More than 40% of technology companies plan to hire graduates of masters-level programs in data analytics — nearly twice as many as companies in other sectors.The findings, published Tuesday in the Graduate Management Admissions Council’s annual corporate recruiters survey, highlight the surging demand in Silicon Valley for managers who can merge business nous with big data analysis.
“Data analytics is definitely one of the skill-sets they look for,” said David Morris, head of corporate sectors at London Business School. He added: “A lot of the big online players in data and SaaS [software-as-a-service] will need analytics [talent] to draw out information and act on it.”
In recent years business masters students, and MBAs, have flocked away from finance and banking and to tech employers, such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook.
“Data is their business,” said Vasant Dhar, NYU Stern professor of data science. He added: “The growth path for all of them is about how to obtain more and better data about people, places, [and] events, and to put it all together into innovative products and services.”
GMAC’s survey shows, meanwhile, that 88% of corporate recruiters working with business schools plan to hire MBAs in 2016, up by 8% on last year and by 33% on 2010. Globally, 54% plan to increase MBA starting salaries either above or at the rate of inflation. US firms will pay MBAs $105,000, up by $5,000 on last year.
“Nearly nine in 10 employers that work with career services plan to conduct on-campus recruitment this year, giving students a tremendous advantage in finding job opportunities,” said Damian Zikakis, director of career services at Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
The survey’s results come as the number of masters degrees in data analytics proliferate. For example, Duke’s Fuqua School of Business set-up a specialized data degree last month, and in March, MIT Sloan announced a master of business analytics. A slew of other top-ranked business schools run the programs, including IE Business School, Imperial College, and the W.P Carey School.
“Data science now is like ethics or international [business] — the question is, do you have a standalone course or let it infiltrate everything?” said Gregory LaBlanc, a data science lecturer at San Francisco’s Haas School of Business, at UC Berkeley.
The research also comes as business schools look to specialized degrees, as demand for the full-time, flagship MBA appears to be on the wane.
Tom Robinson, chief executive of AACSB International, which accredits business schools, said: “There has been a shift of interest from MBA or general business masters degrees, to those with a more specialized focus.”
About 27% of recruiters plan to hire graduates of supply chain management masters programs; 26% intend to snap up data analytics graduates; and 24% are eyeing master of marketing graduates.
GMAC’s findings are based on responses from 842 employers representing more than 530 companies in 40 countries.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
