It’s the 2017 MBArk program at Expo West, which will take place on Friday–Saturday March 10-11 in Anaheim, CA – and we are now accepting applications. Go to http://mbark.net/2017-expo-west-application/ and please be patient if the website is slow. As in the past, this program is FREE to students, although they will need to provide their own travel and accommodations (discounted hotel rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis). The application deadline is February 3. 

As I think you know by now, this program provides unparalleled access and networking opportunities for MBA students who are interested in pursuing purpose-centric work in and around the natural, organic and sustainable foods industry. They get to meet with many CEOs and entrepreneurs, network with alumni of their programs and other MBAs around the industry, and tap into my Rolodex to set up one-on-one interviews. They even get free meals out of it! Over the six years of MBArk’s existence, we have worked with students at dozens of business schools around the country, and have helped to place several of them in both summer internships and full-time positions. It is one of the few programs that can truly help MBA students pursue an independent job search. Just check out some of the testimonials on the website. 

This year’s program will also include something new and very exciting: the Natural Talent Career Fair on Thursday, March 9 from 4-7pm – the first-ever job fair in the natural foods industry, brought to you by New Hope Network, NaturalIndustryJobs.com, and MBArk. This is an optional part of the program, open to the greater natural foods community with no fees at all, but there will be special opportunities for MBArk students (and alumni) to meet with some of the industry’s top employers like Hain Celestial, UNFI, Annie’s, and many others.

The Career Fair is a direct result of requests made by MBArk participants in the past. It is my sincere hope that this may open up the opportunity for your school to provide travel subsidies to MBArk participants, which you (but not all schools) have been able to do in previous years.

First Years Register here