Job prospects for MBA graduates

MBA programs teach critical business fundamentals required of today's executives and entrepreneurs in areas such as finance, business administration, marketing and more. Not only will you gain invaluable skills, but you will often improve your job prospects as well.

Find a job as an MBA graduate

If you are looking to accelerate your career, change industries, or earn a higher salary, you will have an advantage as an MBA graduate. MBA graduates occupy top positions in companies across all industries and in some of the most well-known companies in the world. 

Job prospects in Europe are different in comparison to the USA or Canada. This is due to the different perceptions of the MBA. Let us take North American (USA and Canada) MBA programs and compare them to European ones.

Job prospects in Germany and Europe

Before we talk about job prospects, let us briefly discuss the history of the MBA in Europe, especially in Germany. In the past, the gold standard of German higher education was the Diplom, a qualification that required at least four years of study and was considered by employers to be equivalent to an MBA. Moreover, German law did not allow domestic universities to award their own MBA degrees until after 1998, with the introduction of the Bologna Process.

European MBA programs have undergone various changes over the years and differ from their North American counterparts in terms of duration and cost, locations, and culture. European MBA programs tend to be shorter and less expensive, they have a stronger international focus, and graduates usually find jobs in the country where they earned their MBA. 

In Germany, many MBA graduates work in international technology companies, while others work in startups or at large companies such as Amazon, Bayer, Boeing or Deutsche Bank. This is where the international part of the European MBA comes into play, as most companies operate globally and are interested in internationally trained talent.

Job prospects in the USA and Canada

The MBA degree was first offered by Harvard Business School in 1908. After that year, the degree began to spread across the U.S., and the first executive MBA program was created in 1943, while the international MBA was introduced in 1946. From there, the teaching of the MBA program moved to Canada in 1948 and later to South Africa and Pakistan before reaching European higher education institutions. 

Regarding the above, MBA programs in the U.S. and Canada usually last two years and are much more expensive than European programs. A North American MBA program usually places its graduates in the same country. For example, if you graduate from a Canadian MBA program, you will likely stay and work in Canada.

Tips for getting hired

We've put together some tips for you on how to best find a job if you have an MBA.

Application

Create a plan

Before you begin your job search, it can be useful to develop a strategy and an overall goal. Whether you want to advance in your current job, move to a new position, or change industries, you should think about what field you want to work in, what positions you're interested in, what salary you're seeking, and what other factors are important to you. This can help you refine your search and save time in the job search process.

Sell yourself in a 360-degree perspective

More and more MBA graduates have not just a resume, but a much more creative and holistic portfolio of who they are as a leader, their academic background, skills and experiences. Explain what you have done in the past and how your work has impacted previous companies.

Attend company events

Company events are a great way to connect with potential employers. Often recruiters stick around after presentations so attendees can approach them and meet them in person. They strike up a conversation, get the recruiter's business card, and can use that connection later to submit an application and get an interview.

Interview

Practice makes perfect

Your interview is your first impression. Listen carefully to the questions your interviewer asks and try to answer them fully. If you are unsure of your answer, you can ask back, "Did I answer your question?". Try to establish an emotional connection, as this will help you during the interview and may even improve your chances. To get the job you want, you need positivity, resilience and perseverance. Do not get flustered and bring a strong finish.

Research the company

Companies want to hire people who have a genuine interest in them. A good place to start is the company's website, but do not stop at the homepage. Check out the "About Us" page, the products and services, and the leadership team. You can get even more information by reading the company's blog or looking at their quarterly reports. You can also use Google Alerts to receive emails about new happenings at the company. 

Show that you can and want to be part of the team

Some recruiters will give you a specific business scenario to solve during the interview. Your interview may go really well up to this point and then you may back out. Be prepared to share your solutions and ideas that could help the company. For example, in the consulting industry, you need to work well with the team, so you need to demonstrate those skills to get hired.

Show how you will add value to the company

It is crucial that you show how you will add value as an employee. This is where your research on the company is of great use - the overall strategy, recent campaigns, etc. Do not focus on how much you will earn, that comes later. You need to be able to identify where you can add value in the future. Deliver ideas, ideas, ideas...

Taking your MBA in Berlin

Germany is generally known for its excellent higher education system and highly innovative economy, making it an attractive study abroad destination for many students worldwide. And Berlin is one of the largest open-minded centers in the world with many career opportunities.

The MBA degree in Berlin is highly regarded around the world and will increase your job prospects. With such a degree, you will stand out from the competition when applying for the best jobs, and employers can be sure that you have the required skills and education.

Why should you do your MBA at Berlin International?

• Easy application process

• International profile

• Work in small groups

• The perfect mix of theory and project work

• Professors’ background: industry and academia

• Cooperation partners for employment opportunities

Choosing the right MBA

The MBA for Generalists: Get on top of the business

A general MBA, like that of Berlin International, provides students with a broad base of knowledge in business and management. Here, you will learn the basics in all relevant disciplines and develop skills that can be applied to many practical areas in almost any industry. In addition to business and management experience, general MBA programs focus on strengthening leadership, creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in any field.

Specialization areas in our MBA at Berlin International are directly related to current business challenges

Digitalization

Digitalization is when companies use digital technologies to change their business model and create new, value-added opportunities. Many companies have gone digital in the last decade because it gives them competitive advantage by doing things better, faster and cheaper than the competition. Contribute your ideas and support the digitization of the company where you work. 

Globalization

In economics, globalization refers to the process in which goods, capital and ideas cross borders. Companies can leverage globalization to gain a competitive advantage. Many companies need employees to manage their global activities.

Talent acquisition

Talent acquisition is an ongoing strategy for finding skilled workers, managers or future employees. Companies that focus on talent acquisition rather than just recruitment benefit. They typically focus on long-term workforce planning and finding suitable candidates for positions that require very specific skills. There are many interesting job openings in the areas of HRM that focus on Talent Management.  

Entrepreneurship/start-ups

Berlin is a global center with many companies, many of which are startups. You can also work in a start-up, where you will learn a lot. You'll be given a lot of responsibility right from the start. This may be a boost for your own company idea. Why not create it in Berlin?

We hope this article will help you in getting the right job. And if you are interested in studying MBA at Berlin International, you can always contact our Admissions & Student Affairs team to find out more. Please reach out to us via email at application@berlin-international.de.