Pursuing an MBA enhances one’s knowledge and skill set, and it can be a passport to global career opportunities. This rings particularly true for programs that excel on the International Mobility metric in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings.
Searching for an MBA program that boosts your ability to work internationally? The International Mobility metric in the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking can be your roadmap.
International mobility refers to the ability and ease with which graduates can move across countries for employment opportunities post-graduation. This capability is pivotal for MBA candidates who are looking to leverage their education for international careers.
How well programs score on international mobility seems to have a lot to do with their location. The top five schools are all headquartered in Europe, while the bottom five are mostly in Asia.
The top MBA programs for the FT’s 2024 International Mobility metric are:
Conversely, the programs that rank at the lower end of the International Mobility metric are:
96. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (India)
97. Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business (USA)
98. XLRI – Xavier School of Management (India)
99. Fudan University School of Management (China)
100. Shanghai University of Finance and Economics: College of Business (China)
Europe’s numerous small, closely situated countries and unified labor market, understandably leads to increased mobility. In contrast, schools in geographically and economically larger countries tend to score lower.
Dr. Jochem Kroezen, Academic Director at Rotterdam School of Management, and Andrew Dalik, Head of Marketing and Talent Acquisition at the University of St. Gallen, provide deeper insights into why their programs score so well.
The ranking is a survey-based evaluation of the world’s top 100 full-time MBA programs. International Mobility is just one metric or sub-ranking the FT uses to build an overall score. This metric evaluates the career paths of MBA graduates based on their citizenship and recent employment locations.
A higher percentage of international students correlates with a higher International Mobility rank, but the metric is not counting international students. If a student returned to an old country after graduation, this would not help the MBA program’s ranking.
While it does not consider the global focus or cross-cultural components of MBA curricula directly, programs that score highly often feature curricula that prepare students for global careers.
Finally, it’s important to know that this ranking is heavily influenced by 2020 MBA graduates who faced unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The extent of mobility restrictions they faced varied from country to country.
Known for its rigorous academics and strong industry connections, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, St.Gallen excels in preparing students for significant roles in specific industries. The program’s targeted approach helps students secure positions in high-demand sectors, thereby enhancing their international mobility.
Andrew attributes St.Gallen’s success to its emphasis on attracting a particular subset of students who are interested in working abroad. However, Andrew also highlights the need for a broader perspective on an MBA program’s value. (03:38)
He notes, “There are lots of great MBA programs in the world that are really focused on domestic students who are looking for domestic jobs in the local area. That’s a fabulous way to develop a strong program too.” (05:52)
So, while the International Mobility metric provides important insights, overemphasizing it can lead prospective students to overlook programs that might better serve their career goals.
With a classroom comprising 99% international students, RSM stands out for its diverse student body. The program’s integration with local industries and its emphasis on practical impact projects attract students seeking a blend of local and international experiences.
Jochem says that international mobility is about “providing students with a platform from which they can launch an international career and basically work anywhere.” (12:58)
A significant proportion of RSM graduates find employment in Western Europe. Jochem emphasizes that the Netherlands is uniquely positioned to allow this, noting its liberal visa policies, ease of English communication, and central location in Europe. (00:07)
Choosing an MBA program that excels in international mobility means investing in a career that transcends geographical boundaries. Both RSM and St. Gallen have crafted their programs to capitalize on their local advantages while keeping an eye on the global market.
For instance, RSM’s collaborations with local sectors and city projects offer students hands-on experiences that are directly applicable to global challenges. Similarly, St. Gallen’s close ties with nearby industries provide students with tailored career opportunities that are recognized worldwide.
The strategic focus on local strengths, coupled with an international outlook, equips students for a career that spans countries.
Looking for an MBA with stellar international mobility? Connect with an MBA ambassador today to learn about top MBA programs and the mobility they offer.
