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The new demand by employers is now also being reflected in applications to do an MBA. Between 2003 and 2005, there was a 20% decline in MBA applications worldwide. In some countries, young professionals seeking career progression within their function or industry were reluctant to take a risk and leave to take an MBA, in case they missed out during their time away.
This trend was evident in the US, and especially in China, where MBA applications fell by 50% during these years - a period of Chinese economic boom. Visa restrictions for entry into the USA also resulted in less competition to gain entry to the best schools than in the years before 2002.

The good news for business schools is that MBA applications are again on the rise and competition for places is intensifying once again. Nevertheless, the number of applicants is still less than the 2002 peak. In most countries around the world, we see a rise in demand for MBA places amongst people who seek a career change or who wish to start their own business. These young professionals are trying to time their MBA so that they graduate into a "hot" job market, making 2007 start dates look very attractive.

6.2 DEMAND FOR MBAs BY REGION

6.2.1 North America

In the USA, the largest MBA employment market, recruitment is booming again. "There has been a significant increase in recruiting activity at Fuqua this year," says Erin Gasch, Associate Director of Marketing and Employer Services at Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, North Carolina. "Compared to last year at this time, the total number of companies recruiting on our campus is up 28 per cent." Sheila Williams, MBA Recruitment Manager for Accenture, reported earlier this year, "Our MBA recruiting is very much back on track."

Companies large and small are jumping back in to MBA hiring. Anthony Van der Hoek of Coca Cola says the company is looking to hire more MBAs because it has found 'they can introduce new concepts of thinking from a broad range of industries and perspectives'. Colleen Clark of Eastern Mountain Sports says, "MBAs bring business acumen, creative thinking and new knowledge (technology, people, branding and product development) to a business. They cut down on lag time between start-up and ROI."

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Back to Index International MBA Recruitment & Salary Report 2006

Source: -
QS World MBA Tour - QS TopMBA.com International Recruiter Survey 2006
© QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd. 2006
Website: www.topmba.com