Banks 'still keen on MBA graduates' - graduate jobs

Recruiters say that they continue to be impressed by MBA graduates, backing up a survey that highlights the successful career path they can traditionally expect to enjoy.

The Association of MBAs carried out a poll last June which revealed that the most popular sectors for business master's degree holders to work in were finance and consulting.

By the time they had been on the career ladder for 10 years, 39% of MBA graduates were in senior management roles, 13% were board directors and 11% were employed as chief executives or presidents.

Although the credit crunch has hit many business sectors hard since the survey was conducted, the London Business School says that several top banks are still keen to take on MBA graduates.

The school's director of career services, Diane Morgan, told the Times: "They still recognise the importance of having good, smart, entry-level workers," although she cautioned that competition for positions is tougher than ever in the current economic climate.

Newly-qualified MBA graduates can expect to receive an immediate increase in salary of 46%, the survey showed. This rises to 129% three to five years after leaving business school, and 208% six to 10 years later.

But there is quite a disparity between the sexes, with the average salary for a male graduate some £15,000 higher than for a female, at £74,441 and £59,309 respectively.