As artificial intelligence reshapes the global business landscape, employers are showing a growing appetite for B-school graduates—especially those equipped with AI and strategic planning skills. The latest Corporate Recruiters Survey 2024 by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reveals that MBA and business master’s degree holders are becoming increasingly valuable as companies integrate AI into operations.
According to the report, 87% of corporate recruiters globally plan to hire recent MBA graduates in 2024. This marks a steady rebound in confidence after the hiring dip observed during the pandemic years. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region, including India, is witnessing a surge in demand for AI-literate business professionals.
Recruiters are prioritizing candidates who combine human judgment with technical literacy. Strategic thinking, interpersonal communication, and ethical decision-making remain top soft skills in demand, but there's a clear preference for graduates who understand AI’s business implications. Employers are also seeking professionals capable of interpreting data, managing digital transformation, and aligning AI use with business goals.
GMAC’s report indicates that nearly 3 in 4 corporate recruiters believe AI will significantly impact their organization within the next five years. With this shift, there’s a parallel rise in educational institutions adapting curricula to include AI, analytics, and automation-driven business modules. Programs that integrate AI case studies, real-world projects, and cross-functional learning are now more attractive to both students and employers.
Interestingly, the report highlights a growing trend in India, where startups and tech firms are leading in hiring MBAs with a dual understanding of management and machine intelligence. Even traditionally conservative industries, such as finance and consulting, are increasingly seeking talent who can bridge business and technology.
As companies recalibrate their workforce strategies in an AI-driven economy, the hybrid skillset offered by modern B-schools may soon become a non-negotiable standard. The GMAC findings reinforce that graduates with both business acumen and AI proficiency are poised to be frontrunners in a transforming job market.