Technology roles are most exposed, while MBA starting pay is expected to edge lower even as employers keep prioritizing communication, problem-solving, adaptability and AI skills.
One-third of employers are using AI to replace entry-level jobs in the Graduate Management Admission Council’s latest survey of more than 600 recruiters worldwide, with technology roles the most exposed at 40%, followed by manufacturing. The report also points to softer pay expectations for business-school graduates, with median starting salaries for MBA hires projected at $120,000 this year, down from $125,000 in 2025. Even so, demand remains firm for candidates who combine communication, problem-solving, adaptability, AI proficiency and technical skills, suggesting employers are reshaping hiring priorities rather than abandoning early-career talent altogether.