{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"What Today\u2019s MBA Candidates Really Want (According to the Data)","description":"\u201cCandidates aren\u2019t chasing career switches\u2014they\u2019re investing in long-term skills.\u201d If you\u2019re considering business school, you\u2019ve probably asked yourself some big questions: Is it worth it? What should I prioritize? And how are other candidates making this decision? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with his colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack insights from the 2026 GMAC Prospective Student Survey\u2014featuring perspectives from over 4,000 candidates worldwide. Together, they explore how candidate motivations are shifting, what \u201cROI\u201d really means today, and how global preferences for where to study are evolving.  In this episode, you\u2019ll learn:  Why fewer candidates are pursuing business school for career switching How AI is shaping expectations for business school curricula What candidates really mean when they talk about ROI Key differences between younger and more experienced applicants Why interest in studying in the U.S. is shifting globally The growing demand for business master\u2019s degrees vs. MBAs How candidates are thinking about financing and application strategy  Whether you\u2019re early in your journey or actively applying, this episode will help you better understand how to approach your decision\u2014and what really matters. Key Takeaways:  ROI is broader than ever:&amp;nbsp;Candidates are thinking beyond salary\u2014factoring in skills, network, personal growth, and long-term career resilience. Career switching is no longer the primary driver:&amp;nbsp;More candidates are pursuing business school to build capabilities, not completely change paths. AI is reshaping expectations\u2014but not replacing fundamentals:&amp;nbsp;Demand for AI in the classroom is rising, but core skills like problem solving and strategic thinking remain central. Global study preferences are shifting:&amp;nbsp;Interest in traditional destinations like the U.S. is softening, while Western Europe and parts of Asia are gaining traction. Rankings matter less\u2014outcomes matter more:&amp;nbsp;Candidates are increasingly prioritizing career outcomes and ROI over prestige alone. Younger vs. older candidates have different motivations:&amp;nbsp;Younger: income, status, global experiences Older: targeted skill-building and career advancement Business master\u2019s degrees are gaining momentum:&amp;nbsp;Especially among younger candidates\u2014and even mid-career professionals looking for focused upskilling. Financing is central to decision-making:&amp;nbsp;Candidates are applying to multiple programs and increasingly relying on financial aid as part of their strategy.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business School Insights 01:25 Shifting Motivations for Pursuing an MBA 04:10 Understanding ROI in Business Education 07:08 Generational Differences in Business School Aspirations 09:07 Trends in Global Business School Preferences 11:53 Demand for MBAs vs. Business Masters 14:58 Financing Business Education 17:19 Key Takeaways from the Survey ","author_name":"Inside the GMAT","author_url":"https:\/\/www.gmac.com\/resources\/learners\/how-to-apply\/inside-the-gmat","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40988575\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/201105290"}