1. Duke MBA Career Management Center
Perfecting Your Story
November 12, 2009
Meg Flournoy, Associate Director Student and Alumni Services
Ryan Smith, Program Director Alumni and EMBA Services
Ryan
Info on top executives job outlook
Over 2.1M Top Exec Jobs in 2006
2% growth projected to 2016
AESC members surveyed expect the global executive job market to rebound in the second half of 2009.
”The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” - John Maxwell
”Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.” - Peter Drucker

2. Consider the Following…
What is it you want to accomplish in this hour today?
What questions would you like to ask?
For me to get the most out of this session,
what do I need to do?

3. Alumni Panelists Ed Bernier, FSB ’06 - J&J, McNeil Consumer Healthcare
Jonathan Meltzer, FSB ’06 - Laboratory Corporation of America
Kim Racine, FSB ’06 - Limited Brands

4. Executive Coach Panelists
Angela Eberts, Kellogg MBA
Associate Director
Fuqua CMC
Gracia Huntington, FSB ’94
Executive Coach
Huntington Search
Lisa Schwartz

5. Your Story Told Well is REAL
Resonates with the listener
Elicits trust with consistency
Articulates a compelling event
Leaves impression through accomplishments
Is crafted with the specific audience in mind –your message is relevant
Motivates the listener to ask “what’s happened next?”
Your past, present and future makes sense – what you did and are doing relates to where you are going
Always ready to talk about a specific accomplishment/example that supports what you are saying about yourself.
Trustworthiness, Likeability is conveyed. Listener is affected both emotionally and rationally - has a feeling about you, but also knows the specifics about your value (to them) what distinguishes you or what kind of expertise you have
Inspire listener with a sense of what you can do, who you are and why it matters to them.

6. Food for Thought Big Picture, not Laundry list
The Rule of 3 (Keep it Short)
Connect the Dots
Memorable Tag Line
Practice Out Loud
Answering the question, at some point you will get the question: “What have you been doing?” The question can truly mean, what have you been doing, or it could mean, why haven’t you been working?
Evaluate what you bring to the table: EVERYDAY you are using skills. Make a list, such as communication skills, problem solving, interpersonal communication skills, time management, project management, computer, etc.
Experience Doesn’t have to be paid to count….
Volunteer work
Going back in time – previous work experience: showing you “have had!” is valuable
Putting it all together: resume writing, networking, coherent story, connect the dots.
Design a new network that can help you, old contacts may not be there

7. Networking Groups by State
Additional Resources
Networking Groups by State
What’s Your Story
Harvard Business Review
Herminia Ibarra & Kent Lineback
January 2005
Issue 83(1), pages 64-71
Four Truths of the Story Teller
Harvard Business Review
Peter Guber
December 2007
Issue 85(12), pages 52-59 7

8. Career Services for Alumni
Multi-level options for differing needs
24-7 Online Resources exclusive for Duke MBA Alumni
Presentations, Job Postings, Databases, Resume Book, Samples and Tips
Alumni Career Page Link
Going Global
Alumni Clubs and Database
Short-term Coaching (3-4 sessions) for those in current transition
Executive Career Consultants at Duke
Regional and longer-term coaching options
Partnership with Lee Hecht Harrison Offices
Regional and Virtual Workshops
Road shows brought to you in Partnership with Alumni Relations
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