New competitive market is breeding a new type of MBA

For over thirty years the landscape really did not change that much, an MBA was the key component sought on the resume for someone looking to move into business management. While that is not terribly different in 2010 the newest waves of graduates are integrating a pronounced awareness of the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) when studying for their degree. The reasons for this are two fold, students are displaying a legitimate interest in learning how global needs can mesh with business practices and the profession itself sees this as a skill to be taught. The key question posed to graduates is how can they ‘do good’ while blending that with leading their business to increased success?

As the world becomes ever smaller due to technology and freer trade agreements as does the opportunity to see CSR being incorporated globally in teaching methodology. The difference we now see is that the future captains of industry are seeking the answers to the penetrating question of whether there is a societal responsibility that goes hand in hand with business acumen. The answer is a resounding yes and the applications now run much deeper than a decade or two ago. In the 1990’s a corporate charitable donation to a cause was generally a benchmark of activism whereas today forming alliances and partnership with local partners and national organizations allows businesses to put back into the community with every profitable transaction that they complete. The real time participation serves a dual purpose of forming lasting partnerships with beneficiaries but also displays to the public at large the commitment of the organisation.

While this applies to essentially all industries recent MBA graduates are often specifically seeking careers in humanitarian work, climate change, sustainable business investment in emerging markets and clean technology. Corporate retooling in recent years however has also opened up the door for ‘greener graduates’ in traditional graduate industries, such as finance and banking. If many of the best and the brightest are drawn toward industries that are more focused on society the potential dividends become self fulfilling.

The new market has resulted in many business schools simply placing typical graduates to fill courses, the changing dynamic allows for entrepreneurs with unproven academic backgrounds though holding extensive and proven professional experience. School and university leavers face extremely high unemployment and for graduates stepping into a less guaranteed (daring perhaps) position of entrepreneurship is a choice that is rising in popularity. The caveat often on both sides of the Atlantic is that governments are now more supportive of new business ideas and provide tax incentives especially for a new venture that fulfills the other element of contributing positively to society and the local community.

We’ve reached the crossroads at last and now move into a new age where CSR skills are no longer just a nice ‘added feature’ on a resume but when businesses select new management candidates it will be a prerequisite. The potential for this becoming very much the norm is not only realistic but will happen sooner than many think. The desire of businesses to compete will always lead decision making and CSR will be an expectation for clients as they incorporate their own initiatives. Ethics and profits are no longer exclusive and the dawn has arrived for graduates.

(research elements for this article courtesy of The Independent)