The year 2020 has been one of the most difficult times for the youth of the 21st century who have been working towards a credible resume to pursue a lucrative career. With federal government regulations restricting travel and movement between countries, several students found themselves stuck in the respective country of origin.
A recent Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) research released on March 31, 2021, revealed that the number of study-abroad aspirants who wished to pursue a management course still remain undeterred even in the current situation.
The GMAC research revealed that the number of study-abroad aspirants who were concerned with COVID-19, dropped significantly over the past year, with only 33% of the aspirants still worried, compared to 41% that were worried about the virus earlier last year. It also revealed that 73% of the students remained undeterred with their original plans to study abroad.
Key Findings in the GMAC’s mba.com Prospective Student Survey Report
The GMAC Prospective Student Survey Report revealed certain key points that reveal the true aspirations of students aspiring to pursue a management programme, specifically those who wish to study abroad. Here are some of the key findings in the GMAC Prospective Student Survey Report.
1) Online Study Popular Among Female Candidates
The first key finding in the research revealed that female candidates were more comfortable with online study when compared to male candidates. The research revealed that women were more likely to modify their plans for higher education and seek the flexibility of higher education than men.
Further, the research also highlighted that the female students saw online or remote studying as equal to the on-campus learning experience when considering the career opportunities being offered, and therefore accept a larger portion of their programmes in online mode.
President and CEO of GMAC, Sangeet Chowfla, stated that with the large-scale availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, international students are witnessing hope during the pandemic. She added that seeing large numbers of female applicants aspiring to pursue advanced management programmes, especially during such trying times, is encouraging.
Also Read: GMAC Adds New Section to GMAT Online Exam Among Other Changes
2) Mobility over Online
While the female candidates are interested in pursuing higher education remotely, a large portion of the international students still prefers to travel out of their country and pursue higher education in one of the top destinations for higher studies.
The GMAC research revealed that nearly half the international student population (40%) still look forward to studying in a country outside their own. The report revealed that the primary reason behind an international career outside is to move outside their home country. Among the reasons, the work and living opportunities abroad motivate 70% of international students to stick to their original plan of studying abroad. This, in turn, motivates the students to choose mobility over online teaching, as they wish to experience life abroad.
3) Better Job Opportunities Improve GME Enrolments
Over half the international students, i.e. 58% revealed that they planned to pursue a graduate management education (GME) programme, while 37% of the students reported that better job opportunities and job skills were the major reasons for pursuing a GME course. The research revealed that students are realising the need to be more career-ready in a highly precarious economy.
Also Read: US Witnessed 18% Decline in Foreign Student Enrolments in 2020
The GMAC Board Director, Soojin Kwon, stated that the pandemic has rattled the future of work and skills that lead to a successful career. He added that business schools have recognised this change and are continuously adapting to meet the requirements of the aspirants in terms of professional and leadership qualities, in a bid to meet the demands of the workplace.
4) The United States Remains the Top Choice Among International Students
Many international students, especially from India and China still consider the US as one of the top study abroad destinations. Students from Canada and the UK choose the US as a study abroad destination as well. However, the decisions and policies implemented by the previous US Government, coupled with the pandemic, resulted in a drastic dip in international student enrolments, especially from India and China.
