B-School aspirants focus on upskilling over career shift

Metro India News | NEW DELHI

Business school aspirants worldwide are increasingly prioritising skill enhancement over major career pivots, according to the latest survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

The report, based on responses from over 4,200 candidates across 145 countries in 2025, reveals a clear shift in mindset. Instead of using management education to change industries or job roles, candidates are now seeking to bridge specific skill gaps and safeguard their careers amid economic uncertainty.

GMAC CEO Joy Jones said prospective students are becoming more strategic, focusing on measurable returns, programme fit, and evolving global dynamics. With a volatile job market, candidates are increasingly investing in “durable” skills rather than pursuing broad career resets.

While the United States continues to remain the top study destination, Western Europe is gaining popularity, particularly among students from Central and South Asia and Latin America, reflecting changing international mobility trends.

The report also highlights sustained interest in business education. Although MBA programmes remain popular among professionals aged 25–30, younger candidates are showing a stronger preference for specialised business master’s degrees compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key component of business education, with nearly half of the respondents considering AI tools essential to their learning—up sharply from previous years.

Career preferences remain largely stable, with consulting emerging as the most sought-after sector post-graduation. However, younger candidates are showing declining interest in the technology sector, while older applicants continue to favour it despite recent industry disruptions.

The survey also underscores a growing gender gap in study preferences, with women showing higher inclination towards flexible and hybrid learning formats. Additionally, cost sensitivity remains a significant concern, especially among early-stage applicants, women, and first-generation candidates.