11% Global Growth in Technology Sector MBA Jobs

Asia was the standout region in this year’s report, not just in the technology sector. It is notable, therefore, that growth in MBA jobs in the technology sector is by no means limited to this dynamic region. The Africa & the Middle East region has seen 30% growth, for example, albeit from a much lower starting point.  Facebook statistics show that the social network now has 56 million users in MENA region, and Google announced the launch of a dedicated content hub for the region – indicative of the increased importance of the region in the global digital landscape; a consequence of which, of course, MBA jobs as technology firms seek to capitalize on a growing market.

Perhaps more notable, howver, is the growth in technology jobs in the US & Canada, which stands at not inconsiderable 21%, compared to overall growth in the region of just 2% (though stronger overall growth is forecasted for next year). Powerful recruiters such as Microsoft, Apple and Google continue to provide muscle here as they look to continue innovating, and the startup scene of Silicon Valley continues to flourish. A study published in December 2012 by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found that growth in technology jobs exceeded the rest of the economy by three to one. This obviously benefits MBAs as companies both large and small look to commercialize their products.

A more recent study by CareerBuilder and EMSI showed while the regions in the US with the strongest economies were diverse, they all boast strong and established technology sectors. Software and computer firms are the heart of the strident economies of Salt Lake City, San Jose and Austin, which, along with Grand Rapids, can lay claim to the highest levels of post-recession per capita job growth in the US.

Eastern Europe also saw high growth in the technology sector, with a growth figure of 14% built on the back of its status as a base for engineering projects. A Russian government decree that demands that large state owned infrastructure monopolies must double their purchases of Russian technology solutions by 2015, and quadruple them by 2018, may well play a significant part in future growth in technology opportunities in the region.    

Technology jobs continue to be lucrative. Salary data collated for this year’s report shows that electronics and high technology employers in the US & Canada and Europe regions offer an average salary of US$92,500 and an average bonus of US$11,700 – a grand total of US$104,200 (last year’s equivalent was US$102,800). In the telecoms industry, the equivalent figures are US$94,100 and US$7,000 – a total of US$101,100, nearly US$5,000 up on 2012.

Notably, the figure for technology is the same as that of consulting and professional services, with the latter making up for lower base salary figures with a higher average bonus. Financial services and banking remuneration is only slightly ahead at US$107,450 (US$95,350 and US$13,100).

So, what can we expect next year? The report predicts we will see growth continue, with the exception of aerospace and defense (in which remuneration is also lower than any other sector bar law) as governments cut back on the lavish spending of the recent past. However, it is unlikely that the rapid growth of the past few years can be sustained, and therefore next year’s predicted figures are slightly lower than this year’s. That said, 5% growth in MBA jobs in the technology sector and 7% in telecoms can hardly be sniffed at.

With many a business school offering electives and tracks in technology management, and therefore producing managers alive to the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the sector and possessed of the skills to grow it yet further, it seems that technology’s status as an MBA hiring powerhouse is likely to continue long into the future.

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