But regardless of whether the two link up again after graduation, the exposure to a new job function or industry proves invaluable to the career development process. It is important to discover what brings job satisfaction and helpful to eliminate career options that do not. To help students clarify those differences, Darden offers an online Professional Development Seminar during the summer internship. The optional program helps students evaluate their professional satisfaction and consider carefully their next move. Just as the Second Year curriculum becomes more individualized, job searches during the Second Year are characterized by customization.
Most students choose to participate in the on-Grounds recruiting cycle, of course.
But they also look beyond the University to Darden's strong off-Grounds corporate relationships to tailor their search. The Darden alumni network is among the most effective off-Grounds tools for job searches. Because of Darden's strong sense of community, its graduates remain closely connected to the school. The alumni database on Darden's Career Development intranet makes it easy to identify graduates who can offer valuable insights on industry trends, corporate culture, job leads, and all-important introductions. The West Coast MBA Job Forum is another opportunity for students to make valuable connections away from school.