A recent global survey conducted by the Financial Times and ZHAW School of Management and Law reveals that business school graduates express considerable satisfaction with their educational experiences and professional careers, despite modest earnings for many. The survey, which included responses from over 1,100 alumni from more than 300 universities worldwide, found that a significant majority reported strong job satisfaction and effective work-life balance, even amid high stress levels.
Among the respondents, 83% rated their business programs highly, noting the relevance of key concepts such as strategic leadership and financial management. However, many alumni emphasized the need for curricula updates to incorporate emerging topics like artificial intelligence and to provide more international exposure and practical skills. For instance, Olubolade Olukoya, who earned an MBA from Lagos Business School, expressed a desire for increased emphasis on global perspectives. Similarly, Iris Shi, a Master of Finance graduate, indicated her disappointment with the lack of real-world business exposure during her studies.
Despite the high satisfaction rates, financial outcomes paint a mixed picture. Approximately 28% of graduates reported annual incomes below $50,000, while only 18% earned over $150,000. The survey highlights a discrepancy between perceived value and actual financial returns post-graduation.
This year’s findings also revealed significant variations in satisfaction across regions, with Latin America and North America reporting the highest levels, in contrast to Oceania and Eastern Europe where alumni expressed lower satisfaction.
Key educational competencies ranked highly included communication, leadership, and data analytics, indicating evolving expectations for business education.
Why this story matters
- Highlights the disparity between educational satisfaction and financial outcomes for business graduates.
Key takeaway
- Graduates find value in their education but call for updates to curricula to better prepare for current job market demands.
Opposing viewpoint
- Some argue that while satisfaction is high, it may not translate to financial viability, suggesting a potential disconnect between education and job market realities.
