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41 per cent of business students want to work in consultancy post-graduation, finds new research from accreditation bodies AMBA & BGA
The so-called ‘big three’ industries of consulting, finance and technology are the top three destinations of interest among AMBA & BGA’s student sample – with an overwhelming 91 per cent majority of students interested in working in at least one of these three industries.
This is according to AMBA & BGA Student Survey 2023: Aspirations & Programme Experiences, which surveyed 544 current business students worldwide.
The survey also delved into why students wanted to complete their business degree – with three quarters of respondents wanting to expand their areas of expertise. The result also show that there is an awareness that business education will hopefully lead to long term benefits with 40 per cent of students say earning more money in the long term is a consideration for studying a business degree and only 11 per cent said earning more money in the short term is a factor.
The research also found that students were on the whole, content with their business courses. Over half of respondents say their course has exceeded their expectations so far, with a further 35 per cent saying their course is meeting their expectations.
Key findings
Student views prior to enrolment
- 74 per cent of students opted for a business degree because they want to expand their area of expertise
- 40 per cent of students say earning more money in the long term is a consideration for studying a business degree – only 11 per cent said earning more money in the short term is a factor
- Half of student respondents said they only applied to one programme and a similar proportion received a single offer
- 51 per cent of respondents said that their programme’s accreditation status was a factor in their decision to enrol
Students’ programme experience
- 81 per cent of student respondents continue to work during their studies
- Over half of respondents say their course has exceeded their expectations so far. A further 35 per cent say their course is meeting their expectations
- 61 per cent of students say being able to develop business skills is the aspect of their programme that interests them most, while 57 per cent say it is the networking opportunities available
- The most popular topics among student respondents are general management (cited by 52 per cent), strategy execution (49 per cent) and global leadership (47 per cent)
Student ambitions, post-graduation
- Career change specifics: 25 per cent of students want to change company and job function after graduation but stay in the same industry. Meanwhile, 18 per cent want to switch their industry and company when they graduate, but retain a similar job function
- Traditional industries remain attractive: 41 per cent of students want to work in consultancy post graduation, while 26 per cent are keen to join firms in banking or financial services
- New ways of working: 65 per cent want a hybrid working pattern when they graduate, while 23 per cent prefer full-time office work and nine per cent are keen to find fully remote employment
Ellen Buchan, Insight, Content and PR Manager, AMBA & BGA, says “What do the students of 2023 really look like? Why did they choose to attend business school? How many institutions did they apply to and what influenced their choice of programme? Are they balancing work alongside their studies and are their expectations being met?
“This report aims to answer these questions. It is the first of four reports drawn from one survey that has categorised AMBA & BGA’s members into students, graduates and employers to produce a dedicated analysis for each of these three groups. The fourth and final report will then review our findings and draw comparisons between these groups.”
For more information, interview opportunities and images contact Ellen Buchan, Insight, Content & PR Manager: e.buchan@amba-bga.com