What Employers Really Want: Top Skills Business School Grads Need in 2025 and Beyond

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If you’re thinking about business school, you’re probably asking yourself one question more than any other:

Will this degree help me get a great job?

It’s a smart question—and one that’s top of mind for nearly every prospective student. According to the 2025 GMAC Prospective Students Survey, career advancement is still the top motivator for pursuing a graduate business degree.

In today’s fast-moving economy, it’s not just about landing a job—it’s about building a rewarding career with the skills to lead change in any industry.

At the UC Davis Graduate School of Management (GSM), we stay closely attuned to what employers are looking for—and more importantly, what students need to thrive long after graduation. With input from industry leaders, alumni and recruiters, we’ve built a curriculum and culture that equips graduates with the capabilities the market demands.

So what are those capabilities?

Let’s look at the five most in-demand skills for business school grads in 2025 and beyond—backed by hard data from GMAC, the World Economic Forum and the National Association of Colleges and Employers —and how we develop them at UC Davis GSM.

1. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving

“Analytical thinking remains the most sought-after core skill among employers, with seven out of 10 companies considering it as essential in 2025.”
— World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025

Problem-solving ranks among the top competencies employers seek, according to the 2025 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey. At UC Davis, students sharpen these skills through data-driven coursework, case-based learning, and our signature IMPACT capstone projects—where small teams work hands-on with corporate partners to solve real business challenges.

2. Technology Fluency and AI Awareness

“45% of prospective students now consider AI knowledge essential to their business education—a 34% year-over-year increase.”
— 2025 GMAC Prospective Students Survey

Business today is powered by big data decision-making—and shaped by technologies like AI, machine learning and automation. That’s why the UC Davis GSM integrates data analytics and use of the latest tools into coursework and team projects.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

“96% of employers cite communication as most important career readiness skill.”
— National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Job Outlook 2025

Strong communication is more than public speaking—it's about clarity, persuasion, empathy, and presence. Our intentionally small class sizes and collaborative learning environment at UC Davis create constant opportunities to hone these soft skills through discussion, presentations and real-time feedback.

4. Leadership and Adaptability

“Employers want graduates who can lead diverse teams and adapt to rapid change.”
— 2024 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey

Collaborative leadership is at the heart of the UC Davis GSM experience. Through team-based learning, cross-disciplinary cooperation, and mentorship from faculty and alumni, students learn how to inspire each other, influence others and adapt in dynamic environments.

5. Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen

“67% of recruiters say the ability to ‘see the big picture’ is a key reason they hire business school grads.”
— 2024 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey

Business today requires systems thinking. Our integrated core curriculum ensures that UC Davis GSM students graduate not only with technical expertise, but also with the strategic mindset to align business decisions with broader organizational goals.

Bonus: Values-Driven Leadership Matters More Than Ever

According to GMAC, nearly three-quarters of 2025 prospective students say values like equity, sustainability and well-being are important to their business school decision.
— 2025 GMAC Prospective Students Survey

At UC Davis, these aren’t add-ons—they’re baked into our culture and curriculum. From our student-initiated ethics pledge at orientation and advocacy for sustainable business, to our rigorous coursework, extracurricular opportunities and strong ties with mission-driven organizations, we prepare students to lead ethically and inclusively.

Final Thought: The Right Business School Doesn’t Just Open Doors—It Equips You to Lead Through Them

The most valuable business programs today don’t just hand you a diploma—they prepare you to lead, adapt, and create impact.

At the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, we’ve designed business education experiences that respond to the future of work—while supporting your unique goals every step of the way.

If you’re ready to build the skills that matter—and join a collaborative, ambitious, and values-driven community—we’d love to connect.

Start your journey today.