org/desktopdefault.aspx?page_id=109

For Second Year International Students who were registered for the Global MBA/Masters Employment Conference in Orlando, I'm sorry to report that the conference was cancelled. I'm in the process of discussions with my MBA Career Services colleagues about the possibility of organizing a 'make up' conference. more to follow.... Meanwhile, we've been told that the students who registered for the conference have had their resume and registration information forwarded to the companies that had planned to attend. I have asked for, but have not received a list of contacts and companies.

That's it to report for this week-please feel welcome to comment and/or provide ideas for future postings. wishing you all a terrific weekend!

Needless to say, these are interesting and uncertain times. With continuing uncertainty in the U.S. economy, looking at opportunities in other parts of the world is probably more compelling now than ever before.
For both U.S. students and international students, here are some reminders of valuable resources for conducting an international job search:
1. Goinglobal Country Guides: the Johnson School subscribes to this valuable resource that provides everything you need to know about working in 27 countries.
2. Uniworld - Covering over 190 countries, Uniworld is a source for such multinational business contact information. It allows screening for companies by industry, geographic location, size, or keyword. Link to this database from the Management Library site.
3. From the CJOnline you can access a webpage with a list of resources for international job seekers: https://career.johnson.cornell.edu/cfmx/CJ_External/international_resources.html
4. We have a robust base of international alumni who are always eager to connect with Johnson School students. Don't forget to use JAC (Johnson Alumni Connection) and the wider Cornell Alumni Database. Also, there are regional and city alumni clubs for both Cornell and the Johnson Schoool throughout the world - these alumni club presidents can be a helpful resource.

*********************
Global MBA Event - I'm pleased to report that we had an outstanding program on Monday Sept 22nd in our First Annual Global MBA Event! Dean Thomas opened the event by reiterating the importance of a global perspective and reinforced the necessity for the school to offer programs like this one.
Professor Iwan Azis provided an entertaining and insightful talk on the global economy and the current world financial crisis. He left it up to the audience to determine whether they would refer to what he was describing as "a horror movie or just a sad movie or a drama."
Our panel consisted of diverse and complementary alumni: Phil Hsia, JS '99 from American Express. Phil is currently Vice President, Customer Management, International Consumer and Small Business Services and described some of the challenges of moving into the credit card sector in Germany.
Gustavo Campos, JS '07 who recently returned to the U.S. after spending close to 12 months in Singapore with Standard Chartered Bank. Gustavo recently took the reigns as CEO of a privately held firm where he manages more than 80 employees in this privately-held Real Estate Company. Gustavo challenged the audience to think creatively and 'world-wide' when thinking about career & business opportunities.
Susan Mann, JS '03 added the perspective of the international student/citizen seeking opportunities and working in the U.S. Susan is originally from South Africa, speaks several languages and is currently working for CHM Government Services Group where she's involved with hospitality finance, international sustainable tourism, protected areas and revenue generation.
Sean Bannon, JS '03 was serendipitously visiting Air Products Headquarters in the U.S. from his base assignment of Shanghai, China where he's been posted for the past 6 months. Sean was pleased to be able to speak on the panel and provide his insights and learnings from his current international assignment.
Will Hargett, JS '02 - Will flew into Ithaca at the last moment to represent GE on our panel and offer his experiences and insights and also discuss GE international opportunities. Will currently works for GE's security systems business where he's involved in airport security devices, etc.

Following the panel, students rotated among breakout sessions which highlighted Exchange Programs, International course offerings, International study trips, and International Career Treks.

You would have to be asleep to not have seen all the international related activities posted in the past week! LOTS going on- again, for BOTH U.S. students and international students. My message this week is brief on commentary, but chock-a-block with information. Read through the entire message so as not to miss anything!

• Career Expo 2008/JOB SESSION in USA: September 20 & 21 @ Grand Hyatt New York - http://global.mynavi.jp/contents/event/expo2008/usa_ny/index.html
• Boston Career Forum - Oct 31, Nov 1 & 2 - http://www.careerforum.net/event/bos/index.asp?lang=E

• International MBA/Masters Recruiting Forum (formerly the Global MBA/Masters Employment Conference), to be held this year on October 30 - November 1, 2008 at the Caribe Royale Resort Suites in Orlando, FL. The online application is available and can be accessed by your students at http://www.globalhrprograms.com/imba/international.html

• Careers in Africa Recruitment Forum, Houston TX – 21-23 Nov: www.careersinafrica.com/houston

Greetings to the Class of 2010 and the Class of 2009 (who are trickling into Ithaca, one-by-one!)
"Small World": we've all heard that phrase and can probably recount experiences that are perfect examples of how small our world seems to be: running into a friend while on a trek in Switzerland, coming across someone wearing a Cornell t-shirt in Chongqing, China! All the more reason that regardless of where we call "home", we need to understand, and at minimum have knowledge of, the 'rest of the world'. How awesome to watch the Olympics taking place in China! And did you know that members of the Class of 2009 experienced internships in the UAE, Brazil, Israel, Columbia, Hong Kong, Korea, UK, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Ireland, Jamaica, Thailand, Mexico, and PR of China! Our Class of 2010 international student population represents 21 different countries.

All exciting stuff. I'd like this Blog to highlight global happenings, news, insights and a place to answer questions you might have related to ALL THINGS INTERNATIONAL!

For now, keep your eyes peeled for a few relevant opportunities:
Sept 22 - Global MBA DAY! 3-6pm - this is a new Johnson School event designed to highlight all things international at the Johnson School-Keynote, Panel and breakouts will inform you on Exchange opportunities, International study trips, Global Treks, International Careers, and International courses and academic offerings. Stay tuned for details.....

For International second year students:
Global MBA Employment Conference: Deadline for applying has been extended to September 5th. This deadline will not be extended. Career Conferences of America is excited to welcome an excellent group of employers, including Johnson and Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, FedEx, Merck, O-I, Intel, World Bank, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Stryker Medical, ExxonMobil, SPX, Watson Wyatt, Arab Bank, Novartis, Schindler Elevator, the FDIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, and more! October 30 - November 1, 2008 at the Caribe Royale Resort Suites in Orlando. The online application is available and can be accessed at http://www.globalhrprograms.com/imba/international.html

For International First Year students:
Please plan to attend the series of programming for international students starting 11 Sept, 2:55-4:10. This particular program will focus on words of wisdom from SY International students and their best of advice to you as you get started on the job search process. Stay tuned for the room number!


International FY and SY students are invited to attend the Johnson School Welcome Dinner in your honor on Sept 6 @ 6:30pm at the Ithaca Country Club. This Welcome Dinner is sponsored by J&J International; representatives from the company as well as members of the Johnson School staff and faculty will be joining. Dean Joe Thomas will be making opening remarks. Stay tuned for details....


Although many of my messages will be targeted to international students, I want to emphasize that this blog is for the entire Johnson School community - "global" applies to ALL of us! Please let me knw what you think....what you want to hear more of!
cheers - Laurie