What is the Best Business School Laptop for You?
While preparing for business school means connecting with future classmates, figuring out coursework, and brushing up on your writing and quant skills, other necessities—like what kind of computer you’ll need—can be overlooked. That’s why we’ve rounded up recommendations from leading MBA programs and highlighted which laptops you should consider.
For the desktop faithful, a powerful computer may be well-suited to take on the MBA curriculum. However, considering the majority of students’ traveling demands, in addition to the ease and comfort of bringing a laptop to class, a portable device is likely a better alternative.
Laptop Features that Business Schools Recommend
The question of having the right kind of business school laptop often comes down to simple prioritization, with cost usually at the top of most consumers’ concerns. But before you start roaming for discount deals, making sure your laptop has the right specifications is key.
Business schools, such UCLA Anderson School of Management, offer prospective MBAs a guide to what kind of computer they’ll need for the program, detailed below:
UCLA Anderson’s computer recommendations for its MBA students.
The majority of business schools, including the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and the MIT Sloan School of Management, suggest the same technical standards.
Most of the technical specifications listed above are fairly standard for laptops produced within the past several years, so finding a product that hits the minimum requirements is fairly simple. For example, Intel, the primary manufacturer of computer processing units, released its 6th generation Core processors in 2015, succeeding its 5th generation models. The only concern prospective MBA students may have are with computers that have an Intel Core M processor, which are below the suggested standards. Laptops with these processors, however, are often the most base-level on the market, and are typically only found in very inexpensive models. Intel has not released a new M processor since 2018.
Major companies like Dell, Lenovo, and Apple have all or most of the suggested specifications, such as webcam interface, integrated graphics cards, and 802.11 wireless connectivity, included standard in newer models. However, even when looking for a brand new laptop, one major element to take note of is the power of the hard drive. Even devices that would be considered in the mid-to-upper price tier, such as the Apple Macbook Pro and Dell XPS, do not come standard with a 256 GB SSD (solid state drive). Rather, the base-level models are usually paired with a 128 GB SSD, and there is a distinct price difference in comparison to 256 GB SSD models. Of course, for the handy few, installing your own SSD card into the computer is possible, and can mitigate much of the cost differential. But for most students, opting for a model with 256 SSD standard will be the most reasonable route.
Be wary: even costly base level models, like the Microsoft Surface, do not come standard with a suggested 256 GB SSD.
Software Requirements (Windows Wins at CBS)
While many prospective students won’t belabor the technical differences between certain laptops, the necessary software can often be more important. Columbia Business School‘s own “Choosing a Laptop” guidelines informs prospective MBA students that the software needed for the curriculum is based around the Windows operating system. Which means Apple users may be at a disadvantage, even if their laptops are fitted with Windows OS. In fact, the school recommends avoiding Apple altogether:
“If you intend to purchase a new laptop for your studies at CBS, the School highly recommends that you purchase a computer that already runs Windows natively (not a Mac). Many students who have chosen to purchase a Mac prior to CBS have later regretted the choice because they ended up using Windows more than anticipated, and Windows virtualized in a Mac never performs as well as if it were ran natively (e.g., the OS is slower and more prone to glitches, and there is a learning curve for the keyboard, etc.). For these reasons, we recommend that anyone who has to purchase a new laptop to meet the School’s minimum computing requirements selects a native Windows machine.”
For those hoping to attend CBS that already have an Apple laptop, the business school will provide students Windows OS free of charge. The only requirement, however, is at least 50 GB of free memory (Windows OS requires 35 GB).
Even if all the hardware specifications are met, Macbook users may be at disadvantage in MBA programs. Many institutions, such as Columbia Business School, require software tools only found in the Windows Operating System.
Affordable Options
MBA prospects that are in the market for a new laptop may be wise to focus attention on affordability. After all, with the cost of education, saving money anywhere you can is a plus. However, this decision comes with an obvious degree of consideration. Laptops under the $500 USD threshold often do not have the necessary hardware to handle an MBA curriculum. But for those who only need a device to get by, several models can do the trick with minimal cost, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad 330.
MBAs with affordability in mind should consider the Lenovo Ideapad 330.
The 14″ Lenovo Ideapad 330 base model starts at a modest $536.79 and comes with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor, Windows 10 OS, and 8 GB of memory, to start. The model can be upgraded with a 256 GB SSD, but cost-savvy buyers would do well to check out Newegg.com, which offers several 330 Ideapad models with 256 GB SSD for under $500.
For those wary about performance but still with cost in mind, the Acer Aspire E 15 might be a better alternative. Laptop Mag rates the Aspire E 15 among the best affordable laptops available, with a direct, succinct review:
“Every once in a while, a laptop comes along that defies its low price. Yet again, the Acer Aspire E 15 is one of those laptops. Punching well above its weight class, the 15-inch machine has a sharp 1080p display, good performance and a wide variety of ports. The laptop’s keyboard is comfortable, its battery life is decent and it stays cool under a heavy workload. Despite a few notable shortcomings—a poor webcam, bulky design and unwelcome bloatware—the Aspire E 15 offers excellent bang for your buck, which is why it’s our best overall sub-$500 laptop and a very good choice for students.”
PC World also highly-recommends the Aspire E 15, rating it as the “Best Laptop Under $500.” And like the Ideapad 330, several Aspire E 15 models can be found over at Newegg for under $500.
Considering the Long Term and an Upgrade
MBA aspirants with major career aspirations likely aren’t going to dwell too much on the price of a laptop alone. After all, for those thinking long term, a modestly expensive model will likely be a better investment. For those looking for a bit higher performance, it’s hard to go wrong with the Dell XPS 13.
For the best blend of hardware, design, accessibility, and price, the Dell XPS 13 has stood out for years.
Tech-savvy readers have likely heard this before. Outlets such as PC Mag, Laptop Mag, CNet, and Engadget have been showering Dell with praise since the introduction of the XPS line in 2012, which was the first official Dell “ultrabook.” In fact, it is currently the only model rated by PC Mag with a perfect score.
The company’s flagship 13.3″ laptop comes standard with an 8th generation Intel-i3 core processor, 4 GB of memory, and a UHD Graphics 620 card. However, for the 256 GB SSD and 8-16 GB of memory models, the price increases from a modest $899 to, at least, $1,079.99. Upgraded versions with touch-screen capability and a larger screen are available, but all of the requirements needed for a typical MBA program are met by the $1,079.99 model, which features 8 GB of memory, 256 GB SSD, and an 8th generation Intel-i5 processor.
Sparing No Expense
Your laptop likely isn’t going to just be for school. From major projects, to personal entertainment, and even gaming, your laptop will likely be your personal hub for many years to come. Virtually every laptop in the upper-cost echelon, ranging from $1,300 and up, fits the hardware requirements needed for an MBA program and then some.
For those already possessing a degree of business experience, the sight of a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon may be a bit familiar. A typical favorite of business professionals, Laptop Mag refers to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as the “Maserati of business laptops” in its most recent review, with the 6th generation model boasting a beautiful Intel Kaby Lake-R CPU, and even an optional 2K HDR display. And unlike many of the aforementioned models, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is built with an extremely sturdy frame, despite only weighing 2.49 lbs. For $1,367.10, it includes a standard 256 GB SSD, an 8th generation Intel-i7 processor, and 8 GB of memory—all of which can be upgraded.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 (6th gen), dubbed the “Maserati of business laptops,” is built perfectly for any MBA candidate.
Finding the Best Business School Laptop Deals
Major online distribution outlet Newegg is a favorite among the tech-savvy and often sports some of the best PC deals you’ll ever find. However, like Amazon, most of the laptop models you’ll find at steep discounts are often among lower-end models (unless, of course, you’re comfortable buying a refurbished computer). In addition, sales are often frustratingly temporary. However, there are certain times of the year when laptops may be had at a modest discount, with the best deals usually happening in the summer.
According to The Nest, “the months of August and September present opportunities for laptop buyers to save money. The traditional back-to-school sale applies to laptops just like it does to other school supplies. A shopper will see advertised sales during the last month of summer vacation and the first month of the new school year. Some laptop sellers even run specials in July as a way of getting ahead of the back-to-school sales.”
This article has been republished and edited with permissions from its original source, Clear Admit.
Top 5 Paying MBA Careers: Finance
Finance, no surprise, is an extremely popular field among MBA graduates. According to Payscale, finance is 4.7 times more popular among MBA graduates than other fields. The reasons for this are rather uncomplicated: its pretty lucrative.
The starting median salary for those with up to five years of experience is $62,100. After ten years, the reported median salary jumps to $120,000; a 93 percent increase. Given that it is finance, the bonuses that employees can earn are massive, making the field even more lucrative.
With such high salaries and the prospect of massive bonuses, those interested in finance might be curious about what the best positions are for them. These can vary by company, experience, and location.
Companies Recruiting Finance MBA Graduates
The firm you work for can affect how much you make. Larger firms tend to offer more than smaller houses. The following are the top five employers in terms of average salary for those with an MBA in finance.
Morgan Stanley: $136,500
Deloitte: $132,656
Microsoft: $123,684
Amazon: $123,678
Citigroup: $121,346
Finance MBA Experience
As one might expect, the more experience one has in a field, the higher their salary will be. According to Payscale, this is a breakdown of average salary based on years of experience.
- Up to 11 Months: $58,517
- 1–4 Years: $65,589
- 5–9 Years: $86,086
- 10–19 Years: $113,775
- 20+ Years: $135,016
Finance MBA Location
Along with company size and experience, location is the other major determinant of salary for finance MBA graduates. Given the fact that finance tends to be centralized in major cities, it is reasonable to assume that the largest salaries are to be found in cities with large, well-populated metropolitan areas. The following are the five cities where MBA graduates can earn the most.
- New York, NY: $120,962
- Los Angeles, CA: $111,727
- Boston, MA: $109,490
- Chicago, IL: $108,421
- Houston, TX: $101,643
For finance savvy MBA graduates, New York City offers the best average salary opportunities in the United States.
Top Paying Finance Careers
While there are many careers from which a finance MBA can choose, the following offer the highest salaries. To maximize a potential salary, one should consider the variables mentioned above when searching for a position.
#1: Vice President, Finance ($135,000–$195,000)
As a vice president of finance, your primary responsibility will be to direct finances and coordinate the budget. The VP of finance also sets goals and oversees lower-level employees in the financial department. Other responsibilities include engaging in accounting, operations, and finance management.
Common tasks include the following:
- Ensuring company financial plans are carried out
- Coordinating, preparing, and reviewing annual reports
- Directing accounting operations
The average salary of a VP of finance is $134,919. In addition, MBA graduates can earn an average of $24,430 in bonuses, $24,566 in commission, and $8,757 in profit sharing. The salary on this job can raise these numbers higher depending on where one works. Look for these positions in the following cities, where you can earn more than the average:
- San Francisco, CA: 28 percent more
- Los Angeles, CA: 16 percent more
- Boston, MA: 15 percent more
#2: Finance Director ($110,000–$160,000)
Finance directors are responsible for managing the goings on in the finance department of the company. In addition, effective finance directors can see problems and risks and design necessary solutions as needed.
Common tasks include the following:
- Overseeing the preparation of regulatory and financial reporting as required
- Developing policies and procedures to control and report financials
- Managing budget, forecast, and accounting preparations
The average salary of a finance director is $111,384. MBA graduates can expect to earn an average bonus of $18,556, $33,000 in commission, and $5,113 in profit sharing. According to Payscale, the following are three highest paying companies for this position:
- Nike: $150,000
- Lilly: $130,000
- CBRE Group: $128,000
#3: Investment Banker ($99,000–$207,000)
As an investment banker, your primary responsibility is to grow wealth for your clients. This can be through either strategic investing or raising capital. Investment bankers look through all of the financial information of a company to develop the best strategy for addressing its concerns and reaching its goals.
Common tasks include the following:
- Constructing financial models to aid in transactions and communications
- Performing valuation analyses
- Conducting industry and company research
On average, you can expect to earn an average of $98,831 in salary. Investment banking is rather lucrative, so it is not impossible to double your salary in commission alone. However, because if this, the salary scale can widely vary. The average commission for this position on Payscale is $90,000. To make that possible, you’ll need to go to a city where capital generation is needed. These three places pay more than the average, according to Payscale:
- San Francisco, CA: 52 percent higher
- New York, NY: 12 percent higher
- Dallas, TX: 5 percent higher
Investment bankers would do well to look into a career in the Bay Area. San Francisco-metro investment bankers make nearly 50 percent more than the national average, according to Payscale data.
#4: Finance Manager ($90,000–$124,000)
Finance managers are expected to watch departmental budgets. Their primary responsibilities include making financial forecasts for their company, working with other departments to establish future budgets, and keeping excellent track of the money going in and out of the company.
Common tasks for people in this position include the following:
- Identifying areas for cost reduction
- Providing analyses to the operations team
- Preparing informational analyses
Given the importance of this position, MBA graduates who pursue it will be compensated well. The average salary for a finance manager is $89,636. In addition to the base salary, an MBA graduate can expect an average of $9,959 in bonuses, $25,006 in commission, and $3,982 in profit sharing.
Because this position is so important, companies are willing to pay excellent candidates well. The following offer the three highest average salaries according to Payscale:
- Boeing: $119,000
- Amazon: $112,000
- Johnson & Johnson: $111,000
#5: Portfolio Manager ($84,000–$140,000)
Portfolio managers are responsible for investing their clients’ money, whether those clients are businesses or individuals. They work to get the highest return possible for their clients’ money.
Common tasks for this position include the following:
- Consulting with clients to develop investment goals
- Reporting on investment performance
- Managing portfolios to maximize returns
Portfolio managers earn an average of $84,443, with $10,274 in bonuses, $10,113 in commission, and $4,000 in profit sharing. According to Payscale, these positions tend to be centered in financial institutions and investment firms.
The following three banks offer the highest average salaries to their portfolio managers.
- Blackrock: $115,000
- S. Bank: $99,000
- Citizens Financial Group: $97,000
The Top U.S. Entry Level Jobs and Internships of 2019
While work life balance, benefits, growth potential, and job security all factors to consider in your job search, the fact is that base compensation is more than likely the high priority. Getting an MBA is a sure way to increase earning potential, but where should you begin to look for the best internships and entry level jobs in such a vast and competitive playing field?
Glassdoor recently published its report on the highest paying internships and entry level jobs of 2019. We’ve broken down the report to help our readers discover just which of these positions and companies can offer them the best places to put their MBA talent to work.
Top 5 Entry Level Jobs for MBAs
One of the many pieces of good news from Glassdoor’s report is that as the number of tech jobs continue to increase, so does the need for business minded workers. This, along with the fact that finance and consulting positions follow right behind tech on the highest paid jobs list, should make b-school students optimistic for their prospects.
Product Manager
Product Management is a key role for any organization in the business of turning ideas into profit. According to blogger Dan Driscoll, who wrote a definitive article on the role, PMs are “closet-creative types with an ambitious acumen for business fundamentals and priorities, as well as masters of persuasion and consensus-building.”
Strong analytics skills along with a creative approach to problem solving are key for these positions. Engagement in design, development, support and marketing are all features of this role, which has a median base salary of $89,000 to start.
Major firms, such as Salesforce, are currently looking for top-tier product management candidates.
Investment Banking Analyst
Financial modeling, business valuation methods and strong presentation skills are just a few of the factors that comprise the Investment Banking Analyst role. The nuts and bolts of finance firms are the responsibility of the investment banking analyst, as they track live transactions along with M&A and private equity transactions.
At a starting median base salary of $85,000, this job is a great foundation on which to build a career.
Implementation Consultant
Implementation, according to coaching and recruiting site Firm Consulting, is one of the three main branches of consulting as a whole. Implementation teams take recommendations from Strategy and Operations consulting teams and turn them into realities. For instance, a company may be deciding to create a new division. Strategy and Operations consultants determine how best to profit from this, and implementation consultants make it happen.
ICs brand, execute and set up the division in this scenario, including relocation if necessary, along with on-boarding procedures. The starting base pay for ICs is $72,000.
Actuarial Analyst
Actuarial Analysts, who make a starting median salary of $66,250, are the workhorses of the insurance industry. Using statistical models, they analyze the probability and cost of various events (injury, accidents, and product failure, for example), and use this data to determine insurance policy pricing. Certification by either the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is required for these positions.
Actuaries must pass seven exams for the CAS and five in the SOA. This generally happens within a four-to-six year period, but students can begin the test while still enrolled in school. After passing the first and second exams, a student can start their first job. The ‘fellowship’ level of certification takes place over an additional two-to-four years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of Actuarial Analyst has a 22 percent growth rate projected up to the year 2026.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are key team players who make certain that companies’ current systems are as efficient as possible, and who develop strategic plans for growth. As agents of change, Business Analysts identify growth opportunities and reduce costs during these changes. Business Analysts work closely with IT departments to ensure that the best technologies are in place, and they also serve as a link between different departments of a company to ensure consistency.
Therefore, communication, diplomacy and a strong understanding of each business function are vital to success in this role. The four major components of development, modeling, process design (workflow creation), and systems analysis are the basic elements of the Business Analyst role.
To start, Business Analysts make a median salary of $63,000.
Top 5 Highest Paying Internships
Facebook leads the pack in paying its interns $8,000 per month, followed by: Amazon at $7,725; Salesforce at $7,667; Google, which pays $7,500, and Microsoft, offering interns $7,250 monthly.
Facebook tops Glassdoor’s 2019 ranking of the top-paying U.S. internships, with interns pulling in an estimated $8,000 per month
Each of these companies have highly competitive university recruitment programs. For details, see Facebook Careers, Student Programs at Amazon, Salesforce University Recruiting, Google Student Internships and Microsoft University Internships.
Those graduating now or in the near future from MBA programs have a solid advantage in today’s market; job growth is high in the U.S. and unemployment is low. While these high paying jobs and internships are clearly appealing for a reason, keep in mind that more intangible factors like company culture and proven trust in management are the things that will sustain you regardless of salary.
Fighting the Gender Pay Gap at Berkeley Haas
The gender pay gap is still alive and well in business, particularly in tech. At least that’s what Christina Chavez, a ’19 Berkeley Haas MBA student, discovered when she logged into an online compensation board named Blind while working at Microsoft a few years ago. There was a shocking difference between what male and female colleagues were getting paid. So, when Chavez was accepted into the Haas MBA program, she put pay equity and transparency as one of her top goals.
Last fall, Chavez’s goal came to fruition with the help of her classmate Jack Anderson, a fellow member of the Haas Gender Equity Initiative. Together, they set up a spreadsheet where classmates could share details about their compensation packages. Then, using salary data and research provided by Professor Laura Kay, they created a Haas Wage Gap Infographic.
“We earned 96 cents to the dollar in the last MBA class, and people were like ‘yeah we’re approaching equity,’ but this gap grows over time,” Chavez says.
Transparency and the Gender Salary Gap
Christina Chavez, Haas MBA ’19
Unfortunately, for alumni with more than ten years of experience, the salary wage gap between men and women is much more extensive. So, the goal of the project is to expand what’s already offered through CMG Bears (a Haas Career Management Group tool) and to understand the long-term salary gap concern better. Transparency is a critical weapon to close the gap.
And transparency is particularly important when it comes to compensation outside of salary. While recent research conducted by Professor Kray and Margaret Lee at the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL), revealed that alumni base salaries between 1994 and 2014 were only 8 percent higher for men, it was in the bonuses, share values, and options where men far outpaced women. Overall compensation for Haas women MBAs averages about $290,000—66 percent of men’s $439,000 average.
More than Negotiation Skills
While you might think, at first, that it’s all a matter of negotiation skills, that’s not what Kray and Lee’s research finds. Yes, it’s essential to know what compensation is available and what other people are earning in comparison; the problem for women is that there is an inherent bias toward men. Men tend to be put in charge of larger teams than equally-qualified women, and they get paid more because of it.
“You can change processes, but the long-term problem is people’s individual biases,” Kellie McElhaney, the founding director of EGAL, says. “If they believe things like men do a better job at leading big teams, or that women bosses are unlikable, this is unconscious and conscious bias at work.”
Read the full article in the Haas Newsroom here.
This article has been edited and republished with permissions from its original source, Clear Admit.
Top MBA Recruiters: Microsoft vs. Google
Microsoft and Google are two brands that are practically synonymous in tech. Google provides search and email services to billions, while Microsoft’s Office is a ubiquitous presence across college campuses and cubicles around the world.
Both companies have long been top destinations in tech but their reputation is rapidly growing within the business world as well. MBAs looking to enter tech may find their dream job at one of these companies.
Microsoft vs. Google: MBA Salaries
Both Microsoft and Google, unsurprisingly, compensate their employees handsomely. Given the numerous opportunities MBA graduates might have due to their past experience and interests, we will will examine only one position: Project Manager, a common entry-level position for many new MBAs.
According to Glassdoor, project managers at Microsoft earn an average annual salary of $96,520, which can rise sharply for MBAs. Average additional play, include cash bonuses, stock shares, and more, can increase the annual sum by a measure of $20,000.
At Google, project managers typically earn a bit more per year, with a current estimate around $107,000. With bonus and stock incentives, that can increase that figure by a measure of $40,000 or more per year.
Microsoft vs. Google: Company Culture
Google has one of the most infamous company cultures in the tech world. Aside from the well-known benefits of working at a Google campus, Google operates according to a philosophy; Ten things we know to be true. This document drives all of the work that the company does. It also influences who they choose to employ at their company.
In terms of office life, Google is extremely relaxed. Employees work hard, but they are given the space to do so in their own idiosyncratic ways. Employees are encouraged to be creative by working across departments to develop new products and come up with solutions.
In the past, Microsoft was a place known for its ruthless culture. Spearheaded by founder Bill Gates, Microsoft demanded a lot from its employees and cultivated a hostile workplace. Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, however, Microsoft encourages a growth mindset. This new attitude allows employees to learn from one another, as well as Microsoft customers.
Microsoft’s new approach to work has transformed the workplace as well. Rather than working employees like dogs, Microsoft now encourages its employees to maintain a work-life balance. In addition, the office has been opened, providing more spaces for collaboration and communication.
Microsoft has disconnected from its reputation as a rough employer, creating an inviting, fun culture of inclusivity and modernity / Photo via Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures
Microsoft vs. Google: Employee Numbers
Operating at the forefront of innovation, Google and Microsoft are two of the largest employers in the technology sector. Google employs over 98,000 employees, while Microsoft has almost 135,000 employees.
Many of Google’s employees are centered at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. The remainder are spread across more than 70 offices in 50 countries. Microsoft has 50,294 employees in its home region around the Puget Sound. The remaining employees are located in 646 office sites spread across 109 countries.
Microsoft vs. Google: Employee Satisfaction
Google and Microsoft offer generous benefits and make themselves accessible to address any employees concerns that may arise.
Both companies are ranked highly on lists of the best places to work. Google is eighth on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list for 2019, a list voted on by the employees at the companies themselves. Microsoft is ranked 34th on the Glassdoor list.
The business world has recognized the efforts of both companies to push innovation and creativity. Comparably.com surveyed employees and wrote a list of the companies with the brightest outlook—Google ranked 10th on this list and Microsoft ranked 12th.
The 5 Top Paying Tech Companies for MBAs
Everyone knows business school costs a pretty penny, which makes ROI one of the major deciding factors when pursuing both an MBA program and post-graduation employment.
At one point, MBAs were practically personas non grata in Silicon Valley. Today, tech is on par with traditionally lucrative fields of banking and finance in terms of MBA employment—likely due to the whopping salaries associated with the industry. IT management positions, for instance, boast a reported average salary of $113,000 USD.
5 Top Paying Tech Companies for MBAs
After being outpaced by Apple in the early part of this decade, Microsoft has made an impressive comeback in recent years. In addition to software development, the company has made significant strides in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and gaming as well. Microsoft employs MBAs in a wide variety of positions with mobility across the company and no set career path. The company’s reported average starting salary is $116,473 and total compensation is even higher. Microsoft also boasts a better employer satisfaction rating than most of its high-paying tech peers.
Google has leveraged its access to user data in order to become a dominant force in online advertising technologies and cloud computing. The online search titan is known for its frighteningly competitive application pool and in-depth hiring process. For the MBAs that make the cut, the average starting salary of $121,979. Positions include sales and marketing, product management, finance and operations.
IBM recently made headlines when it acquired open-source software firm Red Hat. Whether or not this historical corporate buyout will help IBM get a leg up on the cloud computing market share, the company nonetheless offers MBAs an average starting salary of $124,714. With leadership development tracks for MBAs in consulting, product management, finance, and strategy, they can also opt to pursue the General Manager Leadership Development Program, designed for “top MBA graduates from leading global universities hired into IBM on an accelerated path to General Management leadership.”
Despite the Cambridge Analytica scandal’s huge blow to consumer and investor confidence, Facebook’s market share rebounded in just a few months after the news broke. The social media torchbearer continues to steadily grow its user audience and tally of digital tech company acquisitions. The common path to employment at Facebook is through its internship program. With an average starting salary of $126,292, potential MBA hires will need to be ready to develop relevant, hands-on leadership skills in order to take on the increasing AI and AR/VR focus of this company.
As the commanding leader of online retail sales in many parts of the world, not to mention major competitor in cloud computing, media streaming services, and mobile devices, Amazon is one of the top employers of MBAs across all sectors. Amazon offers multiple pathways to management, from mainstream internship opportunities to dedicated programs that groom MBAs to take on specialized leadership positions within the company. With a reported average starting salary of $123,970, Amazon shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to recruitment. The company’s income tripled from 2016 to 2017 and it consistently reinvests most of its money, which has spurred rapid, continual growth.
