Wednesday 27 August 2014

Signs say look east for your post-MBA career.


Every year, QS Top MBA carry out a survey of MBA employers to find out who’s hiring and where. The 2013/14 survey received 4,318 respondents from companies in 39 countries.


The good news is that there was an overall 14% increase in MBA job opportunities in 2013. The Middle East (21%) and Asia (20%) reported the highest growths in MBA demand. This is particularly led by countries such as India and China embracing the MBA qualification. Recent Royal Holloway MBA graduates have gone on to work in countries as diverse as Peru, China and Saudi Arabia as well as many staying on to work in the UK.
Dedicated MBA career advisor Emma Baker

Since 2011, India has overtaken the US in terms of volume of reported MBA jobs. I guess it’s no surprise then to hear that North America MBA demand was up just 2% in 2013, but the interesting news is that North American MBA hirers are forecasting a 16% jump in opportunities in 2014.

In terms of industries, the financial services sector market is growing again, with an increase of 11% in MBA employment demand in 2013. Consulting and technology companies reported a similar 11% jump in demand last year.

When asked what they look for in MBA candidates, employers say they seek candidates with international experience, combined with strong interpersonal and ‘soft’ skills. In fact, 67% of MBA employers seek international study experience. One of the strengths of the Royal Holloway MBA is the international make up of candidates. This year, students from 15 different countries are taking our MBA programme.

Whatever they decide to do after their course, MBA students have the full support of Royal Holloway’s Careers and Employability Service, with their own dedicated Careers Consultant, Emma Baker, author of this blog entry.