New graduates from global MBA programmes value their degree more than their cohorts of 2000 did – but sluggish economy means the short-term rewards aren’t quite as satisfactory.
The 2003 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) survey involved more than 4100 graduates in 95 schools worldwide – two-thirds rated their education as outstanding value for money. But long-term benefits such as self-improvement or development of management knowledge and skills out-rated short-term benefits such as an increase in earning power, the latter probably reflecting flatter economy.
In terms of what they learned, there was significant rise in the number of students citing improvement in their leadership skill (68 percent in 2003 compared to 49 percent in 2000).
As to what they plan to do with it, almost half are using their degrees as springboard to switch into different occupation or industry, rather than enhance their outlook in existing occupations. Popular destinations are in healthcare/pharmaceuticals followed by finance and accounting; non-profit and government sectors are the biggest losers.
