The University of Texas McCombs of School of Business

The University of Texas McCombs of School of Business BBA Recruiter Survey

Debra Godfrey, PhD, EVP of Market Research & Brand Strategy Chris Hardwick, EVP of Communications Strategy Rebecca Pilloni, Market Research Senior Analyst October 4, 2011

Assignment • Conduct quantitative research with the recruiters as a first step in understanding the level of satisfaction with the McCombs School of Business, its graduates and the Recruiting and Career Services

• Conduct qualitative interviews with top recruiters to gain more understanding of the perceptions of the McCombs School • Conduct quantitative research with seniors in the BBA program to understand the level of satisfaction with the McCombs School and the BBA program © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Context • Top ranked schools are based on “hyper” results • General survey outcome is positive, but not enough to affect BusinessWeek rankings

• Quantitative findings for recruiters is only one piece of the puzzle • Top national recruiters have significant impact on rankings outcome

© Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Methodology  An online survey was conducted by Carnegie Communications between August 9, 2011 to September 9, 2011.  Surveys were distributed via e-mail to the following group: 

Recruiters who were identified by the McCombs School



Recruiters who have recruited from the BBA program were targeted

 Response Rate: 

Sent to 724 recruiters:

– 156 responded and completed the survey (21.5%)

4


Demographics • Students they recruit from the McCombs School: – BBA graduates – MBA graduates – BBA and MBA graduates

35.6% 18.3% 46.2%

• Size of company for which they recruit: – less than 100 employees – 100-500 employees – over 500 employees


9.8% 11.8% 78.4%

Demographics (continued) • States from which they do most of their recruiting: – – – – – – – – – – – –

Texas New York Michigan California District of Columbia Georgia Illinois Massachusetts North Carolina Tennessee Ohio Alabama


70.6% 6.9% 3.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 1.0% 1.0%

Demographics (continued) • How many students they typically hire from the McCombs School per year with a BBA – – – – – –

1-5 students 6-10 students 11-15 students 16-20 students over 20 students I do not hire students with a BBA from this school

67.6% 6.9% 4.9% 2.0% 0.0% 18.6%

• How many students they typically hire from the McCombs School per year with a MBA – – – – – –

1-5 students 6-10 students 11-15 students 16-20 students over 20 students I do not hire students with a MBA from this school


58.8% 2.9% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 37.3%

Demographics (continued) • Industry sector for which they recruit: – – – – – – – – –

Financial Services Consumer Goods Technology Utilities Industrial Goods Basic Materials Conglomerates Healthcare


38.8% 21.4% 13.6% 8.7% 6.8% 5.8% 2.9% 1.9% 0%

General Perceptions of the McCombs School and its Students

MCCOMBS SCHOOL STUDENTS © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Comfortable in Diverse Work Environments 50.0% 47.0% 45.0%

40.2% 40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0% 9.6%

10.0%

5.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: How would you judge the school's efforts in producing graduates who are comfortable in diverse work environments and who are able to foster interaction between various ethnic groups? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Quality in Key Functional Areas 50.0% 46.2% 45.0%

40.0% 40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0% 10.8% 10.0%

5.0%

2.3% 0.8%

0.0% 1=low quality 2 3=neutral 4 5=high quality Q: How would you rate the quality of graduates in key functional areas (e.g. accounting, finance, marketing, operations, statistics, organizational behavior, economics?) Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = low quality and 5 = high quality. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Quantity, Diversity and Quality of Graduates 50.0% 44.4%

45.0%

40.0%

36.8% 35.0%

30.0%

25.0%

20.0% 16.2% 15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

2.6% 0.0%

0.0% 1=very poor 2 3=neutral 4 5=very good Q: How would you characterize the quantity, diversity and quality of graduates at this business school? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 ©=Alloy very poor and 5 = very good. Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

School's Network and Business Connections 45.0%

39.3%

40.0%

34.2%

35.0%

30.0%

23.9%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

2.6% 0.0%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: How would you rate the school's network and business connections and its ability to help graduates during their career? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Possess Team-Oriented Perspectives 60.0%

49.6%

50.0%

40.0%

34.2% 30.0%

20.0% 16.2%

10.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=do not at all possess 2 3=neutral 4 5=strongly possess Q: To what extent do graduates of this program possess the team-oriented perspectives required in today's work environment? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = do not at all possess and 5 = strongly possess. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Prepared with Interpersonal Skills 60.0% 53.3% 50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

27.5%

20.0% 15.8%

10.0%

1.7%

1.7%

0.0% 1=not at all prepared 2 3=neutral 4 5=very prepared Q: To what extent are graduates of this program prepared with the interpersonal skills that they need to be successful in the workplace? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all prepared and 5 = very prepared. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Bringing Students in Contact with Practicing Professionals in the Business Community 50.0%

45.0%

43.6%

40.0%

35.0% 29.1%

30.0%

26.5% 25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 0.0%

0.9%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: How would you appraise the school's efforts in bringing students in contact with practicing professionals in the business community? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Preparation for Specialized Areas 45.0%

40.0%

38.6%

35.0% 32.3% 30.0%

25.2% 25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

3.1% 0.8%

0.0% 1=not at all prepared 2 3-neutral 4 5=very prepared Q: How would you rate the preparation of graduates for specialized areas (e.g. banking, consulting, venture capital, entrepreneurship?) Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all prepared and 5 = very prepared. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Efforts in Preparing Graduates for Corporate Leadership Positions 50.0% 47.0% 45.0%

40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

28.2%

23.9%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 0.0%

0.9%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: How would you judge the school's efforts in preparing graduates for corporate leadership positions? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 ©=Alloy does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Compared to Graduates of Other Business Schools 45.0% 42.4% 40.0%

35.0%

28.8%

30.0%

25.0%

22.4%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0% 5.6% 5.0% 0.8% 0.0% 1=much weaker 2 3=similar 4 5=much stronger Q: How do graduates of this business school compare to graduates of other business schools? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = much weaker and 5 = much stronger. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

School's Performance in Preparing Graduates 60.0%

51.3% 50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

26.9%

21.8% 20.0%

10.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=not at all prepared 2 3=neutral 4 5=very prepared Q: How would you judge the school's performance in preparing graduates with numerous ways of thinking and approaching problems that will serve them well over the long haul? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all prepared and 5 = very prepared. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Savvy about E-Business and New Technology 60.0%

49.2%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0% 30.0%

19.2%

20.0%

10.0%

1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 1=not at all savvy 2 3=neutral 4 5=very savvy Q: To what extent are graduates from this program savvy about e-business and new technology? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all savvy and 5 = very savvy. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Prepared to Think about Business Problems 60.0% 54.4%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0% 25.6%

20.0%

16.8%

10.0% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 1=not at all prepared 2 3=neutral 4 5=very prepared Q: To what extent are graduates prepared to think about business problems from an integrated or cross-functional perspective? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all prepared and 5 = very prepared. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Understand the Role of Technology as Part of Overall Corporate Strategy 60.0%

51.7% 50.0%

40.0%

30.0% 30.0%

20.0%

15.8%

10.0% 2.5% 0.0% 0.0% 1=very poor understanding 2 3=neutral 4 5=very good understanding Q: To what extent do graduates of this program understand the role of technology as part of overall corporate strategy? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = very poor understanding and 5 = very good understanding. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Satisfaction with Graduates You Have Hired From This School 60.0%

50.4% 50.0%

40.0% 32.5% 30.0%

20.0%

15.4%

10.0%

0.9%

0.9%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how would you appraise the school's efforts to prepare graduates for positions in international business? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well.. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Prepared with Technical and Analytical Skills 60.0%

51.7% 50.0%

40.0%

30.8% 30.0%

20.0%

15.0% 10.0% 2.5% 0.0% 0.0% 1=not at all prepared 2 3=neutral 4 5=very prepared Q: To what extent are graduates of this program prepared with the technical and analytical skills they need to be successful as managers? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all prepared and 5 = very prepared. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Received Real World Information in Addition to Theoretical Constructs 60.0%

52.1% 50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

27.3%

20.0%

14.9% 10.0% 5.8% 0.0% 0.0% 1=did not at all receive 2 3=neutral 4 5=received a great deal Q: To what extent do you believe graduates of this program received "real world" information in addition to theoretical constructs? Please use a ©scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = did not at all receive and 5 = received a great deal. Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Efforts to Provide Graduates with a Global Perspective 50.0% 44.8%

45.0% 39.7%

40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

13.8%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 0.9%

0.9%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how would you appraise the school's efforts to provide its graduates with a global perspective? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Graduates Prepared to Start Their Own Business 80.0%

68.3%

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

17.5% 12.5%

10.0% 0.8%

0.8%

0.0% 1=not at all prepared 2 3=neutral 4 5=very prepared Q: To what extent are graduates of this program prepared to start their own businesses? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at all prepared and 5 = very prepared. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Perception of the McCombs School BBA Program and its Students


Provide Graduates with Team-Oriented Skills 45.0% 40.2% 40.0%

35.0%

31.3% 30.0%

28.6%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how well does the BBA program provide its graduates with team-oriented skills? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Provide Graduates with Sound Ethical Perspective 45.0% 40.0% 40.0%

35.0% 30.4% 30.0%

29.6%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how well does the BBA program provide it's graduates with sound ethical perspective? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Prepare Graduates for Diverse Work Environments 60.0%

48.6%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

27.0%

24.3% 20.0%

10.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how well does the BBA program prepare its graduates for© Alloy diverse work environments and managing diverse ideas and perspectives? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission. poorly and 5 = does this very well.

Provide Graduates with Information Technology Skills 50.0% 44.5%

45.0%

40.0%

35.0% 30.0% 30.0%

23.6%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 1.8% 0.0% 0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how well does the BBA program provide its graduates the information technology skills required for today's work environment? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission. = does this very well.

Provide Graduates with Strong Leadership Skills 60.0%

51.8% 50.0%

40.0%

28.6%

30.0%

19.6%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how well does the BBA program prepare its graduates with strong leadership skills? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Provide Graduates with Entrepreneurial Skills 60.0%

51.4% 50.0%

40.0% 36.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.8% 10.0%

1.8% 0.0% 0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: Based on your level of satisfaction with graduates you have hired from this school, how well does the BBA program provide its graduates with entrepreneurial skills? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Perception of the Career and Recruiting Services


Career Services Office Responsiveness to Recruiter Concerns and Questions 60.0%

53.8% 50.0%

40.0% 34.2%

30.0%

20.0%

8.5%

10.0%

1.7%

1.7%

0.0% 1=very low 2 3=neutral 4 5=very high Q: How would you judge the Career Services Office in terms of responsiveness to recruiter concerns and questions? Please use a scale from 1 ©toAlloy5,Education, where 1 = very low and 5 = very high. Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Career Services Office Help with Setting up Interviews, Training, Preparation, etc. 60.0%

51.3% 50.0%

40.2% 40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

6.8%

0.9%

0.9%

0.0% 1=does this very poorly 2 3=neutral 4 5=does this very well Q: How would you appraise the Career Services Office help with setting up interviews, training, preparation, etc.? Please use a scale from 1 to©5, where 1 = does this very poorly and 5 = does this very well. Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Performance in Helping You with Your Overall Recruiting and Hiring Needs 45.0%

42.7% 40.2%

40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

12.8%

10.0%

5.0%

3.4% 0.9%

0.0% 1=very poor 2 3=neutral 4 5=very good Q: How would you characterize the school's performance in helping you with your overall recruiting and hiring needs? Please use a scale from 1 ©toAlloy5,Education, where 1 = very poor and 5 = very good. Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Career Services Office in Helping with Your Summer Recruiting Needs 45.0%

39.3%

40.0%

35.0% 30.8% 30.0% 25.6% 25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

1.7%

2.6%

0.0% 1=not at all helpful 2 3=neutal 4 5=very helpful Q: How helpful is the Career Services Office in helping you with your summer recruiting needs? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not at©all helpful and 5 = very helpful. Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Recruiting Experience Meet Expectations 50.0% 46.3% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0%

33.1%

30.0% 25.0% 20.0%

18.4%

15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.7%

1.5%

0.0% 1=did not meet expectations 2 3=neutral 4 5=exceeded expectations at all Q: To what extent did your recruiting experience at this school meet your expectations of what a business school career services office should provide? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = did not meet expectations at all and 5 = exceeded expectations. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Perception of the McCombs School’s Communication


Level of Communication from the McCombs School 80.0%

67.9%

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.0% 30.3% 30.0%

20.0%

10.0% 1.8% 0.0% Below average Average Q As a recruiter, how would you rate the level of communication from the McCombs Business School? © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Above average

Communications Received 80.0% 70.0%

66.7%

60.0% 50.0% 40.0%

38.5%

37.8% 32.7%

30.0% 20.0%

16.7% 11.5%

10.0% 0.0%

Q What communications have you received from the the McCombs Business School? © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

5.1%

2.6%

0.6%

Strengths, Weaknesses and Other Comments


Commonly Mentioned Strengths • Interview Skills – “Students are generally very well prepared in terms of resume preparation and interview skills. Diversity of students is outstanding. Student organizations are active and provide a good link to recruiters.” – “Very well prepared and polished for the interviews.”

• Honors Programs – “We have two Business Honors summer analyst and are extremely impressed. The Texas Business Honors program has really differentiated itself from even the regular Texas business students. All the Texas students are head and shoulders above all the other schools.”

• McCombs Brand – “I believe McCombs has a strong brand and prepares business students well for careers as leaders. All of the students I interacted with were very well prepared and acted in a professional manner. McCombs has a diverse talent pool to choose from and does well at producing strong analytical thinkers.”

Q Below, please indicate any strengths the McCombs Business School's BBA program may have. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Commonly Mentioned Weaknesses • School Engagement – “Possibly engaging with the companies more in sending out event notifications. Appears they are relying more and more on companies going out to their website to locate events and register for them.”

• Not Diverse or Global – “90% of the students are from Texas. Student population is not diversified. An overwhelming percentage of the students prefer to stay and work in Texas. Students do not have a global perspective.”

• Lack of Real World Experience – “Candidate applicant pool appears to have great amounts of book knowledge but little to no real world application (street smarts vs. academic focus). They also lack some functional training in business disciplines (like marketing, finance, or supply chain).”

• Interpersonal Skills – “I've noticed that while many of the finance BBAs are very bright and can do the analytical work, many of them have weak interpersonal skills At times, I've felt that McCombs have more of a "looking out for number one" attitude rather than a team or collaborative approach.” Q Below, please indicate any weaknesses or any areas for improvement the McCombs Business School's BBA program may have. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Additional Comments • Career Services/Recruiter Services – “Career Services does not engage well with recruiters. As the recruiter at a Top 10 employer, I do ALL of the outreach to the school, and there is very little collaboration from Career Services. In fact, when something is needed, it is often a painful and frustrating process to get assistance from Career Services.” – “Recruiters are posting positions at several programs. My experience has been that McCombs Career Services relies on recruiters to post positions themselves. Though this is not a bad practice and makes a lot of sense if you have limited capacity. However, there is potential that McCombs students may miss out on opportunities due to the limited capacity of recruiters, thus it is a topic for the Career Center to explore ways of making postings a lot easier for employers.”

• Great Employees – “McCombs students translate into high quality employees.”

• Lack of “It Factor” – “The most commonly missing "it factor" tends to be communication skills and presence.”

Q Please use the area below to write any additional comments you may have. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Future Recruiting and Hiring Expectations


Recruit at the McCombs School in the Future 90.0%

78.2%

80.0%

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

15.5%

10.0%

6.4% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=very unlikely 2 3=neutral 4 4=very likely Q How likely are you to recruit at this business school in the future? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = very unlikely and 5 = very likely. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Hire Graduates of the McCombs School in the Future 80.0%

68.2%

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0% 23.6% 20.0%

8.2%

10.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 1=very unlikely 2 3=neutral 4 5=very likely Q How likely are you to hire graduates from this business school in the future? Please use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = very unlikely and 5 = very likely. © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Conclusions and Next Steps


Conclusions • Perception of the School’s Performance – Strength: Basic--Functional, diversity, teamwork, networking – Improvement: Specialized--Entrepreneurial, global, technology

• Perception of the BBA Program Performance – Strength: Basic—Ethical, Teamwork, Honors Program – Improvement: Specialized--Entrepreneurial, leadership, informational technology, diversity/global, real world experience

• Perception of Career and Recruiting Services – Strength: Overall responsive, set-up, interview skills – Improvement: More recruiter and student outreach and engagement

• Communication with Recruiters – Two-thirds say “above average,” but research suggests that messaging should fill gaps of interest © Alloy Education, Confidential and Proprietary. Not for reproducing or distributing without permission.

Next Steps • Qualitative interviews with top ten national business school recruiters – Interviews will be conducted within the next month

• Survey with students in BBA program – Survey will be conducted with seniors at the McCombs School – Survey will be launched within the next month
