MBA Jobs are a priority for most b-school grads. But which universities are the most sought-after by MBA recruiters? We reveal who is ranked top for the most popular career functions.
For most MBAs, finding a job after (or often before) graduation is the biggest priority.After spending tens of thousands on a top business school degree, the MBA Jobs market is flooded with graduates eager to get a foot on the careers ladder. It is increasingly competitive.
Indeed, even before beginning an MBA, applicants scour MBA Rankings and cohort employment statistics to inform their decisions.
But which business schools are the most sought-after by MBA recruiters?
In the United States, The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University is among the top-ten favoured b-schools for hiring talent, according to a study by QS Top MBA. Harvard Business School and Stanford University Graduate School of Business also top the list.
The Global 200 Business Schools Report surveyed some of the world's top MBA employers, including blue-chip consulting firms Bain & Company, Deloitte and KPMG, as well hirers in the finance sector including Goldman Sachs, BlackRock and Credit Suisse.
In Europe, London Business School came second among recruiters, closely following the number-one ranked institution INSEAD, according to the report.
IE Business School, IESE Business School, HEC Paris and ESADE Business School were rated in the top-ten by recruiters in survey, while St. Gallen was ranked 11th.
The survey also rates top b-schools for employers in ten different areas of specialization. For entrepreneurship, leadership and strategy, Harvard is considered the best, the report says.
The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania is considered the best among recruiters for finance, with LBS coming second. And Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management tops the charts for marketing, according to QS Top MBA.
For information management careers, international management, marketing, operations management and innovation, IE Business School was ranked in the top-five. LBS is ranked in the top-five for leadership, strategy and international management.
The top b-schools in the Asia-Pacific region according to recruiters are INSEAD (Singapore) and the Indian Institute of Management, the report says.
Of the 33 leading institutions to make the “Elite” category, 12 are from the US. The other nations with Elite Global business schools are Canada (6), the UK (3), Spain (3), Switzerland (2), France (2), Denmark (1), India (1), Ireland (1), Italy (1) and Singapore (1). No b-schools in Africa & the Middle East, as well as in Latin America, made it into the surveys’ elite category.
BusinessBecause reported last month that recent employment statistics show that top-ranking b-schools don’t necessarily translate into the best job prospects. A number of MBA programs in the US out-performed their higher-ranked rivals when it came to average base salary earnings.
But those from western b-schools are still set to earn the most. MBAs from the surveys’ “elite” b-schools’ category in North America earn more than those from any other region; salary and bonus packages average $123,239.
This is slightly more than the European figure of $122,983, although a b-school in Switzerland – IMD – had the highest salaries in the world ($159,912), according to the survey.
Although Harvard was considered the best among employers for entrepreneurship, one LBS graduate who spoke to BusinessBecause chose their MBA program to develop his entrepreneurial idea.
Corrado Accardi founded Pizza Rossa Ltd shortly after completing an MBA at the prestigious UK b-school and went on to raise a record among of crowdfunding equity (over £400K) to open two restaurants in London.
He picked LBS because of their “reputation, international standing and rankings”. “I joined the MBA because I wanted to go towards project finance. But I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do,” he said.
“The real push to start this business happened during the MBA. LBS were instrumental in putting me in contact with a network of people in the food and beverage industry.
“LBS also gave me credibility among investors and it was the trigger I needed to explore the idea a little further.”
Another MBA student, from top-ten-ranked IE Business School, told us he chose their program to advance his media, tech and fashion career.
Andrew Lutjens chose a European school for the innovative curriculum and diverse culture. At IE, over 80 per cent of their MBA cohort are international. "You need more than just a nice brand name and location in the United States. You need something that expands your mind. European business schools are more varied," he said.
He is confident an MBA will help him get his dream career - an innovative blend of technology and media. "I'd go into e-commerce or something of that nature," Andrew said. "I love the idea of the convergence of mobile technology with fashion.
"At IE, you're forced to become self-aware and adapt. I've seen a change in myself over the program, becoming much more open to different ideas and cultures."
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
