It is with great excitement that I joined IMD in February 2025 as Head of MBA Careers. With over 20 years of global experience across brand management, marketing, and career development, I’m proud to bring my passion and expertise to one of the world’s most dynamic business schools. Before IMD, I led Career and Alumni Relations at IE Business School, where I had the privilege of guiding many diverse professionals along their career journeys.
I’m thrilled to be part of IMD’s Careers Development Center (CDC) team, led by Christian Dummett. The CDC consists of a dynamic group of multilingual professionals with experience in both the corporate and higher education worlds with a mission to empower MBA students to explore their ambitions, expand their horizons, and thrive in global employment markets.
For the MBA class of 2025, we’ve launched a refreshed and innovative careers curriculum designed to accompany students from the very start of their program until they land the right role. At its core is a structured, three-phase journey:
1. Explore
Students begin by reflecting on their goals, skills, and motivations. Through interactive sessions and industry insights, they explore career paths and global trends aligned with their personal aspirations. A full Careers Launch Week kicks off the program in the first month, laying the foundation with sessions on job search strategy, industry exploration, and transferable skills.
From the second month, students are paired with a dedicated CDC coach to identify their career aspirations and create a tailored action plan. Self-assessments help them uncover strengths and build a unique value proposition.
2. Prepare
Next, they build essential tools to stand out in the market – crafting compelling CVs and LinkedIn profiles, refining their personal brand, mastering networking strategies, interview preparation, and learning how AI is reshaping recruitment. As part of this phase, students are also expected to undertake desktop research on their preferred sectors and companies ahead of networking, ensuring their outreach is informed, targeted, and impactful.
3. Execute
With clarity and confidence, students transition into action – connecting with companies, applying for roles, and honing their interview skills. A key milestone is our Careers Weeks in September when top employers come to campus to engage directly with our MBA talent for full-time roles.
To support this journey, sector-specific student clubs offer space for peer exchange, learning, and networking with invited speakers. We also help students connect with IMD’s powerful global alumni network through a mentoring program and by joining alumni community and club events.
At IMD, we don’t just prepare students for their next job – we equip them with the mindset, skills, and confidence to navigate their careers for life. Our personalized, practical approach ensures continued support even after graduation until students have secured the right opportunity.
2025 marks the beginning of a new era in career development at IMD, and I’m truly proud to be part of it. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact in the world, IMD is the place to launch that journey.
Sabine Pivoz, Head of MBA Careers at IMD
