Seventy-four percent more MBAs were minted in 2012 than in 2001 and the MBA degree comprised a full twenty percent of masters degrees awarded.1 The law of supply and demand is fairly straightforward: as supply increases, demand decreases. This notion as applied to MBA-degree holders reveals that “right now it appears there’s more than enough supply of highly educated talent out there to satisfy employer demand.”2
Naturally, with over-supply comes reduced demand. In other words, the MBA degree carries less cache than it has in the past and, thus, those graduating with these degrees are as hard-pressed as ever to differentiate themselves in the job market beyond simply touting the advanced degree. This saturation coupled with an anemic market should inspire prospective MBAs to understand how best to position themselves in school so as to ensure professional competitiveness when it comes time to secure employment out of school.
A recent article from Business Insider written for employers in order to help them better evaluate applicants with MBA degrees offers tips on what to look for and breaks it all down into four major categories: expectations and attitude, networking experience, relevant skill sets, and leadership ability. A common thread throughout the discussion is the recommendation that employers evaluate the candidate’s school and, more specifically, the curriculum of that school in order to get an idea of what the applicant was focusing on while there.
For those that might not be in a top program with the brand equity that goes along with it, using electives and extra-curriculars to learn, hone, and market desired skills and attributes can be a boon to job prospecting. Further, finding deft ways to communicate such information even if not specifically asked can be a great tactic.
In the end, consciously constructing an academic experience can yield benefits beyond the present moment of enjoying a particular course and instructor. What students study can notably effect how their target employer evaluates them.
