Studying for a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree demands a
sizeable investment of time and money, but most graduates discover that the
rewards in terms of career prospects and salaries far outweigh the costs.
The Salary & Career Prospects Survey, published today by the Association of
MBAs confirms that base salaries of UK graduate MBAs continue to rise
consistently and remain ahead of average earnings despite the current
economic climate.
The base salary of the 900 MBA graduates who took part in the latest survey
averages £64,000 per annum. In real terms this translates to a 39 per cent
increase in salary upon graduation. Salaries rise incrementally with
seniority and Directors' base pay shows a leap of 20 per cent whilst the
base pay of senior managers has risen by 15 per cent.
An analysis of turnover against salary highlights that MBAs who have notched
up key post MBA work experience before joining growing businesses are paid
more than their corporate counterparts. MBAs working for SMEs with a
turnover of £1m-£4m can average a salary of £79,000 whereas MBAs working for
larger employers (£100m-£499.9m turnover) can expect to earn an average of
£70,000.
When it comes to salaries by function, MBA graduates working in general
management are the best paid on an average salary of almost £80,000
(£79,687). Those in administrative roles received the lowest mean salary
(£41,450).
The research was based on a survey of 900 graduates of accredited MBA programmes offered by business schools across Europe. Other findings show that:
- People choose to take an MBA for a number of reasons: to
improve their prospects with their current employer (65%), to move into a
different industry sector (54%). One quarter of entrepreneurs (22%) set up
their own businesses with a further 15 per cent choosing self-employment.
- The vast majority (90%) said that achieving an MBA had given
them increased self-esteem and 82 per cent felt that their MBA has helped
with their confidence levels and allowed them to become more assertive.
- Half of the respondents (50%) found a new job through word
of mouth, highlighting the importance of networking. Personal referrals and
recommendations continue to be a key source of new business with sixty per
cent of new business being attributed to their MBA network.
- The increasing popularity of distance and part-time courses
continues, with family and work influences playing a major factor. Full-time
respondents account for 35 per cent of the sample and distance MBAs and
part-time MBAs for 65 per cent
- Employers continue to invest in the MBA qualification with
75 per cent of organisations providing some form of financial support.
Commenting on the findings, Paula Glason, Marketing Manager, at The
Association of MBAs says:
"It's really positive news that the MBA remains a popular qualification and
a good long-term investment at a time when job prospects are less than rosy.
The findings also highlight the value of the MBA network which is perceived
to be as important as the management skills and tools gained."
To see the full findings visit www.mbaworld.com.