No, I am not talking about public accounting firms. The Big Four in the MBA Career Services world refers to the four largest special-interest themed MBA organizations. They are NSHMBA, NBMBAA, NAAMBA and MBAWI. Each organization has chapters across the country and each holds an annual convention and career fair. These career fairs are a feeding frenzy for the best MBA candidates across the country and the biggest MBA employers.
As you consider your job search strategy, think about adding one of these to the mix. And no, you don’t have to match the special interest targeted by the host organization to participate. If you do fall within one of these special-interest categories though, I strongly suggest you at least participate in networking opportunities offered by the local chapter. Each of these groups also has a job board.
Conference registration fees listed below are “early bird” prices whose deadlines vary across organizations. They do not include transportation or lodging.
NAAMBA – National Association of Asian MBAs
4th Annual NAAMBA Leadership Conference & Exposition – September 13-15, 2012 @ Santa Clara, CA
To join and to register for the conference, go to asianmba.org
Student membership is $50/year.
Full conference registration is $170. Career exposition only is $50.
NBMBAA – National Black MBA Association
NBMBAA 34th Annual Conference & Exposition – September 25-29, 2012 @ Indianapolis, IN
To join and to register for the conference, go to nbmbaa.org
Student Membership is $60/year.
Conference registration for student members is $325. Student member expo only is $100.
To get involved with the local chapter, go to ccnbmbaa.org
NSHMBA – National Society of Hispanic MBAs
NSHMBA 23rd Annual Conference & Career Expo – October 4-6, 2012 @ Orlando, FL
To join and to register for the conference, go to nshmba.org
Student (Associate) Membership is FREE.
Full conference registration w/ meals is $400. Career day only is $300. Extreme discounts for volunteers!
To get involved with the local chapter, go to nshmba.org/group/Chicago
MBAWI – MBA Women International
Leadership Conference & Career Fair – October 18-20, 2012 @ Phoenix, AZ
To join and to register for the conference, go to mbawomen.org
To get involved with the local chapter, go to mbawomen.org/chicago