I am a traveler, and being in business school did not stop me from exploring the world outside of Fuqua. However, as a business school student, you need to add something new to your trips—networking!

Washington, D.C.

For example, during the break between the summer term and the first fall term, I traveled to the beautiful and peaceful Washington, D.C. Aside from visiting the iconic political monuments and museums, I also met with Jacqueline Pan, a Chinese MMS alumna. Since she just graduated last May and successfully landed a job in the U.S., I found her tips regarding networking and the career search invaluable for an international student like myself.

Jacqueline’s advice, though, was only part of the benefit of meeting with her. The fact that I was able to meet face-to-face with an alumnus, rather than over the phone or through Skype, really helped me connect with her on a more personal level.

So when you travel to a big city, do not forget to get in touch with some alumni in advance. Meeting with alumni in person is not only a great way to gain insight into your job search, but also a great way to expand your professional network and even meet new friends along the way!

New York

But the fun did not stop in D.C. Once the first fall term ended I headed north once again, this time up to the greatest city of them all—New York! I was so excited, mostly because I had never been there before. As a musical fan, I could not wait to see The Phantom of the Opera live on Broadway. The Broadway scene, combined with the hustle and bustle of New York, made me fall in love with the city immediately. And of course, how could anyone forget the cuisine? For lovers of authentic Chinese food, New York’s Chinatown contains the absolute best on the east coast. I nearly burst into tears when I finally tasted authentic shrimp dumplings in the States!

Of course, a business student should not simply travel to New York without touching on aspects of the career search. In addition to the leisure activities, I also attended an information session held by one of the top Chinese investments banks. China International Capital Corp—better known as CICC—was at New York University, and I had the chance to talk to the recruiting team face-to-face. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the company and to impress potential future interviewers. Not many Chinese companies hold information sessions in the U.S., so I knew I had to seize the chance. If I hadn’t taken my trip to New York, my experience with the CICC may never have been possible.

While trips are always fun, travel during business school presents unique opportunities for students. Be prepared for every trip you are going to take…and enjoy!