A panel of 4 experts, professionally facilitated by the Eastern Chapter's own Paula Weir, convened to share their insights and thoughts on the current jobs and hiring market and how MBAs should position themselves within it.  Bill Hennessey of Merc kicked off by outlining how there is a definite increase in demand in recent times and this was reiterated by Caroline Hughes of Esker HR who noted how there is "some good news that is not necessarily reflected in the media". 

Further insights came from Caitlin O'Connor of Accelerate and Imelda Duggan, HR, Ulster Bank Corporate, who both emphasized the need to "position yourself to stand out from the crowd" whether you are seeking employment externally in the market or seeking that step up the career ladder internally within your organization. 

The panel all agreed on the importance of networking internally as well as externally  - a point that ensured a high level of social interaction and discussion amongst all the MBAs and their guests following the panel discussions.

A big thank you to the Eastern Chapter organizers in particular the aforementioned Paula Weir and Maeve O'Connell (recent Board appointee) who as ever, did a fantastic job of organizing the event.

Some Takeaway Tips from our expert panel:

• Brand Yourself: Become, and be seen as, an expert in a particular field.
• Network
• Serve on Committees
• Identify someone in the organization who is well-connected and in a position to market YOU, then go and build that relationship with them.

• When filling C-Level positions, recruiters look for evidence of the following:
• Strategic Thinking
• Change Management
• Commercial focus
• Passion
• Ability to LEAD a Team

Robert Cooper, MBA
Chair, Eastern Chapter MBA Association.