Over the years, an increasing number of Hult International Business School graduates have made the sought after “triple jump” in their career. An impressive 98% of our alumni change either geographical location, industry, or function when they graduate. It’s an elite group who manage to change all three.

We spoke to a few of our recent MBA graduates about how they managed this big career leap, and asked them to share the journey that got them to their current position.

Stefanie Hernandez hails from Colombia, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Business Administration. She then started a career with L’Oréal as a marketing specialist, focused on building marketing strategies and growing their buying and selling channels.

After her completing her MBA at Hult in 2016, she took over the position of Sales Consultant for Hilti here in the U.K.

How did you identify the organization you work with now?

I made a list of the companies I wanted to work for—a “dream list.” Then, through online research, I tried to identify all the student fairs where those companies were going to be. I registered for them, and even if I had to pay extra, I’d sign up because I knew it was going to have a significant impact on my future.

Tell us about the journey of getting your work visa sponsored

It all started by being sincere and upfront with the recruiters and companies. I engaged them with my background and experience, and then I genuinely told them I needed sponsorship to stay.

Once the offer was on the table and the contract signed, they sent me a “Certificate of Sponsorship.” This is a unique number for each company that certifies their ability to take on board foreign talent. With this certificate, you can apply online and fill in the form for the requested visa. It’s an easy process, and there are lots of guides on the government website to follow.

What tips would you give students looking to make the triple jump?

First of all, it’s extremely important to have a clear understanding of the career path and life goals you want to achieve. Ask yourself questions like: Where do you want to be in five years? What is your ultimate life goal? What future position will fulfill your inner being? These will help you to streamline your dreams.

Once you have a clear understanding of where you want to be and what you want to do, start by analyzing the steps you need to take to become that person. Change of industry? Location? Function? Yes! Changes are positive, and they’ll definitely have a huge impact towards your life and professional goals.

“Changes are positive, and they’ll definitely have a huge impact towards your life and professional goals.”

Stefanie Hernandez, Hult MBA Class of 2016

 

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Gunjan Jain completed his Bachelors in Engineering from India and took up roles related to his undergraduate degree immediately. He first worked for Punj Lloyd, an energy and infrastructure conglomerate, and later switched to working in a similar capacity with Technip, a company that carries out project management, engineering, and construction for the energy industry.

He then decided to pursue his MBA at Hult, moving between Shanghai and London for the duration of the course. Gunjan now works as a manager at EY.

 How did you identify the organization you work with now?

While I was doing my MBA at Hult, I worked closely with the Careers Team on campus, primarily Peter Hill. We worked together through various sessions to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and developed a job plan where my primary-focus industries were management consulting and oil & gas.

EY is a global leader in management consultancy, with a particular focus in O&G, hence Peter and myself identified this as a good company where I could contribute and grow my career.

“I worked closely with the Careers Team through various sessions to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and develop a job plan.”

Gunjan Jain, Hult MBA Class of 2014

Tell us about the journey of getting your work visa sponsored

Getting a U.K. Sponsorship Visa was the biggest challenge. There were nearly 50 companies in the U.K. that were interested in my profile, but none were willing or had the capacity to sponsor my visa.

EY was one the two or three companies that was comfortable with sponsoring me and most interested in my experience.

What tips would you give students looking to make the triple jump?

The triple jump is one of the most difficult things to do. However, the most important tip is to work closely with the Hult Career Development Team. These are the people that are there to help. I think the majority of students get in touch with Career Services in only the last two months, but the key to success is working with them early on to help you make the jump you need.

Jane Rubinshteyn studied economics at Columbia University before establishing a career in finance with companies such as HSBC and SMBC. She was able to transition from a credit analyst to the position of VP for IT project management within 10 years.

She then undertook her MBA at Hult London, where she also rotated to the Shanghai campus. After graduation, she secured her position as Senior Consultant here in London with EY.

How did you identify the organization you work with now?

I wanted my MBA to be a transition from working in New York in capital markets at one Japanese Bank for 8 years, into gaining experience continuing to work in this industry, but for other banks.

Of the “Big Four,” EY was the consulting firm that engaged the most with the industry in helping banks to understand regulatory expectations, explaining where peers were in terms of their implementation progress, and facilitating industry conference discussions.

With its industry reputation and global presence, EY was a natural choice for me.

Tell us about the journey of getting your work visa sponsored

I applied to roles at other companies here in London who would not give me the chance to interview because I needed a work visa. I had four interviews with EY, and from the outset I was honest about my need for visa sponsorship. As a global firm and one that encourages diversity, EY had no issues with sponsoring my visa once I had successfully made it through the interviews.

I applied for my visa from outside of the U.K., meaning I went home to the U.S. when my student visa was about to expire. HR started the process on their end and emailed me the necessary documents and next steps for me to apply for the entry visa on my end. They also covered all visa costs. The entire process took about three months.

How did the Hult Career Development Team help you in shaping your job strategy?

I utilized Hult Career Services in the early stages of interviewing with EY. For instance, I had to prepare a presentation for my first round interview, and it was helpful to get as much feedback as possible, especially from someone outside of my specialization. I wanted to make sure I was able to effectively communicate the assignment for anyone to understand.

What tips would you give students looking to make the triple jump?

Think through the practicalities of your decision, but keep believing in yourself. Knowing how hard it is to get a company to sponsor a work visa, I didn’t think at first that I had high chances of finding a job here, but I decided to apply to any opportunities I could. I stayed an extra month in London after graduation to follow through on interviews and any other job opportunities.

Just be honest with yourself about what will make you happy. This is a big, life-altering transition and you must be willing to make personal adjustments, start over in a way, make new friends, and continue to want to challenge yourself and keep learning. Maintaining a growth mindset is key.

Ultimately, you want the personal rewards to outweigh the challenges of your decision.

“Be honest with yourself about what will make you happy. This is a big, life-altering transition. Maintaining a growth mindset is key.”

Jane Rubinshteyn, Hult MBA Class of 2017