MBA job outlook

"Robust Hiring" of MBAs Projected in 2016

Despite the recent economic downturn, crude oil prices plummeting to the lowest levels in over a decade, and generally stagnant job outlook nationwide, MBAs are having a "moment." This is great news for MBA degree holders and students.

Recent data published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), owner of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), has revealed some interesting findings. Let's take a look at the MBA job outlook for 2016:

Employers See MBAs as Value-Added Assets

According to a recent article published by The Economic Times, 96% of employers polled by GMAC believe that hiring recently-graduated business school students increases value for their company. The poll, conducted annually by GMAC and taken by employers worldwide, revealed that 3/4 of employers in the 31 respondent countries expected to hire MBA graduates in 2016, up from 71% of companies that hired MBAs in 2015. 

An MBA Creates Opportunities

Pursuing an MBA can create more job opportunities for degree holders and degree candidates alike. A separate article from The Economic Times reports that 68% of companies polled will make a concerted effort to recruit and hire MBAs this year, while nearly 3/4 (73%) of employers will offer internships to prospective MBA graduates and students. The article also cites that internships are one of the keys to securing job placement after graduation and allow MBA students to earn valuable business experience while pursuing their degrees. Whether you're an MBA student seeking a position in your field of choice or a graduate, opportunities in the business world could certainly be realized with a master's degree.

Master's Specialization Increases Appeal to Employers

Specialization in any field sets you apart from your peers and competition, and a master's in business administration can certainly do that. Keep in mind, however, that even further boiling down your expertise areas can have dramatically more appeal to prospective employers. The same GMAC poll mentioned already found that employers will likely hone in on hiring MBAs with specializations in accounting and management, more so than in 2015. Considering a specialization in these fields or curriculum areas may give you a boost in the eyes of corporate recruiters and a leg up on an otherwise "general MBA" peer fighting for the same job. While accounting and management were a major focus of the GMAC poll, keep in mind that virtually any specialization in business school will give your resume more appeal.

Pursue an MBA on Your Terms

While you may have access to a regional public or private brick-and-mortar university, it's important to seek flexibility in your education as well as your work life. While many corporate organizations will not only encourage but actually compensate you for pursuing a master's degree and work with you to find a schedule that fits both work and education, having a degree program that provides you the flexibility to continue pursuing your goals is paramount. If a versatile MBA program sounds like something you're interested in, head over to ECPI University, check out the Master of Business Administration, and get in touch with an advisor today to discuss your future and find a specialization that works for you. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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