Source: Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
Promoted by Drexel LeBow College of Business

From classroom to boardroom: Drexel LeBow’s commitment to MBA graduates’ career trajectories

At Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business (Drexel LeBow), ensuring graduate students’ success is a number one priority and that includes supporting them in achieving their career goals. Within three months of graduation, nearly 90% of full-time MBAs secured employment in various industries, including financial services, consulting or professional services, healthcare, life sciences, technology, and more. “Drexel University and the LeBow College of Business have active alumni associations and offer multiple ways to connect with a vast global network of alumni,” says Stephanie Johnson, Director of Graduate Career Services.

Personalised, integrated professional development

Drexel LeBow’s dedication to students’ career outcomes starts well before graduation and is the foundation for elevating students’ future job prospects. “LeBow’s commitment to student success extends beyond academic excellence to encompass an integrated approach to career and professional development,” says Johnson. “By focusing on personalised guidance, industry collaboration, experiential learning and adaptability, we strive to prepare our MBA graduates not only for today’s competitive job market but also for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

Career support is a fundamental component of the Drexel LeBow experience. For example, the Graduate Career Services team offers a 10-week course titled “Foundations of Career and Professional Development” to aid job readiness, especially for international students. This course guides students through US business practices and career development, making it easier to map a plan and find an internship or job tailored to their strengths and interests.

The curriculum is also aligned with market demands, placing students in a position to adapt to and prepare for a constantly evolving marketplace. “Our MBA curriculum undergoes regular reviews to incorporate the latest industry trends and technological advancements,” explains Johnson. “We also offer professional development workshops and events to keep students informed about changes in the business environment and equip them with the skills needed to navigate these changes.”

By connecting with their expert faculty and industry-leading organizations, students graduate ready to be the leaders the world is looking for.  Source: Drexel University, LeBow College of Business

By connecting with their expert faculty and industry-leading organizations, students graduate ready to be the leaders the world is looking for.  Source: Drexel University, LeBow College of Business

Practical, hands-on experiences

Industry plays a big role in the Drexel LeBow MBA experience. “Faculty members leverage an extensive professional network, which can connect students with valuable career opportunities,” says Stacy Kline, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning.

And industry makes it possible to offer the best of experiential learning in the MBA program. Companies and organisations — such as Anheuser-Busch, New Spring Capital, McGraw-Hill, Gettacar and more — provide or support research-driven consulting projects, industry speakers, competitions and other engagements. “The programme’s emphasis on experiential learning through internships and projects ensures the practical application of classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios,” says Kline.

In line with this, Drexel LeBow actively facilitates internships and full-time job opportunities. Alum Daniel Nesseler, a native of Leverkusen, Germany, had the opportunity to pursue two part-time summer internships. “I’m coming from a sports management background, and throughout my undergraduate programme, I got more interested in finance, both in sports and in general, as well as business management,” he said. “LeBow beat out every other programme from the other universities I was looking at.”

The former professional soccer player and graduate of the German Sport University in Cologne first scored an internship in operations with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. Nesseler’s second internship was with private equity firm Adelphi Capital Partners as an analyst. This opportunity was part of his fellowship in the Lawrie Advanced Global Leadership programme exclusively offered by Drexel LeBow to equip MBA students with the knowledge and tools to assume leadership positions as early as possible in their careers.

In addition to gaining industry experience, students can participate in career fairs, events, industry panels, and networking opportunities to broaden their professional exposure and contacts. “To facilitate mentoring, we offer a Mentor-In-Residence (MIR) programme, which offers year-round, one-on-one mentoring sessions to our full-time MBA students to meet with experienced professionals and alumni to gain valuable advice, insights, and networking practice,” adds Johnson.

Drexel LeBow has always been committed to offering an ever-evolving curriculum with cutting-edge topics to keep students at the forefront of their chosen professions and field. Source: Drexel University, LeBow College of Business

Drexel LeBow has always been committed to offering an ever-evolving curriculum with cutting-edge topics to keep students at the forefront of their chosen professions and fields. Source: Getty Images

Customisable, STEM-designated options

All of these opportunities are available no matter which MBA concentrations students pursue. In addition to MBA concentrations, students can customise their degrees by adding graduate minors and elective courses. Many of Drexel LeBow’s concentrations, such as the Business Analytics concentration, are STEM-designated. Students in these programmes with F-1 visas can apply for a 24-month OPT extension if they meet the specified criteria.

Therein lies another Drexel LeBow advantage: its international environment, perspective and opportunities prepare students to succeed back home, in the US, and beyond. “Drexel LeBow is committed to fostering a global mindset,” says Johnson. “The programme attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, creating a rich learning environment that reflects the global business landscape.”

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