AMBA & BGA RESEARCH
23 per cent received two o ers, 13 per cent received three o ers, four per cent received four o ers and seven per cent received more than four o ers. The remaining two per cent selected ‘other’ in this section, again suggestive of a company-sponsored programme. Multiple factors behind enrolment The subsequent question explored programme elements that influenced students’ decision to enrol. Results here reveal that a programme’s accreditation plays a particularly significant role in the decision, with 51 per cent of respondents citing it as a key factor. Other influential factors include a programme’s reputation among businesses (39 per cent), its ranking (39 per cent), options for specialisation (38 per cent) and the quality of teaching (37 per cent). Less commonly cited reasons for enrolling in programmes are the quality of other enrolees (10 per cent), a programme’s focus on ethics (11 per cent) and expected post-graduation salaries (13 per cent). Additional reasons given among respondents who selected ‘other’ when answering this question include location, timing, tuition fee sponsorship from an employer, scholarships and programme flexibility. Overall, it’s clear that students take several factors into account when choosing their business programmes, ranging from programme reputation and quality to practical aspects, such as programme delivery and financial support options. Expectations and interests The next part of AMBA & BGA’s student survey focused on analysing their programme experiences to date. When student respondents were asked whether they continue to work during their studies, the majority (81 per cent) said they are indeed balancing study with existing work commitments. Specifically, 67 per cent said they are working full time and 15 per cent work part time, while only 18 per cent are not working while studying. In general, participants express positive sentiments about their chosen business programmes. A significant proportion of 35 per cent report that their programme completely exceeds their expectations, while 18 per cent indicate that it partially exceeds their expectations. A further 35 per cent find their chosen programme to be in line with their expectations. Only a minority (10 per cent) feel their programme is falling short of expectations, with a further two per cent reporting that it is completely falling short of their expectations so far. Comments from students who feel that their programme is exceeding expectations include the following: “The programme has o ered valuable company visits, international residencies and guest speakers, enhancing the overall experience”; “skills attained from the programme have enabled me to start a successful business”; and “the programme has facilitated networking opportunities and equipped myself and my fellow participants to solve real-life work problems e ectively.” Conversely, participants who feel their programmes are falling short of expectations cite concerns that include a “lack of peer
FINDINGS SNAPSHOT
Student views prior to enrolment 40 per cent of students say earning more money in the long term is a consideration for studying for a business degree – only 11 per cent say earning more money in the short term is a factor. Half of students say they only applied to one programme and a similar proportion received a single o er. Students’ programme experience 81 per cent of student respondents continue to work during their studies. 57 per cent of students say networking opportunities are the aspect of their programme that interests them most, while 46 per cent say it is the chance to improve their soft skills. Popular course topics among student respondents include general management (cited by 52 per cent ), finance ( 46 per cent ) and change management ( 39 per cent ). Student ambitions post-graduation Traditional industries remain attractive, with 41 per cent of students keen to work in consultancy post-graduation and 26 per cent interested in pursuing careers in banking or financial services. New ways of working are expected – 64 per cent want a hybrid working pattern when they graduate and nine per cent would like to find fully remote employment. Only 23 per cent state a preference for full-time o ce work.
81%
52%
64%
Ambition DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | 15
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online