Business school surveys reveal that alumni connections are still vital for securing MBA jobs.
Business school applicants still fork out for the cost of management education, but it is their alumni networks that prove the most powerful aid in securing careers after graduation.Several new studies released this year show that contacts are vital for finding MBA jobs, and that master’s students also benefit from their alumni rosters.
In a Financial Times poll of more than 1,000 masters in management students released this week, 77% learnt about employment opportunities through their school’s alumni network. Of those who got information about employment openings from alumni, 59% secured job offers.
MBA students also frequently site alumni networks as crucial to them landing employment opportunities.
Fay Wells, a graduate of US-based Tuck School of Business, landed two MBA jobs after utilizing her cohort connections. The former consultant chose the school because of its strong networking opportunities. She landed a job at ESPN, the sports broadcaster, where she spent three years, after “a Tuck connection recommended me”.
Fay said: “The alumni network has been pretty consistent. If there's ever a role I wanted, if there is a Tuck alumnus at the company, then he or she will definitely spend the time speaking to me about it… I found the network to be incredible. It’s full of people who actually care.”
This is an important part of a school’s admissions strategy for attracting prospective students.
Accord to data from an alumni survey released by GMAC earlier this year, 40% of graduates reported that they have mentored prospective or current students at some point since completing their studies.
A further 32% have recruited students for hire, and 29% have volunteered with their graduate business school, according to GMAC.
In July, a report by the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance, an association of business school career-management offices and companies, found that alumni networks proved valuable for 80 leading business schools.
Alumni-initiated hiring jumped 54% at those schools last year, according to the survey, and alumni networks were more powerful than career fairs during the same period.
In a survey of nearly 10,000 business and other professionals, Business Insider in August found that 37% MBAs polled said that a network of contacts was the most valuable business school asset. Its annual survey, which forms the basis of its MBA rankings, is based mostly on recruiters’ opinions.
The profile of business schools’ alumni is more important to applicants than course length or even employers’ recommendations, according to business school research company QS.
In an applicant survey, QS found that the profile of alumni is considered the 8th most important consideration in the US out of 14 choices; 11th in Western Europe.
Networking has become so important that some schools are formally teaching the practice as part of their MBA programs. London’s Cass Business School teaches networking on its executive programs, while Shanghai-based CEIBS delivers networking workshops for its MBA students.
The proliferation of social media – especially the web platform LinkedIn – has increased the effectiveness of alumni networking.
However, 20% of business school graduates surveyed by GMAC want to see more networking events. This is the second most frequently cited alumni recommendation in the US, Canada and Europe.
One anonymous survey responded quipped: “I would like more support after graduation for networking. Alumni calls every six months or webcasts to bring everyone together to update on the school and for the class to network would be great.”
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
