You Oughta Know
Diversified industry placement. At first glance, Booth’s employment report doesn’t look much different than those at peer schools. There are schools that send more people into consulting, health care, media, energy, technology, manufacturing, or other specialized industries. However, not many other top-tier schools have as much representation in all of those industries. An Booth degree will serve you well in pretty much any industry.
Employment statistics. Roughly 90% of the Class of 2015 who were seeking employment had accepted a job by graduation; three months later, that number was up to just under 98%. These numbers are in line with the previous year’s statistics, showing that last year’s improvement (over 2013) was more than just a fluke. Almost 77% of full-time job offers were school-facilitated, either through an on-campus interview, a job posting, or a student or alumni relationship.
Salaries. Not that all you care about is money, but surely you want to make sure your MBA investment is worthwhile. So it should make you happy to learn that the median base salary for Chicago Booth’s Class of 2015 was $125,000, with consulting hires landing the highest base of approximately $140,000. Just remember to be a bit careful when looking at overall average salary numbers because they can be skewed by high salaries in particular industries. Schools that send fewer students to those industries can be at a disadvantage.
Grade disclosure. The Class of 2002 adopted an ad hoc grade non-disclosure policy, which was never rescinded. It is not an official policy and therefore not enforced. Though many students likely don’t disclose their grades, we wouldn’t be surprised if recruiters from banking and consulting firms ask for them.
Midwestern roots. Almost one third (31%) of Booth graduates stayed right in the Midwest. That’s a higher percentage than at any other top-tier school, except at its Chicago neighbor, Kellogg, which had 33% of its graduating class from 2015 elect to stay in the Midwest. Almost a quarter of the class went to the Northeast, and just 19% headed West (one of the lowest percentages among the top-tier schools).
- Even top-rated business schools tend to place the majority of their graduates close to home. While this is often a result of stronger relationships with employers in a school’s region, graduates often choose to attend a business school where they ultimately wish to live post-MBA. Most schools have mobility and strong alumni networks across the country and globally, but applicants would be wise to consider placement statistics by location when considering which schools to target.
