The path from graduate school to the professional world is rarely linear, and for the MQM Class of 2024, it was a journey marked by both challenge and opportunity. The Class of 2024 confronted a challenging job market head-on as MQM’s largest cohort yet, with more than 300 graduates. The latest employment report showcases not only gains in salaries and the strength of Fuqua’s alumni network but also the value that employers continue to see in MQM graduates.

Increase in Salaries

With more than seven in 10 graduate job seekers (or 72%) accepting an offer within six months of graduation, salaries reached a median of $95,000. That is the second-highest median salary for MQM graduates and is well above last year’s median of $86,000.

While we are proud to see this jump in compensation, I always remind students that compensation is just one aspect of a job offer. Our graduates’ career aspirations are as unique as they are, spanning across continents and sectors. Graduates accepted roles that will allow them to leverage the skills they developed in the MQM program every day, including analytical roles across industries.  

The number of received and accepted offers is likely even higher than reported, as some graduates have landed jobs since the mid-November reporting deadline. Others may not have reported their employment status to the school, which could have included accepting a full-time role.

Strong Employer and Alumni Connections

Many unique and exciting employers are represented in the employment report — too many to highlight individually! The top employers were Capital One, TikTok, Amazon and Deloitte. It’s helpful that alumni from past MQM classes and other programs have gone on to work at these companies and showcase the strengths of a Fuqua grad.

I can’t stress the value of Fuqua’s alumni network enough. We work with so many great alumni to mentor students and share their candid career journeys. In the last year, we launched a career development program with the support of more than 100 alumni. Now, we’re expanding that program with a special emphasis on students from China. Mandarin-speaking students are paired with Mandarin-speaking alumni to make sure they’re receiving the career support they need. This support is not inherently different from the support offered to every MQM student; instead, it is an effort to adjust how that support is offered so that students are better positioned to find success in their career search.

Of course, this is just the beginning of what I expect to be successful and rewarding careers for the Class of 2024. I am excited to see where their careers take them. As with all alumni, Fuqua will continue to support them as they navigate the ever-changing professional landscape.

Congratulations to the MQM Class of 2024!