A recent global poll by Highered, the online careers platform of EFMD, provides insight into the changing job preferences of business school students. The poll of 3,816 students, mostly from Europe, offers surprising information about their preferred jobs. Although consulting and financial services are still in high demand, the poll shows that students’ top two choices of employers are the technological giants Google and Amazon.
First of all, it must be highlighted that one of the major survey findings is that business school students are still choosing consulting over banking and financial services as their chosen industry. But it turns out that Google ended up being the most sought-after employer, closely followed by Amazon. This change reflects students’ growing interest in organizations with cutting-edge missions.
The poll results also reveal a noteworthy pattern among business school students: an increasing propensity towards rewarding and purpose-driven careers. Given the growing significance of this, EADA Business School has a reputation for placing a strong emphasis on incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its programs. EADA gives students the tools and mindset to deal with difficult societal changes by pushing them to think about their influence on important global issues, making their career decisions more significant and impactful.
“Incorporating sustainability into our way of doing business is now more important than ever to make sure we reach our climate goals in alignment with the Paris Agreement, because the majority of today’s way of doing business is linear and based upon finite resources. But more importantly reaching and exceeding the climate goals will help us preserve the earth the best we can for future generations. This is something we owe to them and it is a responsibility to be shared by all.” –Erik Moltzen, Sustainability Manager at HP & Alumnus of Master in Sustainable Business & Innovation 2021-2022.
One noteworthy observation from the survey is the increasing popularity of the tech sector. This increase can be linked to the ongoing technological disruption of traditional financial services such as the use of AI, robotics, and blockchain. Deloitte conducted a survey of executives of the financial services industry to find that many are excited about the use of new technologies like AI, however they are wary of the potential risks of disruptive technologies primarily because they need additional knowledge of these new technologies. Since the beginning, EADA has incorporated innovation into its well-known and important pillars as a business school because it recognizes the importance of staying ahead of the learning curve in order to keep up with innovations of the tech and finance industries, as well as the business world as a whole. By encouraging students to think like entrepreneurs, this method equips them to deal with the changing demands of the tech sector.
Last but not least, the survey findings highlight the importance of early research, skills acquisition, and relevant work experience for business school students aspiring to secure positions in their preferred sectors. In the context of tech, additional training in digital skills is particularly crucial due to the sector’s reliance on technology and constant innovation. EADA proactively addresses these requirements by offering students opportunities to enhance their digital skill sets through practical experiences and more.
As Paulina Motta (International Master in Management 2018 – 2019 and Account Manager at Google) told us, there are three things that she would highlight from her experience at EADA. Firstly, the preparation for the professional world, highlighting that the case methodology allowed her to connect what had been learned with real situations as well as making it practical. Secondly, the immersion in diverse cultures, pointing out that the interaction with multiple nationalities fostered a more enriching experience. Lastly, the content of the program in itself, explaining that having subjects of general culture and business management gave her a business vision.
One of EADA’s mission statements is “Reskill to Regenerate“, which emphasizes the development of well rounded leaders that are equipped with essential soft skills. This mission falls in line with research published by McKinsey & Company in 2021 that focused on which soft skills are required to be successful in the future of business. Some of the soft skills highlighted within the research work were: Communication, mental flexibility, teamwork effectiveness, adaptability, coping with uncertainty, synthesizing messages, achievement orientation, self-confidence, organizational awareness, self-motivation and wellness.
To cultivate these skills, EADA integrates a holistic approach to its education that goes beyond technical knowledge. By combining interactive classroom activities, group projects and experiential learning, EADA also promotes the development of communication skills, teamwork effectiveness, adapting with changes, and other essential soft skills. All participants engage in practical simulations, case studies, and real-world challenges that require them to think critically, collaborate with diverse teams and navigate complex situations. Moreover, EADA puts a strong emphasis on leadership, empowering its participants to build self-confidence, develop organizational awareness and cultivate a strong sense of motivation and wellness all through the Residential Training Center experience at Collbató.
Combining a rigorous academic curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, EADA always makes sure that its participants are equipped with the necessary soft skills to shine in the dynamic and constantly evolving world of business.