Mendoza Corporate Advisory Board refocuses to boost students’ career potential

Until now, the mission of the Mendoza Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) has been straightforward: develop relationships with corporate partners to help University of Notre Dame graduate business students find good jobs. But a recent change greatly expands the scope of the board’s mission to address a wider variety of student needs. Board members are now charged with helping students with everything from mentoring and networking to maintaining a work-life balance. “We brought people onto the board who were passionate about Notre Dame, even if they weren’t directly responsible for hiring,” said Jeff Harer (MBA ’11 ), former CAB chairman and senior vice president at Schwan’s Company. “We refocused to not only help students attain careers but also to be the best version of themselves, better representatives of ND and better people.” CAB’s new mission rests on three pillars that harken to Notre Dame’s “Irish” identity: Becoming Irish includes help with admissions and orientation. Being Irish focuses on job preparation, including interview support, Q&A sessions, networking opportunities, and mentoring to build authentic relationships with corporate leaders. Living Irish puts ND values into practice after graduation, including reinforcing lifelong networking skills and mentoring alumni from underrepresented groups to create a more diverse representation in the business world. “The board’s new mission benefits students and businesses by creating an alignment between curriculum and real-world business needs so our graduates can hit the ground running,” said Thomas Kiener (MBA ’11), CAB chairman and senior finance manager at Carhartt. Board members represent some of the biggest names in business, including Google, Amazon, Proctor & Gamble, General Electric, ExxonMobile, AT&T, Bank of America, McKinsey & Company, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Wherever graduates start their careers, they’ll be energized by board members’ enthusiasm. “We don’t just talk about passion,” Harer said. “We live the passion.” Visit the Notre Dame MBA One Year and Two Year program websites to learn more about the programs and the impact of the CAB's expanded efforts.