MBAs lose almost a quarter of their value in 3 years

Average MBA salaries in the UK have fallen by approximately 24% in real terms since 1999. Thatís the finding of a recent survey into MBA salaries and careers carried out by MBAmatch.com, a leading European jobs board for MBA qualified managers and business leaders.

Although salaries rise an average 18% upon completion of an MBA course, the average salary of an MBA within a few years of graduation is now only 55,100.

Some sectors and industries however, fair considerably better than others in terms of base salary, performance related pay and overall benefits. For example, the survey found a difference of 37K in base salary between
those MBAs still working in Management Consultancy and those employed within Education. UK regions also show differences in base salary, although the South West region has now caught up with the South East.

Johann Diaz, CEO & Founder of MBAmatch, himself an MBA, comments, ìIt is tough to see such a huge investment of time, money and commitment drop in value by almost 25% in just 3 years. This is a clear manifestation of the economic downturn which we in the UK have been experiencing for some
time now.

An MBA is no longer seen as an automatic ticket to higher salaries and greater rewards, and rightly so. MBA graduates must now prove their worth through having relevant past experience, high quality demonstrable achievements and inspirational leadership skills. Perhaps now is a good time
therefore, to employ an MBA qualified executive and harness their skills and past experience to help grow and develop changing businesses.î

Copies of the full 2002/03 MBA Salary & Career report can be purchased online and downloaded immediately from