Columbia Business School (CBS) has released its MBA Class of 2024 employment report. The CBS graduating MBAs demonstrate the skillset and commitment earned through the rigorous curriculum and access to business leaders the school grants.
“CBS students are independent thinkers who bring immediate value to their employers. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of the critical issues facing businesses today. Our forward-thinking curriculum and experiential learning opportunities bridge theory and practice, empowering students to apply their knowledge across various sectors including finance, marketing, data analytics, and product development. World class faculty lead students through meaningful discussions on topics ranging from breakthrough technologies to climate change, all within classrooms that foster a diverse range of perspectives. I am proud to see the Class of 2024 driving innovation within their industries and shaping the future of business,” Gracy Sarkissian, Associate Dean, Career Management Center, said in the report.
844 students matriculated as part of the CBS MBA Class of 2024, but CBS does not break down how many students sought employment. Within three months of graduation, 89 percent of those seeking employment had received offers, and 86.4 percent had accepted offers. The top reasons reported for accepting positions were advancement opportunities, company reputation, and preferred industry, reflecting the elite firms that hired the most CBS MBAs: McKinsey & Company (62 total hires), Boston Consulting Group (36 total hires), Amazon (14 total hires), PricewaterhouseCoopers (15 total hires), and Bain & Co (21 total hires).
The reported median base salary for the Class of 2024 is $175,000, with 71.3 percent of hires receiving a median signing bonus of $30,000. Additionally, 12.3 percent reported other guaranteed compensation such as tuition reimbursement, relocation compensation, and carry or non-guaranteed performance bonuses valued at a median of $21,185.
Top Industries and Median Salaries
Financial services positions led acceptances among CBS MBAs, with 35.9 percent moving into that industry, where the median base salary ranged from $120,000 to $175,000 by sector. Consulting jobs reported a $188,000 median salary, recruiting 30.6 percent of the class. Ten percent took jobs in the tech industry, while 3.8 percent went to the healthcare industry, and 3.1 percent accepted work in media, entertainment, and sports.
| Financial Services | 35.9% | $120,000 – $175,000 |
| Consulting | 30.6% | $188,000 |
| Technology | 10% | $157,050 – $163,000 |
| Healthcare | 3.8% | $135,000 – $140,000 |
| Media, Entertainment, & Sports | 3.1% | $140,000 |
A significant 21 percent of MBA graduates headed overseas for work. Asia was the destination for nine percent of the class and five percent went to Europe. Another four percent headed to South America and three percent found work in Africa and the Middle East. CBS does not break down U.S. regional placement, but 79 percent of graduates securing work found it in the U.S.
