MBA recruiters around the world are in the midst of a battle for talent. As world growth continues, demand for MBAs is spiralling, particularly in the service sectors of consulting and banking.
The TopMBA.com International MBA Recruitment and Salary Report 2006 reports on the trends in recruitment and salaries earned in the primary international markets today.

Hiring predictions from MBA recruiters suggest that MBA demand worldwide will set a new record in 2006. The TopMBA.com Index of MBA Recruiting shows an overall 24% (20%) increase in demand for MBAs in 2006, with the consulting sector reporting a massive 38% (35%) increase, financial services 24% (20%), general industry 18% (17%), and technology 17% (18%).

In 2006, average MBA salaries have increased by a massive 7.5% (a full 5% ahead of the average OECD inflation rate), compared to a total increase in MBA salaries of 39% in the previous ten years. MBA salaries are now well in excess of the pre-downturn levels of 2001 with a North American/European average of US$ 90,500 (US$ 84,500). This increase reflects a high level of optimism amongst MBA recruiters and increased competition for the top talent. The average reported bonus is a sizeable US$ 23,100, with investment banks leading the bonus field, with an average bonus of $ 37,500.

MBA recruiters around the world have a strong preference for candidates with one to eight years of professional experience. They seek strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking and leadership skills, as well as the harder skills taught by business schools. In general, whilst they are very happy with the harder skills ingrained in MBA graduates, there is still room for improvement in terms of the softer skills.

Regionally, there is a catch up occurring in terms of demand for and salaries received by MBAs in emerging markets, compared to North America and Western Europe. Though there is still a 30% salary gap between the highest and lowest paid regions, this gap is narrowing each year.