Ca­re­ers Q&A: Ne­ver un­de­re­sti­ma­te the po­wer of net­wor­king

If you could give just one piece of career advice to a recent MBA graduate looking for a job, what would it be?

"Don't underestimate the importance of building a network!"

How important is networking in practice?

"Networking is something you do to gain a better understanding of the market, a specific industry, a role, or a career path. It is part of a long-term strategy to position yourself the best way possible in order to achieve your career goals. And remember, it is something you should invest in throughout your entire career, not just to help you secure your first job out of the MBA!"

How can you activate your network without it feeling forced?

"Approach conversations with genuine curiosity. Most people are happy to share their experiences and help others. Start with some easy wins and explore the alumni database – for example, connect with alumni from your home country or those who have recently graduated. They often remember exactly what you are going through. We also encourage students and alumni to attend the MBA events organised at CBS, where they can connect with relevant professionals and expand their network."

What characterises the students who find a job quickly?

"They start early. When starting their MBA, they begin networking and learning about the market they want to enter after graduation. They invest time in exploring opportunities and considering different career paths to identify what they really want.

They are also realistic about the extent of the change they wish to make. For example, it typically takes longer to find a job if you are attempting a 'triple jump' – changing country, industry and role at the same time.

There is no right or wrong time to start looking for a new job as long as it is a conscious decision. For most people, it takes between six and nine months from the point they start defining what they want to do until they secure a role."

What is the biggest misconception you encounter again and again?

"There are three common misconceptions:

• Underestimating the time and effort it takes to land a job.
• Underestimating how long it takes to establish yourself in a new market and build a professional network.
• Thinking that submitting a large number of applications alone will eventually lead to a job.

The good news is that all of these are things you can actively change. And it is never too late."

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the Danish job market in recent years?

"The Danish job market is competitive and has plenty of opportunities, but success depends on finding the right match. Some of the larger companies in Denmark that have traditionally hired graduates from the CBS Full-Time MBA have been facing challenges due to increased global economic and geopolitical uncertainty – like companies in many other markets. As a result, our graduates should be more open to different industries and other types of organisations, such as SMEs and start-ups or scale-ups."

How can candidates best translate their previous experience into something that resonates with a new employer?

"It starts with thoroughly understanding the job description and tailoring your application accordingly. It is impossible to overstate the importance of carefully reading and understanding what an employer is looking for and making your transferable skills clear.

If you are unsure about anything, pick up the phone or send an email. In practical terms, use the language found in the job description and directly address the qualifications being requested.

Sometimes it is simply a matter of finding a more relevant way to describe your experience or skills. Other times, additional context is needed. In those cases, it is well worth investing time in your profile text or professional summary section on your CV."

How should a candidate present the value of a CBS Full-Time MBA?

"I would highlight strategic thinking, a broader understanding of business, and an appreciation of how different parts of an organisation work together. Employers also value the ability to work under pressure and collaborate with peers from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.

It is equally important to explain your motivation for pursuing an MBA, how it fits into your career journey, and what gaps or development areas it has helped to address.

You should also be prepared to explain why you chose CBS. MBA programmes differ significantly, and your choice says a great deal about your personal values and priorities.

Some candidates do not fully articulate what the MBA has added beyond their previous experience. The combination of technical expertise and broader business understanding gained through an MBA is a powerful asset."

What makes a CV truly effective?

"Have a strong master CV, but always tailor it to the specific role you are applying for. The examples in your CV should be relevant.

You do not need to include everything – only what matters for the position. Your CV should be clear, structured, easy to read, and concise. Ideally, it should not exceed two pages."

What separates a strong application from one that ends up in the pile?

"A strong application demonstrates that the candidate has genuinely taken the time to understand both the role and the company. It reflects effort and preparation, perhaps even a conversation with the hiring manager before applying, and research that goes beyond what is readily available on the company website.

In practical terms, your cover letter should explain how you would tackle the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Focus more on the role, the organisation, and the value you can bring than on listing your past achievements – those are already detailed in your CV.

As we often say: your CV is in the past; your cover letter is in the future.

Your application should show why and how you can do the job, not why the job would be good for you."

Do you have one piece of advice that always makes a difference in a job interview?

"Be prepared and be present. One of the most common mistakes is arriving underprepared. If you do not have direct experience in the industry you are applying to, focus on your motivation and explain how you will acquire new knowledge and learn from colleagues."

What advice would you give to those who do not secure a job quickly?

"Keep going. Continue networking and talking to others in the same situation so you do not feel isolated or discouraged.

Finding a job in a new country takes time and effort. Around 70 per cent of CBS Full-Time MBA graduates remain in Denmark after completing the programme.

So, do not give up. Instead, pursue multiple opportunities and pathways simultaneously."

What can a candidate do this week to move closer to the next job?

"Make sure you are marked as 'Open to Work' on LinkedIn, update your LinkedIn profile, and arrange a coffee meeting."