MBAs graduating in 2006 will find that there are more jobs on offer and salaries are rocketing, according to the latest recruiter survey from GMAC (the Graduate Management Admissions Council), owners of the GMAT test.

Respondents to the GMAC survey said they intended to recruit 18 per cent more MBAs than last year. With bonuses included, the average MBA graduate can expect a package worth just under $100,000 this year, according to the survey.

Anecdotal evidence from business schools over the past year has shown that MBAs are once more in demand. This year basic salaries have risen by more than $2,500 on average - from $78,040 in 2005 to $80,809 in 2006.

The survey is compiled from responses from 1,270 recruiters, representing 737 companies that hire MBAs.

According to the report, recruiters believe that MBA graduates are generally well-grounded in traditional business skills, such as problem-solving and analytical thinking. A majority of recruiters also said that MBAs are receiving sufficient training in “softer” skills these days. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents said they place significant weight on soft skills when judging the people they interview.

www.gmac.org