India prefers to hire degree holders while US focuses on skills: Survey

According to a recent survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), Indian employers exhibit a strong inclination towards hiring graduates from business schools. The survey highlights that crucial skills in demand for business school graduates include effective communication, data analysis, and strategic thinking.

Employers believe that a graduate management education provides a significant advantage over candidates without such qualifications. Particularly in Asia and among Fortune 500 companies, there is a clear preference for graduates from “leading” business schools.

Even in the post-Covid era, the survey indicates that employers continue to prioritise candidates who have completed in-person programmes, valuing them more than those with online degrees or micro-credentials only. This insight underscores the enduring importance of traditional, on-campus education in the eyes of corporate recruiters.

Further, the hiring preferences of employers in the United States differ from those in India. In the US, employers place greater emphasis on candidates’ skills and competencies rather than solely focusing on their degrees. Specific abilities and accomplishments take centre stage during the hiring process.

Asian employers, on the other hand, tend to place more value on the actual degree obtained, while US employers, particularly those in the consulting industry, are keen on hearing about the specific skills acquired during the candidates’ education. Although micro-credentials may not carry the same weight as traditional graduate business degrees, some employers do recognise and appreciate the valuable skills they bring to the table.

Despite concerns about a possible recession, the hiring outlook for 2023 appears promising, particularly for business master’s graduates. Projections indicate an anticipated increase in hiring compared to the actual hiring results from 2022. This positive trend suggests a favourable job market for business school graduates in the coming year.