Job Searching in a Modern World: Takeaways from CPD’s Short Intensive Program

Earlier this year, Career & Professional Development (CPD) team in collaboration with Zoe B. Cullen, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, hosted its first Short Intensive Program (SIP), It Takes More Than a Good Resume: Job Searching in a Modern World. This program was designed to challenge participants to rethink what they know about job searching and to equip them with the skills to navigate an increasingly competitive global market.

It was an interactive, high-impact experience: through hands-on exercises, live networking practice with HBS alumni, and deep reflection on career priorities. Students walked away with more than just an updated resume. They left with a new mindset, a refined personal pitch, and the confidence to pursue the opportunities they truly wanted.

Three HBS students share their firsthand experiences of stepping out of their comfort zones, redefining their job search strategies, and leaving the program with newfound clarity, confidence, and results.

Sakina Abu Boakye (MBA 2025)
One of the most valuable parts of the SIP experience for me was the time spent reflecting on peak moments, key skills, and defining what I truly value. There was a workshop where we had to identify what we’re really good at and another focused on defining what matters most to us. I’ve spent so much time jumping between projects and constantly moving, but not pausing to process what I’ve actually learned or how it all connects to what I want to do next. This SIP provided that space—it was grounding, clarifying, and a necessary step in figuring out my career path.

A specific moment that stood out was the vision boarding exercise. Mapping out where I am now, where I hope to go, and the concrete steps I can take to get there made everything feel more achievable. It also helped me see that there were things I could do immediately—even in the last few months before graduation—to test my assumptions, strengthen my candidacy, and gain clarity.

Since the SIP, I’ve carried these lessons forward. I put my key takeaways into a Trello board and have been actively prioritizing them. The course also changed how I approach networking—I now focus on having honest conversations with alumni and mentors that genuinely help me refine my direction, rather than just chasing referrals or roles that might not actually be the right fit.

If I had to sum up CPD’s SIP in a sentence, I’d say it was three days dedicated to synthesizing everything I have learned—not just in the last two years, but across my entire professional journey—and using that to chart a path forward. And that’s something we all need to do.

Spencer Copeland (MBA 2025)
When I arrived at HBS, I thought my career path was clear. After landing my dream internship and receiving a full-time offer from the same organization, I had the difficult realization that this wasn’t the right direction for me after all.

Entering my third semester, I found myself at a crossroads. While I understood what I didn’t want in my career, I struggled to identify roles that would align with my aspirations. I grappled with essential questions: Should I attempt to make a larger pivot or find a transitional role? How would location preferences impact career goals? Should I focus on specializing in an industry, job function, or strategy? Having never navigated such ambiguity in my professional journey, the prospect felt daunting.

The “It Takes More Than a Good Resume” SIP became my compass. It provided structured framework, accountability partnerships, real world examples, and expert guidance. Through thoughtfully designed exercises and conversations with alumni, I identified my core values and recognized transferable skills from my previous experiences. The structured reflections illuminated patterns across my work history that helped me understand when and why I perform at my best.

This program helped me articulate what truly energizes me professionally: environments that foster innovation through cross-functional collaboration, opportunities to tackle complex challenges, and a balance between autonomy and team support.

I’ve now approached my job search with renewed purpose and confidence. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I’m excited to pursue opportunities that genuinely reflect who I am and what I value.

Liz Hood (MBA 2026)
The SIP gave me the time and space to think super intentionally about my personal motivators and passions. It was a rare opportunity to step back from the constant demands of the academic year and focus solely on myself and my job search.

As someone with a nontraditional pre-MBA background, transitioning from a career in the US Navy, I found the SIP especially helpful in making sense of how my past experiences translate into relevant skills for my next career move. Assessing my resume and background in a structured way gave me a much stronger understanding of my strengths and how to position myself for future opportunities.

A standout aspect of the program was the one-on-one coaching from the HBS Career & Professional Development team. Their personalized guidance, combined with a comprehensive walkthrough of the vast career resources available, was incredibly valuable.

Ultimately, I walked out of the SIP with a much sharper sense of what I want my future career to look like and the concrete steps I need to take to get there. I’d highly recommend this SIP to anyone feeling overwhelmed by their job search!