Business education poll: career choices

A large majority of masters in management graduates polled by the FT appear to believe their choice of career was on target.

According to a survey of 1,470 graduates from the class of 2012, 88 per cent expect to remain in their current sector for the next two years. The most popular sectors for these graduates are finance and banking (21 per cent), followed by consultancy (19 per cent) and IT and telecoms (11 per cent).

However, some graduates have at least considered a change, with 23 per cent having looked for jobs in a different sector in the past six months.

Again, the most popular choices were finance and banking (18 per cent), consultancy (18 per cent) and IT and telecoms (13 per cent).

Asked what has prompted them to try to switch sectors, three-quarters cited career progression and promotion. Some 60 per cent wanted more money and 55 per cent thought a move would lead to more interesting work. The most sought-after role is junior manager (34 per cent), while other favoured jobs include those at a professional level (29 per cent) and senior manager positions (18 per cent).

Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs which require several years of experience, even if you are a junior

Most of the participants are optimistic about their job prospects as more than 70 per cent feel secure in their current profession. In addition, more than 80 per cent believe their masters degree enhances their job security.

When asked about the best careers advice they received, one senior manager wrote: “Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs which require several years of experience, even if you are a junior.”