Building a strong network is one of the most discussed benefits of attending business school—and one of the least understood in practice. MBA programs regularly emphasize the strength of their alumni communities and professional networks, but many applicants and students still struggle with a practical question: How do you actually use those networks to generate meaningful conversations, referrals, and career opportunities?
In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky and mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar speak with guest Jeff Yolen, CEO and founder of Career Connector, about how to approach networking more strategically. Drawing on his experience in executive search and career development, Jeff explains why the standard “submit your application and wait” approach is so often ineffective, especially in a competitive job market.
One of the episode’s most memorable points is Jeff’s explanation of the value of referrals. As he notes, cold applications rarely lead to offers, which is why networking and informational interviews can be so important. Rather than asking directly for a job, Jeff recommends using early conversations to build rapport, gather insight, and identify the next person to speak with inside an organization.
The conversation also offers practical advice on how to begin the job search process. Jeff suggests starting by creating a target list of companies and then prioritizing them based on your level of interest, their hiring activity, and any available connections. He also shares useful guidance on outreach: Keep your messages short, make the subject line specific, and ask for a brief informational conversation, rather than a job.
Harold and Jessica also explore the equity side of networking. For candidates who do not come from highly connected families or professional circles, alumni networks, shared experiences, and common backgrounds can be powerful starting points. The discussion makes clear that networking is not about exercising privilege; it is about approaching specific people thoughtfully and professionally.
Ultimately, this episode reframes networking as a long-term skill rather than a short-term transaction. Done well, it can help MBA applicants and students not only improve their recruiting outcomes but also build relationships that matter throughout their careers.
New episodes of The mbaMission Podcast are released every Tuesday on all major streaming platforms, with full video episodes available on mbaMission’s YouTube channel. Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with Harold, Jessica, or another member of mbaMission’s admissions team.
For more information about Jeff Yolen and Career Connector, contact Jeff at [email protected].
