Health leads

While more companies across sectors plan to recruit B-school graduates this year, the healthcare sector, including the pharmaceutical industry, is expected to hire the maximum number of graduates, as per the 13 annual corporate recruiters’ survey by the US-based Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Informs Michelle Sparkman Renz, director, research communications, GMAC, “By sector, the greatest demand for hiring MBAs is seen among industries that fall outside typical stereotypes associated with MBA job recruiting.With nine out of 10 healthcare and pharmaceutical companies planning to hire an MBA candidate in 2014, the industry leads the global demand. This is followed by manufacturing (87%), finance and accounting (82%), and consulting (84%).”
However, while fewer companies across sectors are focused on overcoming economic challenges (25%) and reducing costs (45%), the primary goal of employers in the healthcare industry is to save money (74%). Around 65% plan to improve performance and productivity and launch products and services. Consequently, 88% employers in the sector seek to fill marketing and sales positions in 2014, followed by finance (56%), business development (56%) and general management functions (52%). About 565 employers from 44 countries took part in this year’s survey in February and March.