A career shift to the technology sector is underway – and e-commerce companies like Amazon are fuelling the business school recruitment drive.
Technology companies such as Apple and Google are among the biggest recruiters of business students – but it is e-commerce groups that are powering the tech industry's MBA hiring drive.Recruitment demand is strong in the e-commerce industry, says Conrad Chua, head of MBA careers at Cambridge Judge Business School. “The retail sector, especially in the UK, is in the midst of a huge transition from the impact of e-commerce,” he says.
As technology helps companies to innovate, and disrupts traditional business models, online retailers like Amazon are snapping up vast numbers of MBA graduates.
At London Business School, Amazon was the third-largest recruiter in 2014, ahead of Citibank and Deloitte. At INSEAD, a global business school, Amazon hired 36 MBA students last year, ahead of Google and only three behind Bain & Company.
In the US, at Michigan’s Ross School of Business Amazon hired a record 27 MBA graduates in 2014, twice as many as the year before. At Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, 43% of the MBA class went into the technology industry – with Amazon a top recruiter.
Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business has seen strong demand for MBA hiring from Amazon, says Angela Williams, associate director of the MBA Career Centre.
“Traditional retailers are finding the need to have online channels for customers, so there is some demand for MBA hiring at Amazon’s competitors [as well],” she adds.
The cross-functional nature of online retailing means there are opportunities in myriad growth areas such as supply chains, marketing and sales, finance, and strategy consulting.
This is a reflection of the changes that technology is bringing to retail, says Conrad at Cambridge. “The jobs for MBAs are now in areas such as logistics, customer insights, and working on partnerships with third party sellers,” he says.
Paula Quinton-jones, director of career services at Hult International Business School, says: “The interest is in non-technical roles, mostly in areas such as strategy, and sales and marketing.”
At MIT Sloan School of Management, MBAs working in technology take roles in business development, product management, marketing and finance, says Sue Kline, senior director of the career development office.
“The combination of understanding the technology and developing a strong business skillset is a powerful asset for an organization,” she says.
The trend is likely to continue. At HEC Paris, Amazon has been the most significant recruiter from its MBA program since 2011, accounting for 10 hires in 2014.
At Oxford’s Saïd Business School in the UK, Amazon is already the largest recruiter, according to a 2014 report.
Deb Findlay, a recruitment lead for diversified industry at Saïd Business School, says there is a growing trend of e-commerce companies recruiting MBA students.
“E-commerce companies often look for people who are highly analytical, commercially savvy and who are able to make strategic decisions from large volumes of data – attributes common to many MBAs,” she adds.
Student Reviews
Georgetown: McDonough School of Business
GWU - excellent investment for future
George Washington University is a good respected institution with strong programs in various studies, including project management, international affairs, politics, medicine and etc. The university provides students with good opportunities for internships and networking.
GWU has a diverse student body and a reputation for academic excellence.
Safety on campus
I have had an amazing experience at Georgetown University. The classes are enjoyable, the professors are exceptional, and I feel like I am receiving a worthwhile education. The people and faculty at this institution are extraordinary, and I have discovered my true self while being here. Additionally, I always feel secure on campus, as it is the safest place in town.
Georgetown is on top!
I've been enjoying this school so far. I wouldn't alter it, despite the fact that the school is on a hill and that it requires a lot of walking to get around it. For minority and first-generation students, there are a ton of services available. Even though the usual dorm rooms are modest, there is still plenty of area for storage. We have a ton of alternatives every day in the dining halls since they provide so many different dishes from so many different cultures
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Georgetown is my second home. The pre-professional counselors are incredibly helpful, and I feel supported and inspired to pursue my aspirations. We are certainly ranked as the top research university in the nation. They place a high priority on the development of the students as well as their physical and mental well-being.
Wonderful university
Georgetown University is wonderful. The school's amazing diversity is one of its greatest strengths. The athletes are extremely committed to their sport, and the campus is amazing. The dorms are excellent! They are comfortable and spacious. If you ever find yourself bored on campus, you can always go off campus; it's fantastic. You'll never get bored dining in the cafeteria because the food is so delicious on campus.
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Fantastic university
Georgetown university is a Fantastic university. The professors are outstanding, there are lots of ways to participate in campus life, and there are numerous groups and organizations where students can get involved. The campus is lovely and always kept clean, and there are people are willing to assist you 24 hours a day whenever you need help.
Review of Georgetown university
Being at Georgetown university has been one of my best experiences. The Professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and very helpful. You will fall in love with Georgetown because of its daily activities, the vibrant students you will encounter, the food served on campus, and the lush surroundings. The housing and dorms are fantastic. There is no better place than Georgetown University if you’re looking to study, discover new things, make lifelong friends, and have fun!
Academically challenging institution
Georgetown University is certainly an academically challenging institution, however, if you ask for assistance when you need it, the workload can be managed. Students are happy to assist one another, and most Professor want you to succeed. Student life is vibrant, the location is excellent and everyone here is friendly and welcoming.
4 Years as an Expat at Georgetown University
Georgetown University provided an exceptional environment for my academic journey as an expat from Italy. As someone who initially felt apprehensive about moving to a new country, Georgetown quickly alleviated my concerns and made my transition incredibly smooth.
One of the standout features of Georgetown is its diverse and welcoming community, particularly for international students. The campus is teeming with students from various corners of the globe, fostering a rich cultural tapestry that made me feel right at home. The vibrant campus life and numerous extracurricular activities offered ample opportunities to connect with fellow students, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
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Initially enrolled in the College with a desire to major in Linguistics and minor in Art & Journalism, I appreciated the flexibility and openness of the Georgetown education system. After my freshman year, I discovered my true passion lay in Marketing and International Business. The university's seamless transfer process allowed me to transition to the McDonough Business School, where I found the perfect fit for my academic aspirations.
Georgetown's commitment to helping students explore and find their academic niche is indeed one of its most commendable qualities. The ability to explore various subjects before settling on a major is a testament to the university's dedication to fostering individual growth and success. The journey from Linguistics to Marketing & International Business exemplifies the beauty of a Georgetown education — a dynamic and supportive environment where students can discover and pursue their true passions.
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