Self-Assessment

Understanding
the Marketplace
Positioning Yourself
Positioning Your Professional Image
Yourself Once you have completed your market research, you need to develop a plan to highlight
your positive attributes and establish relevance between who you are and your target
Networking position. Even if your functional skills and background are not perfect fits, if you can
communicate this link you will be much more successful in your job search. In this
section you’ll look at how you communicate your entire package as a job candidate.
Executing Your
Job Search
The First Two Minutes
Interviewing
We have all read about first impressions and the impact they can have on your
professional success. Most agree that within two minutes you have already been
evaluated. Some professionals argue that it happens even faster than that—within
seconds. People evaluate your visual and behavioral appearance in its entirety. They
observe your demeanor, mannerisms, and body language, and even assess your
Graduation/
Job grooming. Within seconds, you have moved from a neutral candidate, assessed only by a
Succeeding with Offers
and Negotiation résumé, to a probable or improbable candidate.
You might argue that you have the best skills among all the potential candidates. But you
never get to prove that if the initial impressions are poor. Yes, a candidate can overcome
a bad first impression, but it is an uphill battle. If you are impressive in the first two
minutes, research has shown that interviewers will give you the benefit of the doubt
on the more problematic parts of your résumé. This is driven by two primary factors.
First, people like to hire people whom they like—people who will get along with the
team and not strain the social fabric. Second, regardless of your initial position, you are
being assessed on your ability to make a first impression on their clients. That will help
close sales and result in customer satisfaction. The bottom line is that if you fail the two-
minute test, you will likely have a long and painful job search.

Strategies to Pass the Two-Minute Test

Start with these three strategies:
• Read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, the Bible of
business behavior in the United States for more than 50 years. Even if your
interviewers do not practice the teachings in this book, they know that good
professionals do. Read this book and practice its suggestions.
• Read How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes. This is a newer book that is
particularly useful if you don’t have a lot of experience with the well-heeled in
finance, consulting, and C-level circles.
• Practice! Practice informally by putting these ideas to work with your friends on a
day-to-day basis. And be sure to ask them for their evaluations.

11
 Activity 6: Two-Minute Test Practice Your Pitch
Your pitch is a 90-second personal statement (also called a positioning statement). It
should be succinct, memorable, and relevant. You will use it at corporate briefings,
Step 1 networking events, and any other time you want to quickly summarize your unique
Prepare to ask friends, faculty members, or a Career Management Center advisor for their
qualifications and career aspirations.
evaluations of you—and prepare to listen openly to their feedback. Getting this feedback
is critical. The comments you hear will be a powerful tool that will affect not only your job
search but also the rest of your life. Sample Pitches
• “Hi! My name is Jane Awesomeness-Smith. I am a 2010 graduate of the Johnson
Step 2 School, and I’ll be finishing the operations immersion in the spring and am looking
Since this kind of evaluation is very personal in nature, people will rarely offer the feedback for a job in supply-chain management. I recently won a supply-chain-centered
without your prompting. Even then, some people will be reluctant to be completely honest. national case competition after reading The Goal.”
So you need to ask often—and ask specifically. And record the answers. • “Excuse me, do you have a second? I just want to introduce myself—my name
is Mark Snelson and I will be graduating from the Johnson School with a
Questions to Ask: concentration in finance. I plan to study abroad in Shanghai in the fall of my second
• What one thing could I do to improve my first impression?
year and am looking for positions that would take advantage of my international
• Is my eye contact solid, or do I seem distracted? business and fluency in multiple languages.”
• Do I smile enough? Do I smile too much?
• “I will be receiving my MBA from the Johnson School in May 2009. Before
• Does my pitch sound genuine or stilted? How can I improve it? business school I worked in civil engineering for almost five years; my most recent
__________________________________________________________________________ position was project manager. My last assignment before b-school was working
with a gold-mining company in Papua, New Guinea. I’m hoping to leverage my
__________________________________________________________________________
engineering background and technical skills in the consulting industry.”
__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

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The Johnson School Career Workbook
Your Marketing Plan
As you learned in the Core Programs, a marketing plan is designed to launch a product
thoughtfully and effectively. In the job search, you are a brand. You are packaging and
selling your unique qualities and attributes. How will you package and market yourself
so that an employer will want to take you off the shelf, learn more about you, and
purchase you?

Elements of Your Marketing Plan

Understand the elements that will comprise your marketing plan:
• Target Positions: In review of your self-assessment results and your exploration
of the careers in the section “Understanding the Marketplace,” you should have
identified one or more target positions that you are interested in pursuing.
• Brand Description: The brand description is a summary of your attributes as a
product. What are you known for; what is your essence as a brand? You must
establish the link between yourself and the career you’re pursuing, and, more
important, you need to clearly articulate your distinguishing characteristics.
• Positioning Statement: This is your sales pitch, telling who you are and what you’re
about. It’s succinct and memorable and describes how, and for what, you want to be
remembered. It should concisely communicate where you want your career to go,
why, and how you plan to get there.
• Product=Key Competencies: You are the product: your skills, interests, and
motivators. Review your CareerLeader® results and the section on “Self-
assessment.” From your CareerLeader® results, list your top skills, the industry and
professional knowledge you’ve acquired, and your career-relevant traits.
• Place=Target Market Characteristics: A comprehensive list of 20–30 specific
target companies, including geographic area, industry, company size, culture, and
organizational structure.
• Price: The compensation and benefits package you require
• Promotion: Your plan to network and publicize yourself

13
 Activity 7: Develop Your Marketing Plan

Step 1 Place=Target Market Characteristics

Review this example of a marketing plan for the position of brand manager. Geographic area: Midwest preferred; smaller, secondary city
Industries: food, restaurant, hospitality
Sample Marketing Plan Size of organization: Fortune 1000, international in scope
Target Position Organizational structure: hierarchical is fine as long as culture is collaborative, creative, fun
Associate Brand Manager or Brand Manager Culture: team-based, creative, fun

Brand Description Target Companies

In my work I value financial gain, prestige, variety, and affiliation. I am at my best in a Industry: food
creative business environment where I am a key contributor to a product development Nestlé
team. I bring my talents of understanding customer needs, communicating those needs to General Mills
others, and translating those needs into products. I am known for being customer-focused
and innovative. In my next role, I would like to be thought of as a savvy businessperson Industry: restaurant
who understands the bottom line and generates results. Five years from now, I want to be a Darden
senior manager or director with brand strategy responsibility for international, food-oriented Industry: hospitality
consumer products. Starwood

Positioning Statement Price=Compensation and Benefits

I have a consumer marketing background, primarily in the consumer package goods Competitive per Johnson School employment stats; more important are challenge and
industry, where I have been involved in all stages of the product life cycle. Most recently I opportunity, quality of life, child care (on site)
was part of a team that successfully launched a new line of healthy breakfast cereals. I want
to use this experience in a brand management role for a nationally known restaurant group Promotion
or more diversified or niche foods company. Speak to Johnson and Cornell network, personal network, alumni
Attend New York Restaurant Association Show
Product=Key Competencies Networking trip over spring break to Minneapolis
Skills
Customer service
Project management
Step 2
Written/verbal communication Complete a marketing plan for one of your target positions.
Knowledge
Food industry
ISO standards
Product life cycle
Traits
Creative
Organized
Collaborative

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The Johnson School Career Workbook
My Marketing Plan Place=Target Market Characteristics
Target Position_____________________________________________________ Geographic area:

_________________________________________________________________________
Brand Description
__________________________________________________________________________ Industries:
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________ Size of organization:

_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Organizational structure:
Positioning Statement _________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Culture:
__________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Target Companies
Product=Key Competencies
Industry: Industry: Industry:
Skills

Knowledge

Traits

Price=Compensation and Benefits

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Promotion
1. ___________________________________________

2.___________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________

15
4. _ _________________________________________

5.___________________________________________
 Activity 8: Personal Creative Brief
Personal Creative Brief A personal creative brief is a communication tool to help you understand and articulate your
core brand essence. In this exercise, you’ll condense your marketing plan to a few important
To successfully position yourself, you will need to specify your attributes, your essence.
key words and phrases that differentiate you to employers.
You must establish the link between yourself and the career you’re pursuing and clearly
articulate your distinguishing characteristics. Plan your words carefully—you should be able to utilize the thoughts and words you write
for this activity in your résumé, business correspondence, and interviews.
A personal creative brief is a communication tool to help you understand and articulate
your core brand essence. It condenses your marketing plan to a few important key words
Step 1
and phrases that differentiate you to employers. The thoughts and words from your Understand the issues addressed in each section of the creative brief.
personal creative brief will be useful to you in your résumé, business correspondence,
• Communication Objective: What is the reason for this specific communication? Are you
and interviews.
asking for a networking meeting? Are you hoping to get an interview? Are you gathering
information about different careers?
• Target: With whom are you communicating? The words you choose may change based
on your target.
• Target Insight: What is uniquely important or relevant to the target or the company?
(You should be able to state this insight in one sentence.)
• Single Most Important Point: This point is about you. If your communication target
remembers only one thing about you, what should it be? (Be prepared to summarize
your single most important point in one sentence.)
• Target Action: What are you trying to get out of this particular communication? What do
you want the target to think and do in response to this communication? How will you
connect with the contact?
• Personal Tone and Manner: How do you want to come across in your communication?
(Consider what three adjectives best convey these qualities.)

Step 2
Review this example of a creative brief.

Sample Creative Brief

Communication Objective: Get an informational interview with an alumnus.
Target: Drew Pascarella at Citi
Target Insight: Drew has been in the technology group and recently became a VP; one of
Citi’s core values is cross marketing.
Single Most Important Point: I worked in the treasury department of a technology firm and
just completed an M&A deal with a company.
Target Action: I want to get 15 minutes on Drew’s calendar.
Personal Tone and Manner: tech savvy, motivated, enthusiastic

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The Johnson School Career Workbook
Step 3 Resources
Develop a creative brief that will help you convey your core brand essence as a
• Take CareerLeader® and discuss results with a Career Management Center advisor.
business professional.
• Attend a Career Self-Assessment workshop.
My Creative Brief • Take the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and discuss results and their relevance to
Communication Objective:_ _________________________________________________ career choices with a Career Management Center advisor.
________________________________________________________________________ • Read Discovering Your Careers in Business by Timothy Butler and James Waldroop
and complete the exercises in Chapter 3.

Target:
Business Correspondence
Cover Letters
The cover letter functions as an extension of your résumé and reflects your knowledge
of a specific employer’s needs. It should demonstrate that you are able to communicate
Target clearly and concisely, that you are sincerely interested in this particular job, and that you
Insight: are well suited for the job. Employers look for passion and enthusiasm for the industry,
the company, and the position. Because employers’ needs are different, you will need to
write a unique cover letter carefully tailored to each individual employer.
A cover letter typically consists of three parts:
Target Action:
• Introduction: Capture the employer’s interest! Identify the position for which you
are applying, tell how you found information about the job, and describe your
interest in the opening. If appropriate, you may even identify second-year students
or alumni whom you know there.
• Specifics: Explain how your qualifications relate to the opening. Include examples of
measurable results from past jobs that make you a particularly strong candidate.
Single Most Important • Closing: Ask the employer to agree to a date for the two of you to meet for an
Point: interview. In cover letters for on-campus interviews, say that you look forward to
seeing the recruiter when the employer comes to campus.

Personal Tone and Manner:

17
 Activity 9: Introspective Questions for Cover Letter Framework
[Your Street Address]
Cover Letter

[City, State, ZIP] use the proper
postal abbreviation for the state

Before you start to write your cover letter, answer the following questions: [Date] month day, year
• Why did you choose this industry?
• Why did you choose this company? [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] Joseph/Jane Sewall
Director of Marketing
• Why did you choose this position? Kraft Foods Inc.
• Why should the company hire you? 1500 West Road
White Plains, NY 10705
The text of your cover letter should address each of these points.
Dear [Ms.] Sewall:

Checklist: Cover Letters It was a pleasure to attend the Kraft Foods Inc. briefing at the Johnson School last [month], where I
enjoyed meeting several company representatives. Recently I spoke with [name], a Johnson School
q My cover letter is carefully tailored to each individual employer. It’s not the same [alumnus/alumna] at Kraft Foods Inc., and [he/she] told me about your company’s expansion into
basic letter with only minor changes. the freeze-dried foods business. [He/she] indicated that you will be launching [this project] during
q My cover letter is addressed to an individual. It does not say “Dear Sir/Madam” or the coming summer months. I am very interested in joining Kraft Foods Inc. in a position in this
area. [This section introduces the candidate, the position of interest, and relevant company contacts].
“To Whom It May Concern.”
q If my cover letter responds to a specific job posting, it addresses skills and attributes I will receive my MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University in May. During my first
desired for the position. year I decided to pursue a concentration in marketing and gain some related experience through
my summer internship. As a marketing assistant at [company], I was an integral part of the
q My cover letter has an introduction, offers specifics, and has a call to action in the team that launched [company’s] new [product name] product. This successful project allowed
closing. me to demonstrate and sharpen my analytical, quantitative, and team skills. This experience also
q I carefully proofread my cover letter and checked for misspellings. I didn’t just use the confirmed my interest in consumer-goods marketing. [This section highlights the candidate’s relevant
experience and fit for the position. This section should build on the résumé but not repeat information that
spell-check function on my computer. can be found on the résumé].
q I checked for copy-and-paste problems.
q My cover letter fits on one page and is centered on the page with equal margins on I would like to talk with you personally about my interest in working for Kraft Foods Inc. I will call
you in the next week to ask if it might be possible to arrange a meeting.
the sides.
q I’ve checked the file name before attaching to an email. (Applicants often use a Sincerely,
company name in the filename, edit the letter, and forget to update the filename to
reflect the new company.) [Sign your name]
q For cover letters that are sent by postal mail or hand-delivered, I’ve used quality paper
either in white or a color matched to my résumé. [Type your name]
q For cover letters that are sent by postal mail or hand-delivered, I signed my letter
above my typed name.
q I followed up by phone and/or email with the employer after he/she had adequate
time to read and consider my cover letter.

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The Johnson School Career Workbook
Sample Cover Letters Nicole Craddock
Class of 2008
Charles J. Bowser
Tel: 425-985-0261
336 North Sunset Drive
ngc7@cornell.edu
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-229-0573 December 16, 2006
Email: cjb58@cornell.edu Ms. Molly Morgan-Bove
September 25, 2003 IBD Associate Recruiting
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
Mr. Jeffrey P. Agranoff
745 7th Ave.
Recruiting Manager
28th Floor
PricewaterhouseCoopers
New York, New York 10019
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY, USA 10036 Dear Ms. Morgan-Bove:
Dear Mr. Agranoff: I am a first-year MBA student at Cornell University and am writing to express interest in the
Lehman Brothers Investment Banking Summer Associate position. Through conversations with
As you know, I am a second-year MBA student at the Johnson School at Cornell University. I am a
members of the Lehman Brothers team, I have developed a strong appreciation for Lehman
1994 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and an 8½-year veteran of the U.S. Submarine Force. Last
Brothers’ culture and capabilities. I have had the pleasure of speaking with a number of Lehman
spring I took the Managerial Finance Immersion to deepen my knowledge of finance before the
employees, including Steven Berkenfeld, Evan Rothenberg, Robert Chesley, Christina Park, Steve
summer internship. This year I have continued to concentrate my studies in the area of corporate
Pedone, Beth Schrader, Peter Ying, Charles Fisher, Jared Talisman, Kiran Prasad, Matthew Conroy,
finance.
Evelyn Estey, and Angela Mwanza. Based on these interactions, I believe that my personality,
I am very impressed by the breadth of opportunities at PricewaterhouseCoopers. What attracted me leadership abilities, and analytical skills are a strong fit with Lehman Brothers and the Investment
to your firm is the superior reputation PwC enjoys in the financial sector, as well as the high-caliber Banking Summer Associate position.
graduates PwC hires. My desire to work for PwC was solidified by my background in the energy
Over the past few years I have worked in healthcare strategic planning. My work was highly project-
industry and continued interest in corporate finance. In the course of more than 8 years as a naval
oriented and required me to synthesize quantitative and qualitative information and present key
officer, a year of graduate school education, and a summer internship in the private sector, I have
findings to people at all levels across my organization. Through this experience I developed a
gained a great range of leadership, teamwork, technical, and interpersonal skills that I feel make me
strong ability to work efficiently, handle changing deadlines, and establish rapport with clients and
uniquely qualified for your firm and a career as a financial risk management consultant.
teammates.
As a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy’s elite Submarine Force, I have led many sailors in both training
I have attached my résumé for your review and look forward to speaking with you about how
and clandestine missions. Success as a submarine officer requires confidence, technical know-how,
my skills and qualifications will add value to the Lehman Brothers team. Thank you for your
and fine-tuned leadership skills; vision, commitment, integrity, and the ability to “think on your
consideration.
feet” are crucial. I have proven that I am a leader, not just a manager, and have led through attitude
and achievement, no matter where I have appeared in an organizational chart. My experience in the Sincerely,
Navy Nuclear Power program has provided skills that are directly applicable in the Energy Sector of
PwC’s FRM practice.
Nicole Craddock
During the Managerial Finance Immersion and subsequent finance classes, I have rediscovered my
Enclosure: Résumé
deep interest in a financial career. Finance was something that fascinated me before I entered the
service, but until business school I have been detached from what I believe to be my true calling.
During my summer internship at Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., I honed the skills of client service.
The problems I encountered this summer were all unique and required creative solutions as well as
the ability to interact with the client and learn the firm’s true needs. In addition, as the co-chair of
the Community Consulting Group here at the Johnson School, I have enhanced my ability to create
innovative solutions that drive customer satisfaction.
I have spent some time speaking with Trish Murison. She has reinforced my belief that PwC can
provide an interesting job, intellectual challenges, and the optimal working environment for me.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,

Charles J. Bowser

19
 Abigail Hills Michelle Colban
Apt A 215 College Avenue #3
Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, New York 14850
Phone: 212-111-1111 Phone: 917-968-5659
email: abc@cornell.edu email: mcc47@cornell.edu
December 16, 2007
October 24, 2007 Ms. Katie Preston
Ms. Jennifer Durante Candidate Care Specialist
Deloitte Consulting LLP Campbell Soup Company
Campus Recruiting Lead 1 Campbell Place Box 35D
25 Broadway Camden, New Jersey 08103
New York, NY 10004 Dear Ms. Preston:
Dear Ms. Durante: I am a first-year MBA student at Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management
I am a second-year MBA/MHA student at the Johnson School and the Sloan Program of Health writing to express my interest in Campbell Soup Company’s Associate Brand Manager Internship.
Administration and expect to graduate in May 2009. I am writing to express my interest in the Campbell’s has national brands that are recognized for their consistent quality and that are the
Summer Associate position in Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Life Sciences and Health Care practice. optimal size to allow me to positively impact the business.
Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to learn about the company through the I received information regarding this position at Campbell’s company briefing at Cornell earlier this
Johnson School Consulting Club office visit, corporate briefings in both graduate programs, and fall. In September at the Johnson School’s Golf Invitational, I had the opportunity to learn about the
conversations with former Deloitte interns and present employees. I am also currently in the midst position of Associate Brand Manager by speaking with Michael Hill, Jake Ellerbrock, and Sandra
of a Deloitte Human Capital case competition supported by Vivek Sethia (NY–Human Capital). Gilligan, who are currently at Campbell’s. I also had the chance to meet with Lynn Ambrosia, vice
Overall, Deloitte is a primary player in the provider, payer, and life science areas, making important president and general manager at Campbell’s, who gave me an overview of her career path in the
advances throughout the industry. Based upon all of these points and further research, I believe that food industry after graduating from the Johnson School.
Deloitte offers exceptional opportunities for a summer intern. Throughout my conversations with Campbell’s representatives, I’ve found that the Associate Brand
My rationale in pursuing the MBA/MHA degree combination was to apply overall business Manager Internship represents the best alignment of my education and experience in the food
knowledge to the dynamic problems of the U.S. healthcare system. The variety and complexity of industry with my practical marketing skills. I have had the opportunity to work in marketing at a
Deloitte’s projects provides the opportunity to apply this dual knowledge base. In addition, my work start-up food company, new-product development at Unilever, and quality control at Kraft. While at
in the hard-science environment at U.S. Genomics, combined with my pharmaceutical experience Cornell, I became interested in consumer behavior as a research associate for Brian Wansink’s Food
while in the Treasury at Merck & Co., provided exposure to the life science facets of our healthcare and Brand Lab, designing marketing experiments to test how consumer perceptions are affected by
system. Finally, my years as both a college lacrosse player and as an assistant women’s lacrosse different package sizes and eating environments. Because of my cross-functional background, I was
coach at Cornell helped me develop strong skills of teamwork, discipline, hard work, perseverance, chosen for a consulting project to create a marketing strategy for Nurture Foods, a company that
and a results-oriented mentality. I am certain that the combination of my experiences will prove develops frozen organic baby food. As my résumé indicates, I also led several projects that required
advantageous to a career in consulting. me to work well in extended teams as my projects often depended on collaboration among various
I am confident that my prior work experience covering a variety of healthcare industries, along with disciplines.
the academic base I am establishing at Cornell, will enable me to make a valuable contribution to Throughout my academic and professional career, I have consistently demonstrated strong
Deloitte. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further when your company communication skills, analytical ability, creativity, dedication, and poise. I am confident that with
interviews on campus. Thank you for your time and consideration. my diverse background and experience I can make a significant contribution to your company.
Sincerely, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my credentials for Campbell Soup
Company’s Associate Brand Manager Internship.
Thank you for your consideration.
Abigail Hills
Sincerely,
Attachment: Résumé

Michelle Colban

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The Johnson School Career Workbook
Resources Thank-You Letters
• Cover letter workshop offered by the Career Management Center Thank-you letters are required after every interview, including phone interviews. It is
becoming more common to send an email thank-you note, but a handwritten note on
• Career Management Center staff can help review your letters.
tasteful stationery can be written in special cases. If you meet with a panel interview, you
• The Career Management Center’s Cover Letter Craze should send individual thank-you notes to each panel member, tailoring your note to
• Books on the subject are available in the career management section of the their specific interests or functional role within the team.
Management Library. In particular, we recommend Cover Letters That Knock ’Em Thank-you letters should accomplish the following:
Dead by Martin Yate. • Convey your appreciation for the time the employer spent in the interview
• Restate your interest and qualifications
Email Framework
• Strengthen your candidacy with additional, relevant information and/or provide
Subject Line: [company name] information of interest to the interviewer, such as an article you just read
Dear [first name], • Indicate eagerness for a positive response
I am a first year MBA student at Cornell University pursuing a career in [insert career
interest]. I located your information on [data source: JS alum, LinkedIn, etc.] and would
appreciate connecting with you to learn more about your experience with [company
name]. I am very interested in [company name] because of [X reasons]. Activity 10: Introspective Questions
Prior to business school I worked in [ job function] at [company] for [X years]. Like
yourself, I [insert what you have in common] and was hoping to connect with you to for Thank-You Letter
learn about how you have built a successful career at [company].
I will follow up on this email by phone on [day of week] [date] at [time]. If this time is not Before you start to write your thank-you letter, answer the following questions:
convenient, please let me know a time that would work better for you. • What is the one thing you want to make sure the interviewer remembers about you and
your skills or qualifications?
Sincerely,
• Now that you’ve learned more about the position during your interview, what additional
[first name] information about you do you want the interviewer to know?
First name Last name • What original ideas would you bring to the position?
Cornell University
The Johnson Graduate School of Management | MBA Class of 20xx The text of your thank-you letter should address each of these points.
Phone: (607) 555-1212 | Email: student@cornell.edu

Checklist: Thank-You Letters

Tips: Email
q My thank-you note is sent out within 24 hours of the interview.
• Keep emails concise. Every sentence should contain something that will pique your q It conveys my appreciation for the employer’s time.
target’s interest. Nothing will get their attention more than someone with whom they
can identify as well as someone who has a sincere interest in their company.
q It shows that I listened attentively in the interview and that I added additional
information about my candidacy.
• Avoid sending a career summary, and use your discretion when deciding to send your
résumé in an introductory email.
q It reinforces my best selling points and shows why I’m the best fit for the opening.
• Try to keep the font style, size, and color consistent with conservative business
communication.
• Proofread all emails before you send them. You only have one chance to make a
good impression.

21
 Thank-You Letter Framework MBA Résumé
[Your Street Address] Your résumé is a vital part of your job search. It is used by employers seeking candidates
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP]
for position openings; it is used as a “calling card” when you meet people who might be
valuable contacts in your field.
[Date] month day, year
A great résumé describes your achievements and skills in such a way that readers can
[Mr./Ms./Mrs.] Joseph/Jane Sewall
quickly understand your strengths and easily infer your interests.
Director of Marketing
Kraft Foods Inc. International The standard Johnson School résumé should be a one-page document summarizing
1500 West Road your education, professional experience, related skills and interests, and personal
White Plains, NY 10705
interests. Employers in business favor a straightforward, reverse-chronological-order
Dear [Ms.] Sewall: document. Therefore, we discourage using a “functional résumé” format. For the
I enjoyed meeting you last week. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the résumé book you are required to use the template we have prepared. This same template
Assistant Brand Manager position at Kraft Foods Inc. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share may serve you well in all other instances.
some of my thoughts on marketing and brand development. [This section thanks the employer for his/ The résumé is not written in complete sentences but in short phrases. These phrases
her time and reaffirms the interest in the position].
should convey a great deal in a few words. Insofar as possible, the phrases in the
After talking with your staff and learning more about Kraft Foods Inc.’s expansion into the freeze- “professional experience” section of the résumé should summarize your achievements.
dried business, I am even more excited about the position. I believe it offers a great opportunity Begin these phrases with strong past-tense verbs, such as “Achieved, managed,
to combine my skills and experience in sales and marketing in order to build a dynamic brand
platform that can make a real and lasting impact on Kraft Foods’ business. I would very much like coordinated, led, oversaw, facilitated.” Whenever possible, quantify the results of your
to join the team. [This section summarizes qualifications and answers why you are the best person for work—for example, did you reduce costs, increase sales, reduce lead-time, reduce
the job]. staff turnover?
I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding your decision.
Sincerely,
Key Words
Make your résumé scannable by applicant-tracking systems. Incorporate key words
[Sign your name]
and describe your work experience in a way that is meaningful to your target industry.
[Type your name] Develop your key words through research:
• informational interviews
• job descriptions
Sample Thank-You Email
• trade organization materials
Dear Greg,
It was nice to meet you at the Kraft briefing on Wednesday night. Thank you for answering my • company websites
questions about the various Brand Management positions you’ve held within the company and • online discussion groups
sharing with me your experiences so far.
For more information, refer to the article, “Résumé, Meet Technology: How Your Story
I’m very interested in pursuing a career in food marketing, and I have a few questions about the
more specific day-to-day functions of a Brand Manager within the Foodservice division. At your Gets Read by Machines” by Lisa Vaas (copyright 2009, The Ladders), reprinted in the
convenience, would you have some time to talk via phone? Please let me know what works best with Appendix of this workbook, with permission of the publisher.
your schedule.
Thanks, What to Omit
Michelle
_____________________________________
The standard professional résumé in the United States does NOT include:
Michelle Colban, MBA ’09 • Height and weight or other physical features
Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
(917) 968-5659 • Marital status
mcc47@cornell.edu • Objectives

22
• Executive summary
• Citizenship—but work authorization may be included

The Johnson School Career Workbook

Formatting Specifications Checklist: Résumé Writing
• Use one page of 8.5" x 11" paper. I have included:
• Use a clear simple font—such as Arial, Palatino, or Times Roman. q My name, email address, and preferred telephone number
• Use the font in a 10-, 11-, or 12-point size. q Education—institutions and degrees, listed in reverse chronological order, including
• Set the page margins at 1" all around. the month and year I graduated (or expect to graduate)
• Do not use oversized type for your name; do not change type size or style within the q Work experience—jobs held, listed in reverse chronological order, including name of
document; use only one font style for a clean, crisp appearance. company, job title, and dates held
• Section headings should be in the left margin. I have made sure to:
• Use boldfaced or italic type to highlight schools, titles, or company names. q Convey my achievements in concise, descriptive statements using strong
past-tense verbs
• Use a list format with bullets to clearly show short, descriptive phrases.
q Demonstrate results, not just tasks and responsibilities
Sample Résumés q Quantify results as much as possible
The résumés for these alumni (shown on the following pages) are good examples of q Write for the reader
one-page Johnson School résumés: (Identify the skills useful in the position for which you’re applying and cite examples
of achievements that demonstrate those skills.)
• Nicole Craddock ’08: Nicole was a career switcher and used this résumé in her
search for a summer internship. She received several job offers, held a summer q Use industry terms to make résumé key words searchable
internship with Lehman Brothers in investment banking, and accepted the q Avoid jargon
permanent full-time offer that resulted from her internship. (If you are a career switcher, make sure the reader understands the significance of
• Meloney Moore ’08: Meloney conducted an off-campus job search, received several your accomplishments and can imagine you using your skills for his/her ends.)
job offers, and accepted a summer internship and a full-time position with Diageo. q Edit ruthlessly and annihilate all unnecessary words and sentences
At the time she prepared the résumé labeled “2006,” early in her first year, she I have considered including these optional items:
planned to take the Strategic Brand Management Immersion. She later changed
plans and developed a customized program focusing on international brand q Majors, minors, concentrations, Johnson School immersions
management and negotiations in emerging markets. The version labeled “2007” q Honors and awards
summarizes her first-year activities and her summer 2007 internship. q Named scholarships
• Brad Gallant ’08: Brad entered the Accelerated MBA program in the summer of q GPA, if it would be considered exceptional
2007. He was a career switcher and obtained several job offers through his off-
campus job search. He accepted a full-time position with DTE Energy Services.
q Special programs and study-abroad experiences
• Rohit Kumar ’08: Rohit used this résumé in his search for a summer internship.
q Short 1- to 2-sentence description of any company, if it is not well known
He was a career switcher who is not authorized to work in the United States. I have considered including this other information—headed “Other,” “Personal,” or
He received multiple job offers, accepted a summer internship at AT&T and a “Interests”:
permanent position with CapGemini. q Languages, including level of proficiency
• Santiago Canela, who is not authorized to work in the United States, obtained q Professional affiliations or certifications
several job offers through on-campus recruiting. He accepted a summer internship q Community service
with McKinsey in Colombia as the result of an off-campus job search.
q Athletic and artistic interests
• Kate Capossela was a career switcher who obtained several job offers through on-
campus recruiting and accepted a summer internship with Johnson & Johnson. q Hobbies that I can discuss knowledgeably
q Interests that distinguish me and catch the eye of the reader

23
 MBA Focus Template Sample MBA Résumés
First Name Last Name Nicole Craddock
Street Address, include apartment #, City, State ZIP 400 Triphammer Road, #L-2, Ithaca, NY 14850
000-000-0000 youremail@cornell.edu 425-985-0261 ngc7@cornell.edu

Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY
Master of Business Administration, May 2009 Master of Business Administration, May 2008
Immersion (optional) Park Leadership Fellow—Merit-based, full scholarship awarded for
Officer/Member, Name of Clubs; continue with Clubs divided by semicolons demonstrated leadership, professional and academic achievement, and
or commas community service
Undergraduate College City, ST Old Ezra Finance Club, Student Council Facilities Chair, Women’s
Bachelor of Xxxx, Month Year Management Council, Investment Banking Immersion, 720 GMAT
Highlight only major leadership or major achievements, using only one line Whitworth College Spokane, WA
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, May 2002
Experience Company Name City, ST
Magna cum laude, Presidential Scholarship, Faculty Writing Award
2003–2005 Position Title (most recent)
Experience Overlake Hospital Medical Center
Depending on responsibilities you may want to write 1-2 lines here describing
essence of your work OR describing the company if not commonly known. 2003–2006 • Earned rapid promotions based on exemplary performance Bellevue, WA
Follow with bullet points. [Refer to pages 22–23 in this workbook.] • Awarded Employee of the Month
• Highlight accomplishments in this space; résumés are not job descriptions. (2005–2006) Communication and Market Research Specialist (Strategic Development and Marketing)
• Start your sentence with an active verb, not a passive one. • Led a cross-functional team to develop a model of care that will better support
• Use past-tense verbs to show what you have accomplished. the long-term health of elderly patients
• Quantify results as much as possible. • Analyzed a merger opportunity and presented analysis to board members
• Use key words that will catch a recruiter’s eye. • Authored articles for external publications reaching more than 250,000
potential patients
1999–2003 Company Name City, ST
• Prepared a written presentation of hospital and market data to complete an
Position Title official statement for a $160 million bond offering
• Emphasize accomplishments that are relevant to the job you want. • Revitalized and redesigned the organization’s internal communication
• Be specific—omit unnecessary words and sentences. publication
• Mentored and coached less-experienced staff members
1998–1999 Company Name City, ST
Position Title (2004–2006) Market Research Coordinator (Strategic Development Department)
• Write without reference to first person (“I,” “me,” or “my”). Furthered a multi-year initiative to build a $200 million, 120-bed hospital
• Enter the R (result) from your PAR. in a rapidly growing submarket
• Played a significant role in the submission of an extensive regulatory
Skills/Awards application to the Department of Health
Language Skills, Certifications, etc., if relevant to desired position • Raised community support through PR and outreach campaigns
[If fewer than two outstanding entries, omit this section.]
(2003–2004) Planning Assistant (Strategic Development Department)
Personal • Led a team of 350 participants in the American Heart Association Heart Walk
• Put personal interests that will distinguish you from other applicants here, • Supported all members of the department on projects and initiatives
can use commas.
• Volunteer service, miscellaneous leadership; can separate with commas. Aromas Naturales Alaska
• If no “Skills/Awards” section, you may put more information here. 2002–2003 Entrepreneur/Marketing and Sales Manager Ketchikan, AK; Everett, WA
• Developed a business plan and opened a start-up retail business
• Managed all aspects of the business and supervised a staff of 5 employees
Personal
• Motorcycle enthusiast and aspiring golfer
• Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cooking

24
• Advocate for empowering homeless youth to exit street life: served as a
mentor for homeless youth in Spokane, WA and received 30 hours of training
in this area
• Taught English as a second language in China and Vietnam
• Performed relief work in Honduras following Hurricane Mitch

The Johnson School Career Workbook

2006 2007
Meloney Moore Meloney Moore
518 Dryden Road Apt #B3F, Ithaca, NY 14850 518 Dryden Road Apt B3F, Ithaca, NY 14850
H-607.319.0880 C-917.749.1941 mm523@cornell.edu 917.749.1941 mm523@cornell.edu

Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY
Master of Business Administration, May 2008 Master of Business Administration, May 2008
Strategic Brand Management Immersion Global Marketing and Negotiations in Emerging Markets Focus
Marketing, Black Graduate Business, and Asian Business Associations VP of Marketing, Johnson on Tap
Member of Asian Business Association
University of Notre Dame South Bend, IN
Bachelor of Business, May 2001 University of Notre Dame South Bend, IN
Marketing and Government, International Business Certification Bachelor of Business, May 2001
Thurgood Marshall Scholar, Diversity Leadership Award Recipient Marketing and Government, International Business Certification
Deans List Thurgood Marshall Scholar, Diversity Leadership Award Recipient
Deans List ’01
Experience Liz Claiborne Accessories
2001–2006 Sr. Brand Planner for Juicy Couture, Lucky, and Kenneth Cole Accessories New York, NY Experience Diageo
• Facilitated brand diversification strategy by providing strategic analysis to Summer ’07 MBA Marketing Intern on Beer Innovation New York, NY
senior management in the area of new brand initiatives • Presented recommendations to management on strategic opportunities
Result: Aided team in achieving $9 million in annual revenue within the craft beer industry
• Increased the efficiency at which senior management analyzed the business Result: Provided executable strategies for existing brand portfolio
through the design of an automated database tool that recaps weekly sales • Worked closely with brand managers, distributors, and ad agencies to develop
opportunities, inventory position and business performance at retail an on-premise test strategy for Red Stripe Draft
Result: Identified more than $20,000 a week in additional sales opportunities Result: Maximized test performance by identifying key commercial barriers
• Implemented an inventory/sales planning tool that allowed merchandisers to and location opportunities for the new product launch
balance inventory, sales to focus efforts on owned inventory, and production to • Presented market opportunities for a new beer brand within a new
increase internal margins beer category
Result: Aided team in achieving $76 million in annual revenue Result: Provided team with entry strategy
• Established division-wide process to anticipate potential loss in revenue due to
shortage of supply, late shipping, and order errors Liz Claiborne Accessories
Result: Identified more than $1 million in monthly shrinkage 2001–2006 Sr. Brand Planner for Juicy Couture, Lucky, and Kenneth Cole Accessories New York, NY
• Conducted external research to effectively manage the sale and production of • Facilitated brand diversification strategy by providing strategic analysis to
a $2 million replenishment suiting program senior management in the area of new brand initiatives
Result: Achieved 95 percent fill rates; exceeded expected budget by 15 percent Result: Aided team in achieving $9 million in annual revenue
• Worked closely with retailers to understand competition and sales trends in • Increased the efficiency at which senior management analyzed the business
order to provide strategic direction to the design and merchandising teams for through the design of an automated database tool that recaps weekly sales
future product development initiatives opportunities, inventory position and business performance at retail
Result: Initiated re-pricing strategy for Ellen Tracy Handbags Result: Identified more than $20,000 a week in additional sales opportunities
• Implemented an inventory/sales planning tool that allowed merchandisers to
Awards balance inventory, sales to focus efforts on owned inventory, and production to
• Liz Claiborne Accessories Cross-Functional Leap-Frog Award (2006)
increase internal margins
• Notre Dame Young Alumni Award for volunteering efforts (2006)
Result: Contributed to the achievment of $76 million in annual revenue
• Liz Acts Volunteer Achievement Award (2005 and 2006)
• Established division-wide process to anticipate potential loss in revenue due to
• Competed 16-month cross-functional executive leadership training program
shortage of supply, late shipping, and order errors
(2002)
Result: Identified more than $1 million in monthly shrinkage
Personal Skills/Awards
• Professional workshop facilitator for inner-city scholarship fund • Emerging Markets: Japan and Korea Study Trip (2008), South African
• Scheduled to learn fluent Mandarin in fall semester of 2007 Exchange Program (2008), Turkey and Bulgaria Study Trip (2008), China
• Wine enthusiast, member of Johnson School Wine Club and Sheldrake Point Study Trip (2007)
Wine Club • Accomplishments: Awarded Liz Claiborne Accessories Cross-Functional
Leap-Frog Award (2006); awarded Notre Dame Young Alumni Award for

25
volunteering efforts (2006); awarded Liz Acts Volunteer Achievement Award
(2005 and 2006); competed 16-month cross-functional executive leadership
training program (2002)
Personal
• Professional workshop facilitator for inner-city scholarship fund
• Hobbies include wine tasting and beer brewing
 Bradley Thomas Gallant Rohit Kumar
222 Summerhill Drive, Apt #1, Ithaca, NY 14850 400 Triphammer Road, WestView Apt. #B1, Ithaca, NY 14850
607-221-5522 btg27@cornell.edu 914-552-6605 rk278@cornell.edu

Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY
Master of Business Administration, May 2008 Master of Business Administration, May 2008
Energy Club, Net Impact, Automotive X Prize (AXP) Competition, Finance Club Managerial Finance Immersion; Leadership Focus; GMAT 720; GPA 3.8/4.0
Big Red Ventures Fund—Novomer and Optimal Energy Systems, Inc. projects VP Johnson Consulting Club; BRI Consultant; Old Ezra Finance Club
Winner of Johnson School McAllister Essay Award for excellence in writing Teaching Assistant for Finance, Cost Accounting
President—Johnson Squash Club; member of Toastmasters
University of Findlay Findlay, OH
Master of Science, Environmental Management, November 1999 Pune University, Army Institute of Technology Pune, India
Innovative curriculum focused on environmental risk management, Bachelor of Engineering Electronics and Telecommunications , June 2001
sustainable development, and environmental compliance First Class with Distinction (top 5 percent of graduating class)
Completed program while working full time Winner of the intercollegiate debate contest Verve 2001, from among 97
Indian colleges
Ohio University, Russ College of Engineering Athens, OH
Recipient of Best Student Award and the Rajshekhar Trophy for best in
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, March 1996
extra-curricular
Completed three civil/environmental engineering internships
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, philanthropy chair Experience Infosys Technologies Limited
Experience Corning, Inc. 2005–2006 Business Consultant London, UK
• Managed relationship with sales and key client for $1 million revenue project;
2007 Management Practicum consulting project Corning, NY
added projects worth $3 million to account portfolio in 6 months
• Conducted segmentation study of the non-road diesel-emission-
• Led a team of 5 consultants in a client-facing role on a technology M&A
control market
engagement in the fiber-optic space and conducted post-merger systems
• Reported on customer purchasing procedures and preferences, and
integration
developed strategic business development recommendations
• Performed advisory role identifying new growth opportunities for the largest
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, Inc. telecom service provider in the United Kingdom
• Developed a roadmap for the largest fiber-optic network migration program in
1997–2007 Project Manager Detroit, MI Europe; identified issues and prepared risk-mitigation strategies
• Managed 20+ facility closure/redevelopment projects with fees • Performed industry competitive analysis and streamlined organizational
exceeding $10 million for a variety of clients including General Motors, effectiveness by implementing strategically viable practices; achieved cost
Ford, Delphi, and DTE Energy savings of $60 million
• Developed and administered more than 30 construction contracts
for projects involving multiple sub-contractors and aggressive project- 2003–2005 Programmer Analyst Bangalore, India
completion schedules • Led teams that designed and developed cutting-edge networking applications
• Led business-development initiative focused on Sarbanes-Oxley Act in record time and budget of $100,000; zero-defect delivery consistently for 2
compliance years
• Awarded the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals Award for • Co-designed Internet routing algorithm that increased data throughput
Environmental Excellence for General Motors Ypsilanti Powertrain Renovation efficiency by 40 percent; algorithm design filed for patent
Project • Anchored the first ever Technology Summit within the division; initiative cited
• Received the Conestoga-Rovers & Associates Detroit Office Dedication Award by CEO and event now conducted annually
• Published two articles in peer-reviewed journals • Recipient of the Excellence Award—among top 100 performers from 60,000
employees
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
2002–2003 Software Engineer Bangalore, India
1996–1999 Environmental Specialist II (Division of Surface Water) Columbus, OH • Automated client application testing processes; decreased test-cycle time by
• Developed design guidance that improved consistency and reduced permit to 90 percent
install application review time by an estimated 20–30 percent • Mentored fresh entrants; executed a formalized training plan
• Promoted to Coordinator of the Ohio Biosolids Management Program (1997) • Led a voluntary team of web designers in designing a web portal for the entire
• Represented the Division of Surface Water on public and industry advisory division
committees tasked with reviewing proposed environmental legislation
Personal

26
Personal • Fluent in Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi (basic reading)
• Licensed Professional Engineer, Michigan (#46864) • Member of Toastmasters International (3 years); won several public-speaking
• Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Urban Land Institute contests
• Enjoy golf, history, and travel • Volunteered in school for visually impaired children; organized a charity
walkathon in which more than 5,000 citizens participated
• Led several trekking teams, including one in the Himalayas
The Johnson School Career Workbook
 Santiago Canela Kate Capossela
700 Warren Rd, Apt. 12–3E, Ithaca, NY 14850 523 East Buffalo Street #10, Ithaca, NY 14850
607-379-3496 sc749@cornell.edu ac645@cornell.edu ~ 415.272.8352
Education Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management Ithaca, NY
Master of Business Administration, May 2009
Healthcare & Biotech Club; Leadership Track; Education Cornell University Ithaca, NY
Master of Business Administration, May 2009
General Management Club and Golf Club
Roy H. Park Leadership Fellow: Merit-based, full-tuition scholarship
Universidad de los Andes Bogotá, Colombia and leadership program; S.C. Johnson Case Competition Winner
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, September 2001 Strategic Brand Management Immersion; Admissions Ambassador, Cornell
(scored 5.0 out of 5.0 on graduation research thesis) Chorale, member of Marketing Association and Net Impact
Bioengineering Research Group—Cardiovascular Fluids Dynamics
Stanford University Stanford, CA
Experience The Linde Group, Hospital Care Business Division Bogotá, Colombia BA, Political Science with Honors and BA, French Literature, June 2001
Internships at U.S. Department of State, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris
2003–2007 Customer Relationship and Project Management Manager
School of Education Research Assistant
South America North (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Perú)
Chamber Chorale, East Palo Alto Youth Mentor, Peer Tutor
• Supervised a team of 4 sales representatives in Colombia accomplishing a
ten-fold sales increase and the creation of a new value proposition for Ecole Superieure de Commerce, 1999–2000 Paris, France
Colombia’s small-customer business segment. Conducted Honors Thesis research at Bibliothèque Nationale de France
• Co-led a CRM program implementation for Colombia and Argentina through
the management and motivation of a cross-functional team of IT, human Experience The Asia Foundation (2003–2007)
$120-million international development fund with 17 offices across Asia
resources, sales, marketing, and customer service personnel.
• Created toolkits and methodologies for future CRM implementations. 2005–2007 Manager, Corporate Relations San Francisco, CA
Colombia and Argentina CRM project became a model for Linde Gas • Achieved 125% percent increase in corporate/foundation partnerships,
Therapeutics. Rollouts being evaluated in Europe and United States. including 13 first-time partners
• Led region-wide CRM Project rollout in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Perú • Managed more than 20 partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to
by managing CRM coordinators in each country and coordinating cross- implement customized corporate social responsibility and international
functional teams of IT, human resources, and sales in each country. development initiatives across Asia
• Assisted the commercial coaching team by catalyzing and leading sales • Oversaw production of marketing proposals (45/year) with cross-functional
managers towards improving sales force efficiency, efficacy, and cultural teams in 17 field offices
change within Colombia’s sales force. 2003–2005 Associate, Corporate Relations
• Played a role in setting priorities and strategies and ensuring project- • Created Women’s Advancement Fund: first vehicle to market foundation’s
management best practices for all key projects in the region, as a member of women’s programs
South America North Market Development Team. • Created 50-page marketing proposal handbook, including templates for
• Selected for company-designed graduate management studies at Los Andes branding, financial reporting
University in Colombia and worldwide Linde University Trainings (high- • Managed team operations, including business development pipeline and
potential employee program). direct-mail campaigns
• Implemented the first websites for Linde Gas Therapeutics in Colombia, • Partnered with CFO to develop accounting training for more than 15 new staff
Ecuador, and Perú.
2001–2003 Women in International Security (WIIS) Washington, DC
Applications Engineer (2003–2004) Professional association for 3,000+ foreign affairs experts
• Responsible for sales, collections, and customer relationship at key accounts.
• Designed an IT-Dashboard for sales and marketing follow-up and control. Program Director
• Promoted to management after 9 months of work (average time: 4 years). • Established WIIS network of more than 100 civic and government leaders in
Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia
Marubeni Corporation Bogotá, Colombia • Managed marketing and program development for 42 policy and career
2002–2003 Commercial Assistant—Metal and Mineral Resources Division programs annually
• Achieved sales quota of US $35 million/year for Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, • Managed media relations, securing regular interviews on ABC News, PBS’s
and Central America. “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” C-SPAN
• Assumed leadership responsibilities for six months after CEO’s departure
American Glass Products Bogotá, Colombia
Community Leadership
2002 Research and Development Engineer
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, board of directors, 2005–2007
• Performed research and development of new products involving advanced

27
plastic and glass materials. College Bound Foundation, youth mentor, 2005–2007
20s–30s Volunteer Association, president, 2004–2006
Personal
• “I Believe in Colombia” Foundation volunteer. Project proposal to World Bank. Languages Fluent French, proficient Spanish, conversational Italian, beginning Arabic, Japanese
• Independent software developer. Sold to major corporations (Allianz, Unilever.) Personal Classically trained singer; enjoy sailing, hiking, and writing
• Passionate about golf (handicap 4).