One of the topics that we dug into in our recent trend report has been talked about extensively in the media recently: are MBAs at elite programs getting jobs? While employment rates (measured typically at 3 months after graduation) are down off of peaks, they are still very strong.
However, the numbers themselves don't tell the whole story. We wanted to share some positive nuggets that we're seeing in our recent check-in with second year students (former clients) at leading MBA programs:
✅ 74% of graduating students already have offers. Since it's February, with 3-4 months still to go until graduation, this number is HIGHER than usual. Why? We've heard from some students that they're ready to lock in jobs when they find something that they're excited about rather than continuing to look. That makes sense given market uncertainty.
✅ 8% of students reporting in noted that they're building a company that they've launched AND that they have enough funding to commit to that choice. There are some awesome ideas out there and students who are determined to create value. Did an MBA help? Those we've talked with spoke about specific professors that supported ideation and have remained engaged, even serving as early investors. Others have talked about support from classmates who are contributing skills or their network as teams generate their first sales. Still others have talked about staff support from entrepreneurship teams. Funding has come from many different sources, including former employers, peers.
✅ 23% of students are still looking for options, many of whom are actively talking with employers now. For other MBA students who are still looking - you're not alone! Those who are looking report active engagement from school alumni and we're pleased to be providing support through relationships established through our community. People are willing to help. In fact, of those students responding to our survey who have jobs, more than 90% indicated that we should consider them a resource for others.
✅ For those doing the math, there's a remaining 3%... that group includes students who are extending their time in their MBA program either to complete a joint degree or for personal reasons.
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