2009 Global Management Education Graduate Survey: General Data Report

Overview

Findings are organized by six program types: two-year full-time MBA, one-year full-time MBA, part-time MBA, executive MBA programs, other MBA programs (flexible, online, distance learning), and master’s in business.

The survey covers the following key topic areas: the graduate business education experience, including value of MBA degree, program quality, curriculum, and skill development; job search expectations including career options, job offers, and expected job levels; and job and employer selection criteria, including job function, industry, organizational culture preferences, and salary and signing bonuses. Year-to-year comparisons of student responses from 2007 to 2009 are also included for each program type and topic.

Quick Facts

• The global economic crisis has not diminished the perceived value of a graduate business education—91 percent of respondents considered their degree an outstanding to good value.
• The majority of graduating students felt their graduate business school had more than adequately prepared them to meet the challenges they will face in the economy and labor market.
• Students have not been deterred from their search for employment. A greater percentage of job seekers from the graduating class of 2009 had received an offer of employment at the time of the survey compared with participants during past downturns, such as that of 2002 to 2004.