Despite pressure from inflation and economic uncertainty, global employers remain enthusiastic about recruiting business school graduates—especially those proficient in artificial intelligence—according to the latest GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) .
🚀 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- 99% of employers trust business schools to prepare students for success.
- 90% plan to hire MBA graduates in 2025—more so than new bachelor’s hires.
- AI skills now top the list of most important abilities expected from new hires over the next five years.
- Core human skills—strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—remain highly valued.
- 55–56% of employers say business degree holders from online or hybrid programs are as valuable as in-person graduates.
🔍 SURVEY INSIGHTS
1. Confidence in Business Education
An overwhelming 99% of global recruiters believe business schools effectively equip graduates for the corporate world. Nearly two-thirds emphasize that today’s business school skills are more vital than ever amid rapid tech adoption.
2. MBA Demand Remains Robust
90% of employers herald intentions to hire MBA talent—outpacing demand for bachelor’s degree holders . Additionally, 76% expect to maintain or increase MBA hires in 2025 vs 2024.
3. AI: The Rising Star of Skillsets
While AI tools were not top-of-mind a few years ago, they now rank #1 for skills employers will prioritize over the next five years . Joy Jones, GMAC CEO, emphasizes that AI’s growing influence on business strategy is steering firms toward graduates who can integrate tech-enabled decision-making.
Regionally, Asia leads in current AI skill demand, with 49% of employers rating it important—far ahead of the 13% in the U.S.
4. Human Skills Still Irreplaceable
Top-ranking skills include:
- Problem-solving & strategic thinking
- Communication
- Emotional intelligence & adaptability
These “people skills” remain critical even as AI gains ground, supported by Joy Jones and survey findings emphasizing a balanced skill set.
5. Online Graduates Gain Equal Footing
With remote work normalized, 55–56% of employers view online or hybrid-educated graduates equally with traditional in-person alum.
📣 QUOTES FROM THE SURVEY
“As AI becomes more integral in a company’s decision-making and strategy development, employers continue to turn to business school graduates for their versatility and strategic thinking…”
— Joy Jones, CEO at GMAC.
“Business school graduates—with degrees or credentials earned in‑person or remotely—should feel empowered that their employability continues to outperform those without an advanced management degree…”
— Christine Murray, Associate Dean, Georgetown McDonough.
🌍 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Conducted between January and March 2025, the survey included 1,108 corporate recruiters and hiring managers—with nearly two-thirds representing Global Fortune 500 companies across 46 countries.
🎯 IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS SCHOOLS
Business schools are hiring AI into their curricula. Nearly half of major corporations prefer partnering with universities to close the AI talent gap—as opposed to hiring externally. Institutions like Wharton, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, and LBS have responded by building dedicated AI-focused tracks or fully-integrated AI modules.
Academic leaders note that top programs now combine tech fluency, strategic leadership, and human-centered soft skills, preparing graduates for hybrid workplaces .
💼 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HRTECH & COMPANIES
- Recruit Smart – Screen for balanced skill sets: AI competency plus leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
- Partner with Academia – Collaborate directly with schools to ensure alignment between curriculum and workplace needs.
- Validate Credentials – Recognize the worth of online and hybrid-degree grads, not just traditional pathways.
- Upskill Current Workforce – Offer AI training to existing staff to preserve competitive advantage .
🔚 CONCLUSION
The GMAC survey confirms what many HR leaders already see: business school graduates remain indispensable, especially as AI reshapes corporate workflows. With nearly universal trust in B‑school preparation, strong hiring intentions, and balanced skill requirements, the case is clear: the future workforce demands AI-savvy leaders who also master human collaboration and strategic thinking.
