On January 30, 2026, MBS students were invited to attend the Career Fair Prep: Virtual Friday workshop on Zoom, where Assistant Director and Executive Coach Abbe Rosenthal guided participants in building strong, confident pitches for recruiters and employers. This session prepared students for the Winter Career & Internship Mega Fair by teaching them to clearly communicate their skills, experiences, and goals by leveraging the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree.
Rosenthal began by addressing one of the most common and often intimidating questions students face: “Tell me about yourself.” She encouraged students to structure their response around their degree, career goals, and unique value. Rather than reciting a resume, students should focus on explaining how the MBS degree program helps them become fluent in science and business and prepares them for interdisciplinary roles.
Students then participated in a live Q&A and group discussion, asking practical questions about resumes, networking, and interviewing strategies.
How can I make my resume stand out?
Rosenthal recommended starting with a clear destination. Instead of listing experiences without context, students should briefly introduce their degree and long-term career goal at the top of their resume. Highlighting a focus area such as cybersecurity, life sciences, or analytics helps recruiters quickly understand where a candidate is headed and how their experiences align with that path.
How should I prepare before speaking with recruiters at the Winter Career & Internship Mega Fair?
Preparation is key. Rosenthal advised students to research each company ahead of time, including its mission, values, and open roles. Understanding what the company prioritizes allows students to tailor their pitch and explain how their coursework, externships, and skills connect directly to the organization’s needs.
What questions should I ask recruiters during conversations or interviews?
Rosenthal suggested preparing thoughtful questions that inspire meaningful conversations, such as:
- What do you enjoy most about working at the company?
- What are the top expectations for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- What are the top skills that align most with this role?
- How is the company’s work culture and environment?
These questions not only show preparation but also create opportunities for students to naturally highlight their own strengths.
How can experienced professionals position themselves for full-time roles?
For students with prior work experience, Rosenthal emphasized crafting a strong introduction that clearly connects their past experience to their future goals. Rather than walking through their resume, students should share what motivates them, what makes them unique, and how the MBS degree helps bridge any skill gaps between science and business.
What if I don’t have much industry experience yet?
Students without extensive experience are encouraged to focus on their passion, coursework, and experiential learning. Externships, class projects, and academic work can demonstrate relevant skills just as effectively as work experience. Use the STAR method to frame these experiences and outcomes.
How do I talk about externship work if I signed an NDA?
Students in the Rutgers Externship Exchange program work in teams on company- or organization-led, semester-long projects to gain real-world experience. Occasionally, some student groups are required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Rosenthal explained that NDAs protect confidential company information, not the student’s learning. Students can discuss their work at a high level by describing responsibilities and skills such as analyzing data, conducting research, or developing recommendations without sharing proprietary details or results.
Building Your Network
Rosenthal also encouraged students to connect with Rutgers alumni and peers on LinkedIn and to attend events. Approaching conversations with curiosity about the person and their company rather than immediately asking for referrals helps build authentic, lasting connections.
This session was a great opportunity for students to connect. Students shared their LinkedIn profiles in the chat and began connecting with their peers.
Rosenthal also invited students to schedule one-on-one executive coaching and resume reviews through the MBS Executive Coaching webpage.
Students interested in additional support can attend upcoming virtual and in-person events, including:
- A New Student Welcome: Virtual Friday session hosted by Abbe Rosenthal and Brenda Rodriguez, student success and engagement specialist.
- Resume Refresh & Interview Prep focused on ATS-friendly resume tailoring and interview preparation.
These sessions provide practical tools to help students navigate their career journey with confidence.
To learn more about upcoming Master of Business and Science events, visit our events page or follow us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.