Understanding GMAC's Corporate Recruiter Report

Eric Lucrezia
Aug 3
2 min read

Updated: Aug 21

GMAC's 2025 Corporate Recruiter Report Header

Figuring out which schools are the best fit for you, your career goals, values, learning style, personality, etc. as well as knowing each school deeply enough that proves beyond any doubt that you truly know and understand the program and all the various resources available to you takes time.

This is a process that I dubbed years ago:

"Researching & Soul Searching."

Part of YOUR homework in the research process is having a clear grasp on what skills are most valued in the industries and markets you may be targeting. The Admissions Committee needs strong reassurance that your post-MBA plans are specific & realistic, and thus all of this should of course come through in your application, particularly in your essays and interview.

The GMAC Report is a great place to start - or deepen) your research. Over 1,000 corporate recruiters, representing 46 countries, and over 300 Fortune 500 companies have responded to this survey, which GMAC has once again compiled for you.

Download PDF from GMAC

Excerpt from a chart, highlighting some of the biggest changes of key skills, according to the 2025 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Report. Of note, "Skills Using AI Tools" has jumped from 15th place to n°1 since last year!

MBA Programs Remain Relevant because they're always on the Pulse of What Skills Companies Most Value:

Predictably, AI Skills is Now #1

I’m pleased to share some of the most compelling findings from GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey. First, employers’ confidence in graduate management education (GME), especially MBA and business master’s degrees, remains remarkably strong—99 % say these programs prepare students well for careers in an AI‑driven, hybrid work environment . They view business‑school graduates as versatile strategic thinkers who can lead through complexity and technological disruption.

Second, AI‑related skills are a rising priority: 31 % of recruiters now consider fluency in AI tools essential, up from 26 % in 2024. That said, traditional human‑centric competencies still lead the pack: problem‑solving, strategic thinking, communication, adaptability, and initiative top the list of desired skills—both today and looking ahead. In fact, Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America all rank problem‑solving and strategic thinking among the top current and future‑focused skills .

Third, hiring intent and compensation trends are optimistic. Employers expect to increase hiring of MBA and management‑master’s graduates in 2025, projecting rises in both nominal and inflation‑adjusted starting salaries across the U.S. These trends come despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, suggesting that advanced management skills remain a valuable asset—and that investment in GME candidates continues to pay dividends.

Finally, regional and industry nuances were notable. Employers across every region report that GME‑gained skills are increasingly valuable in today’s remote‑hybrid workplace . Many emphasize how business schools are successfully integrating AI and tech competencies alongside core leadership skills—highlighting that the blend of human‑centered and tech‑savvy capacities is what makes graduates stand out.

These findings underline how MBA and business‑master’s graduates are highly sought after as organizations navigate digital transformation and shifting workplaces. I encourage you to download the PDF of GMAC's report by clicking the button below.If you'd like, I'm happy schedule a follow‑up chat.

Download PDF from GMAC

Which SKILLS are YOU aiming to improve most during your MBA?