MBA Graduates of UCI in High Demand
Graduates of the 1997 class of UC Irvine’s MBA program have fared well in the job market. But that’s not surprising, given that the surging economy has spurred intense demand for business school grads generally, and particularly those with an understanding of information technology, says Randy Williams, UCI’s placement and career services director.
Three months after graduating, nearly all of UCI’s 1997 MBA grads were employed, with an average annual compensation package of $67,000, up from $60,000 the year before, Williams says. That’s on a par with comparable MBA programs, he says. What’s more, he says, the vast majority of graduates are staying in California, whereas during the recession many were forced to seek jobs out of state.
“I’ve done this for 20-some years, and I’ve never seen a job market so hot for students,†Williams says. “It’s almost like a feeding frenzy.â€
More than one-third of the UCI graduates landed positions with consulting firms, which are staffing up as companies that downsized during the recession continue to seek outside expertise, he says. Most in demand, he says, are MBA grads who can augment their management skills with “understanding the new technologies and how they’re changing the way firms are doing business.â€
So far this year, Williams sees no sign of the hiring surge abating. He says that about half of the MBA program members graduating next June already have received multiple job offers, with salaries in the $70,000 range. And that doesn’t include signing bonuses.
*
Patrice Apodaca covers economic issues for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5979 and at [email protected]
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
