Executive Summary

According to INSEAD’s latest employment data, out of the 843 MBA students who graduated in December 2023 and July 2024, only 80% had job offers within three months, meaning 1 in 5 remained without an offer. This marks one of the lowest rates at INSEAD in recent years.

The backdrop to this downturn includes global economic uncertainty and political instability, as well as reduced hiring in consulting and tech, traditionally the top fields for MBA recruitment. INSEAD, which has a strong legacy in consulting, was notably impacted: the percentage of grads going into consulting declined from 61% to 55%, and average and median salaries across various sectors also fell, reflecting a challenging hiring environment.

Still, the school emphasizes that global job opportunities continue to exist, with many graduates securing offers thanks to their adaptability and diverse skill sets. New trends include a notable increase in placements in the Middle East—particularly in the UAE. INSEAD notes that “Even in difficult market conditions, graduates benefit from global-mindedness and skill diversity,” and expects hiring to improve once the economy stabilizes.

Nevertheless, top MBA programs worldwide are facing a broader slowdown, especially in consulting and tech. Similar difficulties have been reported at Harvard, Stanford, and other leading U.S. business schools, underscoring the global nature of the current downturn in elite MBA recruitment. INSEAD plans to continue leveraging its worldwide network to develop leaders who can adapt to constant market changes.

Reference: Poets & Quants article

One In 5 INSEAD Grads Had No Job Offers 90 Days After Graduation In 2024

Poets&Quants

The Era of “MBA Alone Is Not Enough”

At Alpha Advisors, we have long been saying that “an MBA alone is no longer sufficient.” Nowadays, many professionals who combine MBA studies with additional expertise in Business Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science, or Financial Engineering are landing positions in finance and Big Tech—often with starting salaries ranging from 30 million to 50 million yen (and sometimes even higher).

Going forward, the demand for consulting-focused MBAs is set to decline, while MBAs strong in finance and tech will attract greater attention. To learn which programs we recommend, please check the video link below:

Given fluctuations in the global economy and hiring trends, Global MBA × Finance × Technology knowledge is poised to become an essential skill set for tomorrow’s leaders. If you aim to become a global CxO on the world stage, there’s still time to apply for MBA programs this year, and many candidates are also preparing for fall submissions.

For those asking questions like:

“Which program should I choose?”
“What specialization suits me best?”
“How should I plan my career?”
We encourage you to reach out to Alpha Advisors as soon as possible. We have been consistently supporting students and professionals for many years in MBA and graduate school applications, as well as career development. Our expertise can help you achieve your goals.

Contact Alpha Advisors Today!
Free Consultation: https://www.alpha-academy.com/mypage/messages

TJ @ Alpha Advisors CEO