Archive · 19 Jan 2026
MBA Graduates Face Tough Job Market
Many people who just finished their MBA programs from top schools are having a hard time finding jobs.
Even though some schools like Harvard and Columbia saw more people getting hired, many others are still struggling.
For example, at Duke University, 21% of graduates were still looking for work three months after graduation, which is much higher than in 2019.
Some graduates are even considering jobs that pay less than what they earned before going to business school.
The job market is tough because companies are being very careful about who they hire, and there are a lot of people competing for the same jobs.
Some schools are trying to help by offering more networking opportunities and training in artificial intelligence.
Despite these efforts, it's still a challenging time for many MBA graduates.
MBA graduates from top business schools are struggling to find jobs, with many still looking for work months after graduation.
Hiring rates at many top-tier business schools remain below pre-pandemic levels, with some schools reporting significant increases in unemployment rates among graduates.
Companies are scrutinizing every white-collar hire, and the job market is tough due to steep competition and economic uncertainty.
Some business schools are trying to help by offering more networking opportunities and training in artificial intelligence.
Despite these efforts, many MBA graduates are still struggling to find jobs, with some considering positions that pay less than what they earned before business school.
- Who
- MBA graduates from top business schools
- What
- Struggling to find jobs due to a tough job market
- When
- The job market has been tough for over a year
- Where
- United States, with specific mentions of New York, Charlotte, and Washington D.C.
- Why
- Companies are scrutinizing every white-collar hire, and there is steep competition due to layoffs and economic uncertainty
- Duke University's 2024 unemployment rate
- 21%
- University of Michigan's 2024 unemployment rate
- 15%
- Duke University's 2019 unemployment rate
- 5%
- University of Michigan's 2019 unemployment rate
- 4%
- Georgetown University's 2024 unemployment rate
- 25%
- Georgetown University's 2023 unemployment rate
- 16%
- Georgetown University's 2019 unemployment rate
- 8%
- Columbia Business School's 2024 unemployment rate
- 10%
- Harvard Business School's 2024 unemployment rate
- 16%
- Harvard Business School's 2023 unemployment rate
- 23%