MBA Jobs in 2014 to follow on from 2013’s Progress says GMAC: MBA News

By QS Contributor Updated Jun 15, 2014

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Employer Survey points to healthy salaries and internship opportunities

MBA Jobs in 2014 to follow on from 2013’s Progress says GMAC: MBA News main image

The number of MBA jobs on offer to business school graduates in 2014 looks set to continue the healthy progress witnessed this year, according to a year-end employer survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), owners of the GMAT exam.

72% of MBA employer respondents said that they anticipated hiring to either increase on or continue at 2013’s rate. Employers expecting the number of MBA jobs available to rise represented 29% of the total, with 43% saying that the hiring level was likely to be maintained.

2014’s forecast is just marginally larger than the 71% sourced by GMAC this time last year. Notably, this latest employer survey shows that 75% hired MBAs as planned during the course of 2013, with 10% even hiring more than anticipated.

Employer Survey points to healthy salaries and internship opportunities

GMAC’s employer survey also shows that the recovery felt in the number of MBA jobs available in 2013 should have a beneficial impact on salaries in 2014.

“Between 45% and 58% of employers plan to increase annual base salaries at or above the rate of inflation, another indicator that demand for talent remains strong,” said Rebecca Estrada, GMAC survey manager in a press release.

In addition, 61% of employer respondents said that they expected internship opportunities to be available to MBA students in the coming year.

GMAC’s end-of-year employer survey is intended as a summary forecast, with a more in-depth recruitment study published in May. However, this report is still sourced from 211 companies, of which 20 represent Fortune 100 companies and 41 are Fortune 500 companies. Indeed, companies employing more than 25,000 staff make up one third of the total surveyed.

The respondents also enjoy a spread across industries, with 18% from the finance sector, 9% from the health sector and 7% in the public or non-profit sector for instance. In terms of location, almost two-thirds were based in the US with Asian and European employers the next best-represented.

Key skill requirements highlighted by survey were interpersonal skills and the ability to use data to drive decisions – sought by 97% and 98% of employers respectively.

The annual QS TopMBA.com Jobs and Salary Trends Report, based on the responses of over 4,300 actively hiring MBA employers, was released in October. It showed a growth in MBA jobs of 14% over the period 2012/13 and predicted further growth, particularly in certain regions, for 2014.

Find out more about the latest MBA jobs and salary trends >