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Career transitions

Tap MIT During Bumpy Economic Times

Joshua Persky Joshua Persky '81 pauses in front of the Charles Schwab building at 50th Street and Park Avenue in New York. Photo: Getty Images

Let's say you're a hard-working banker with a degree from MIT, and then one day the swelling financial crisis picks you as its next victim. What do you do? If you're Joshua Persky '81, you fit a sandwich board over your now out-of-work shoulders and walk the streets in search of a job. The New York Post reported on the man and the sandwich board that read, "Experienced MIT grad for hire," in a story last summer. Today, Persky has a job.

Career transitions may be in the cards for other alums, but fortunately enterprising sandwich boards are not the only option. The MIT Alumni Association, the Sloan Alumni Office, and the MIT Careers Office can help.

A 90-second video tutorial will show you how to find jobs that have been posted for alumni from alumni. Search the Online Alumni Directory to contact other alums in your industry for networking opportunities or search for Institute Career Assistance Network (ICAN) mentors for advice. And, in the the Careers & Networking section of the Association's Discussion Network, alumni may air questions, anxieties, and career-inspired rants.

The Alumni Office at MIT's Sloan School of Management also hosts a job board, directory, resume database, and access to third-party services. One-on-one career coaching is also available.

Reduce Stress
—Mindfulness meditation and Chi workouts are just two of the many wellness classes offered by MIT medical. Most classes are free or offered at low cost.
—Melt away tension with a yoga class podcast and guide to stress-releiving poses.
—Memorize these four steps on how to get a free massage.

Get a Job
—Read six job-hunting tips from the sandwich board pro, Persky.
—Network in high gear with these blog tips on the art of schmoozing.
—Catch up on one of the New York Times' most widely read articles, "Job Hunting Is, and Isn't, What It Used to Be."
—Use LinkedIn to connect with other MIT alumni and see who's working where. Then learn ten ways to use LinkedIn to find a job.
—Quintessential Careers™ hosts a clearinghouse of resources for job seekers. Learn about career storytelling, remedies to perplexing job-hunting ailments, and the best action verbs.

Understand what happened
—Explore an interactive AP timeline about how the financial meltdown came about.
—Learn what housing has to do with the crisis from a podcast by This American Life on National Public Radio.
—Brush up New York Times coverage of the credit crisis.
—Read President Obama's plans to strengthen the economy.


If you're transitioning to a new career, the MIT Careers Office posts plentiful tips for refreshing resumes, cover letters, and CVs, as well as information about campus recruiting.

Or, consider taking some career-boosting classes. Enroll in an MIT Sloan Executive Education class and receive an alumni-only 20 percent discount (use referral code ALUM20) or an MIT Professional Education Short Program (industry-focused summer courses) and receive a 10 percent discount.

Upcoming events can keep you connected and informed about evolving financial and business challenges and opportunities. Network at an MIT Club or campus event listed on the Association Calendar.

Related Videos, Panels, & Events

Attend the 2009 MIT Career Fair on Sept. 17, the largest career recruiting event on campus. Alumni job seekers must register by Sept. 11.  

MIT experts analyzed the financial crisis and debated cures on Oct. 7, 2008. The same panel returned March 31, 2009, for "The U.S. Financial Crisis: Is There an End in Sight?"

Financier and philanthropist George Soros presented The New Paradigm for Financial Markets on Oct. 28, 2008.

Related Articles

Starting Up When the Economy is Down

Seven Ways to Recession-Proof Your Job



Updated August 4, 2009