AI may be the buzzword in today’s job market, but employers are looking beyond the hype. According to a new survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), companies continue to value business school graduates for their problem solving and strategic thinking skills.
While concerns around inflation and a potential recession still shape hiring decisions, the survey found that recent business school graduates can stay optimistic. The growing adoption of AI across industries is expected to create new opportunities and strengthen their career prospects.The survey, which collected responses from 1,108 corporate recruiters and hiring managers across 46 countries, highlights that AI literacy is now one of the most in-demand skills and is expected to become even more essential over the next five years.
“As AI becomes more integral in a company’s decision-making and strategy development, employers continue to turn to business school graduates for their versatility and strategic thinking, along with growing appreciation for their ability to innovate and navigate the challenges and opportunities of technological disruption,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC.
The survey also revealed a growing preference among employers for non-technical skills. More than half place high importance on communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability when making hiring decisions.
With remote and hybrid work now deeply embedded in corporate culture, 56% of employers believe business school graduates are well-equipped for these work settings. Additionally, online and hybrid degree programs are gaining acceptance, with 55% of employers viewing them as equally valuable as traditional in-person degrees.
“As flexibility in work and learning becomes a norm, business school graduates with degrees or credentials earned in-person or remotely should feel empowered that their employability continues to outperform those without an advanced management degree, especially when they understand and underscore how they are skilled in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communications alongside technological savvy,” says Christine Murray, associate dean & managing director of McDonough Career Center at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.