"Post-COVID era has confirmed & redefined landscape for b-school graduates"

Tamym Abdessemed, Dean of Excelia Business School, France discusses the changing role of management graduates in the post-Covid era. He also writes about how business schools are remodelling their programmes as the demands of industry are evolving rapidly.

The post-COVID era has ushered in a dynamic and evolving landscape for business school graduates, marked by a surge in demand and a significant transformation in the nature of jobs. This period is characterized by an increased emphasis on social and environmental responsibility, a rise in digital professions, burgeoning entrepreneurship among young people, and a sustained need for classic corporate business functions such as finance, sales, HR, and communication. Additionally, there's a notable shift in the expectations and demands of graduates, who now prioritize aspects like work-life balance, professional ethics, corporate culture, and international exposure in their careers.

The Importance of Social and Environmental Responsibility

In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a paradigm shift in how businesses operate and what society expects from them. Business school graduates are now entering a world where social and environmental responsibility is not just a nice-to-have, but a critical component of any successful business model given the challenges society and economy face. Companies are increasingly being judged not just on their financial performance but also on their impact on society and the environment. This has led to a growing demand for graduates who are not only adept in traditional business skills but also possess a deep understanding of sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and ethical leadership. Business schools have responded by integrating these themes into their curricula through contents and experiences as well, preparing students to be leaders in a world where the triple bottom line – people, planet, profit – is paramount.

Rise of Digital Professions

The digital transformation has been accelerated by the pandemic (remote work and increased e-commerce), leading to a surge in demand for digital professions. Business school graduates are finding an increasing number of opportunities in fields like data analytics, digital marketing, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. These roles require a new set of skills, including proficiency in digital tools, understanding of digital business models, and an ability to work in rapidly changing environments with emerging and changing tools mainly derived from IA. Business schools are adapting by offering specialized courses and programs in these areas, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the digital landscape.

Entrepreneurship Among Young People

At the same time, there's been a noticeable rise in entrepreneurship among young graduates. The post-COVID era, with its challenges and uncertainties, has also brought about a wave of innovation and opportunity, the youth being attracted by agile and independent ways of working. Many business school graduates are choosing to start their own ventures or join startups, driven by a desire to be their own boss, make a significant impact, and bring innovative solutions to the market. Business schools are supporting this trend by providing entrepreneurship courses, incubation centers, and mentorship programs to help students develop their ideas and business acumen.

Demand for Classic Corporate Business Functions

Despite the emergence of new sectors and roles, there remains a strong demand for classic corporate business functions such as finance, sales, HR, and communication that we can depict as the fundamentals. These roles have evolved, with a greater focus on strategic thinking, technological integration, and global perspectives. Business school graduates with expertise in these areas are still highly valued, as they form the backbone of any successful organization. Schools are ensuring that students are trained in these traditional areas while also being exposed to the latest trends and technologies affecting these functions.

Graduates' life and sense Expectations

Today's business school graduates are not just looking for a job; they're seeking a career that aligns with their values and lifestyle. There's an increasing emphasis on work-life balance, professional ethics, corporate culture, and international exposure. Graduates want to work for organizations that share their values, offer flexible working arrangements, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. They are more mobile and globally minded, seeking roles that offer international experience and a diverse work environment.

Business schools are responding by focusing on holistic development, providing global exchange programs, and emphasizing ethical leadership and cultural competence in their curricula.

In conclusion, the post-COVID era has confirmed and redefined the landscape for business school graduates. As they navigate in this new world mixing societal, digital and ecological mutations, they are equipped with traditional business knowledge, but also a deep understanding of social and environmental responsibility issues, new digital skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. At the same time, they bring with them a set of expectations and demands for their professional lives, shaping the way organizations operate, recruit and retain talents. The future for these graduates increasingly sought by organizations and businesses everywhere in the world is not only promising but also in a way pivotal in shaping the future of business in a more responsible, ethical, and digital world.