MBA Career Mixer Opens Doors for UW Foster Students
Foster students have access to an alumni network that helps them build connections around the globe
MBA programs for working professionals at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business go beyond lessons in the classroom and study groups with peers. Students also have access to an alumni network that helps them build connections with businesses both locally and around the globe.
At the Spring 2024 Foster Career Mixer, more than 120 students from the Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Hybrid MBA and Technology Management MBA programs took advantage of the opportunity to network with alumni and leaders from 18 global organizations.
“At the heart of the Spring Foster Career Mixer lies the opportunity for graduates to connect directly with diverse companies,” said alumna Vijaya Kalyani Karamchetti, who graduated in 2016 from Foster’s Technology Management MBA program and is now Executive Director for JPMorgan Chase & Co. “The event is crafted with the specific needs of graduates in mind who want to make valuable connections, explore mentorship possibilities, and nurture collaborative opportunities with the finest talents in the industry.”
Vijaya Kalyani Karamchetti (third from left), Foster Technology Management MBA alumna and Executive Director for JPMorgan Chase & Co., connects with Foster MBA students.
Building MBA Networks, Envisioning Results
Henna Noorani, a student in the Foster Executive MBA program, said attending the career mixer provided ample networking opportunities and valuable insights into diverse company cultures.
“Being new to Seattle, I am focused on building connections within the local professional community and attending the Foster Career Mixer was a strategic step toward that goal,” Henna said. “I’m particularly grateful for the openness of the company representatives who provided insights into their organizational cultures.”
The event at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus also gives alumni, such as Kalyani, the opportunity to give back to their alma mater and help current students see how a Foster MBA can help shape their careers.
“The Spring Foster Career Mixer gave me an opportunity to represent my firm along with some of my wonderful colleagues and manager,” Kalyani said. “I felt a sense of home and pride when I attended the event.”
Taking Your Career to the Next Level
“The opportunity to network with companies like Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Disney, Nintendo and others significantly contributed to my career growth by establishing meaningful connections and expanding my professional network,” said Vishweswar Rao, a student in the Global Executive MBA program. “These interactions not only opened doors to potential job opportunities but also provided valuable guidance and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field.”
From left, Foster Executive MBA alumnus and AWS Senior Software Development Manager Karan Jain connects with Global Executive MBA student Vishweswar Rao and Technology Management MBA student Jitesh Saraiya.
Foster’s Career Management team is one of the resources that sets apart Foster MBA programs for working professionals. Students have access to a wealth of resources that help them prepare to take their career to the next level, including one-on-one coaching sessions, workshops and company visits.
The Career Management team helped prepare students for the networking event by providing the names of attending companies and their representatives in advance, along with tips to help them make the most of their valuable networking time. Attending companies included:
- Accenture
- Alaska Airlines
- Amazon
- AWS
- Apple
- Autodesk
- Boeing
- Cisco
- Deloitte
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Meta
- Microsoft
- Nintendo
- Procter & Gamble
- Remitly
- Unify
- The Walt Disney Company
Learn more about Foster MBA programs here.
