Interest in Online MBA programs is on the rise, with 65% seeing an increase in applications in 2024, based on findings by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
Employers are catching on too—54% of global recruiters now view online and in-person MBA grads equally, according to the BusinessBecause Online MBA Guide 2024.
For graduates of top online programs, the return on investment is clear, with salary increases averaging 30% for those from the Financial Times’ top 10 online MBAs.
So, where do Online MBA graduates find the best opportunities? Here are the top recruiters.
Here are the Top Online MBA recruiters
7. Joining a startup
For many Online MBA graduates, the next career step is creating or joining a startup.
The flexibility of an Online MBA allows students to immediately apply their newly acquired business acumen and skills to entrepreneurial ventures, all while balancing their studies with other commitments.
At Warwick Business School, one Online MBA student used the final months of his program to launch a healthcare company tackling medical challenges in Africa. Meanwhile, a UCL graduate leveraged his online MBA to drive growth at an electronic motorcycle startup.
6. Morgan Stanley
Ranked as the sixth best bank to work for, Morgan Stanley remains a sought-after destination for online MBA graduates.
While investment banking is notoriously demanding, Morgan Stanley is known for its commitment to fostering a supportive work environment.
The firm actively recruits from top-tier schools globally and has welcomed Online MBA graduates from the likes of Warwick Business School and Kelley School of Business.
5. JP Morgan
JP Morgan Chase, the parent company of investment bank JP Morgan, is the largest bank in the world by market capitalization.
Ranked as the third most attractive company to work for globally by business school graduates, JP Morgan stands out for its commitment to career development. According to a survey by Vault, the financial giant is celebrated for offering strong mentorship and training opportunities.
4. McKinsey & Company
Part of the prestigious Big Three consulting firms alongside Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company is a top employer for Online MBA graduates.
Online MBA grads from top schools such as Michigan Ross, IE, Kelley, and Imperial College Business School have successfully landed roles at McKinsey.
According to MBA recruiters at McKinsey, the firm values candidates who possess entrepreneurial drive, diverse thinking, personal impact, and problem solving skills.
“Our strength is in our diversity of background, expertise, style,” says Brian Rolfes, McKinsey’s former global head of recruitment. “Candidates can stand out by sharing what they are interested in, their skills, and experiences.”
3. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has a long-standing reputation for hiring MBA graduates.
Known for its high compensation packages, BCG offers MBA hires starting salaries of up to $190,000 per year, with performance bonuses reaching $50,000 and signing bonuses of $30,000.
Much like an Online MBA, a career at BCG comes with a wealth of training opportunities—both online and in-person.
“One of the coolest things about being a consultant is really the personal development,” says Sarah Mertens, project leader at BCG.
“There are training platforms where you can do individual training online. You also have the opportunity, at a certain level, to have a personal coach who can be an advisor to you or coach you on specific topics. Then, at each career level, you have mandatory training that you need to accomplish.”
2. Google
As one of the most sought-after employers globally, Google is one of the largest recruiters of MBA graduates.
Data analysis consistently emerges as a top skill for Online MBA candidates, according to research by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It’s no surprise, then, that so many graduates from online programs are drawn to one of the world’s leading tech giants.
Google offers a wide range of entry-level roles, and the company’s internship program ranks second best worldwide, offering MBA students several pathways to a career in tech.
The Big Tech company has hired from several top Online MBA programs in recent years, including Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Imperial College Business School, and IE Business School.
1. Amazon
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, is also one of the most sought-after employers for Online MBA graduates, thanks to its varied career opportunities, competitive pay, and potential for fast career growth.
Amazon’s Pathways Leadership Development Program is a top choice for MBA grads looking to build a career in the company.
Designed to fast-track leadership talent, the program starts participants as area managers overseeing teams of 50 to 100 employees. Over five years, participants tackle increasingly complex challenges, honing their management and decision-making skills while progressing into senior leadership roles.
Graduates from top Online MBA programs at Warwick Business School, IE Business School, and Kelley School of Business have successfully secured roles at Amazon across a range of departments.
Whether your interests lie in tech, consulting, or entrepreneurship, an Online MBA can open doors to an array of opportunities in some of the world’s leading companies.
