Management: a Bullish Degree for a Bearish Economy?

To say these are uncertain times is no mere understatement. With talk of bailouts, back outs, and the specter of depression hovering above, Americans are feeling insecure about their financial futures.The recession that followed the 9/11 attacks birthed a similar bout of national anxiety. A peculiar outcome of which was the premature obituary written for the venerable management degree. A Greek chorus of gloom crowed that the crowded halls of the nation’s business schools meant value of the management degree was now in question. Not so fast. While the job market certainly tightened, there is still high demand for management grads across the country. The Future’s BrightFor example, a study done by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) discovered that 57 percent of spring 2008 MBA grads landed job offers before graduation day. Additionally, GMAC reports starting salaries are up to $85,581 from $81,483 last year.Let’s dig a little deeper and consider eight jobs for which management can be a gateway degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job growth to exceed national averages. Salaries, as well, should remain very attractive.