The internship and job search process is time-consuming and competitive. The Value Bridge is a tool that offers candidates a framework to quickly and systematically organize their company research to their unique talents and skills based on the needs of the organization and the position requirements.
Developed by Matt Sheehan, MBA Class of 2005, the Value Bridge is a strategic approach to preparing for interviews which helped Matt secure five internship offers and eight full-time offers.
Here’s how the Value Bridge works:
- Link Talents to Position Requirements
- Identify Key Organization Stakeholders
- Secure an Internal Advocate
- Generate Insightful Questions
- Get “the call” by presenting yourself as a strategic fit for the organization.
Constructing Your Value Bridge
To clearly articulate how you can add value to the organization, you must understand the company’s needs and convincingly convey how your skills align with those needs.
- Know Thyself: Conduct a personal career strategy assessment and SWOT analysis to understand your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and career goals. Just like constructing a bridge requires a solid foundation, preparing for interviews demands thorough research and self-awareness. Reflecting on past experiences and practicing interview scenarios are essential steps.
- Understand Company Needs: Research the company thoroughly to identify its key priorities and challenges. Developing strategies to understand companies is especially important to attract the attention of those companies that may not recruit from your school.
- Establish Value Linkages: Connect your skills and experiences with the company’s needs, emphasizing how you can contribute to its success, especially the bottom line.
- Address Weaknesses: Be prepared to discuss your weaknesses and demonstrate how you are actively working to improve upon them.
- Know the Organizational Structure: Familiarize yourself with the organizational chart and understand where your role fits within the hierarchy.
THE VALUE BRIDGE
| ME Leadership $30 Million Project Acquisition Management Technology and implementation P&L Responsibility Willingness to travel Process improvement Entrepreneurial Passionate Culture driven and creative | COMPANY NEEDS Future leader Large scale project management Short time to make a difference Technical implementation Cost focused individuals May require travel Quick learning curve Work with multiple divisions Reduced risk Ability to speak technical language |
| WEAKNESSES = OPPORTUNTIES Financials Business Models | MY STORY “Company” offers both sales, supply chain, and project management exposure – where I belong. I have done well in the small business internships, but I need to gain experience and pedigree in the BIG BRAND business to become more credible. I will have stretched my bounds and scalability… |
Recommendations for Success
- Early Preparation: Start building your Value Bridge at least a week in advance of your interviews.
- Invest Time in Research: Allocate sufficient time to study the company and its industry, just like preparing for an exam.
- Tailor Your Approach: Customize the Value Bridge to suit your needs and preferences. It is a personal tool designed to enhance your interview performance.
- Engage Your Advocate: Identifying an internal advocate within the organization can significantly bolster your candidacy. This individual can provide insights and vouch for your suitability for the role. They can also help you navigate the interview process. You do not want to be a stranger on interview day. Do not limit your potential advocate to alumni. All companies need and want to attract talent.
- Value Reciprocity: The interview process is a two-way street. Emphasize how you can contribute to the company’s success while also assessing how the company aligns with your career objectives.
In today’s competitive landscape of securing internships and jobs, strategic preparation is paramount. By leveraging tools such as the Value Bridge, students can enhance their chances of securing coveted internships and job offers. Investing time and effort into understanding both yourself and the organizations you are targeting can make all the difference in your career journey.
