MBA students got valuable career advice from industry leaders in marketing, finance and consulting during the first week of the fall semester. The three panel discussions were part of “Industry Week,” organized by the School’s Ziff Graduate Career Services Center.

Those offering advice on getting a foot in the door in marketing included Jose Costa, vice president of marketing, R&D and supply chain for Latin America and the Caribbean at Burger King Corporation; Michelle Magallon, VP of digital commerce at Perry Ellis International; Chuck Downs, managing director and wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual Miami; and Kenneth Moore, senior financial analyst, AMX & Caribbean LATAM at Research In Motion.

Students had the opportunity to ask the distinguished panelists questions about getting hired and climbing the ranks. Among the questions: How can you stand out in the hiring process?

“When I get done with my grilling, you need to be prepared with a set of well-thought-out questions,” said Magallon about the job interview. “I am there to see your interests and how you think.”

The four panelists all stressed the merits of using social media and university connections to network. Moore, of Research In Motion, also suggested surrounding yourself with people in similar fields when outside the work environment.

“Be around people [who] have the same goals [as] you and [who] want to do the same thing,” he said. “Opportunities can come through people that are acquaintances.”

Once hired, Costa said that keeping a lively working environment is critical to your and the company’s success. If you have a dynamic team, you will be more likely to succeed, he said.

“Hire people with very diverse backgrounds and the results are amazing,” he said.

The panelists also discussed the importance of having passion and ambition in your company.

“Don't join an organization unless you can see yourself being president of it and making an impact there,” said Downs. “You can make a great name for yourself by being active and a leader in an organization, and then you stand out because you are a leader there.”