Determination and Persistence Pays off for Babson’s MBA Class of 2023
The past year offered many new challenges, but that has not stopped Babson College’s full-time MBA Class of 2023 from achieving its goals. Characterized by their determination and relentless pursuit of their ambitions, the most recent graduating class excelled in the months following graduation.
Within three months of graduation, 77% of full-time MBA Babson graduates received job offers and U.S.-based graduates earned an average salary of $117,627, plus an average $35,108 signing bonus. Continuing the trend from the past few years, the average full-time MBA salary has increased 39% since 2019.
Full-time 2023 MBA graduates found work across a range of industries, most notably in technology (18%), manufacturing (17%), and financial services (16%). The ratio of Babson MBA graduates entering manufacturing doubled from 8% in 2022 to 17% in 2023, reflecting an industry-wide trend highlighted in the latest U.S. report from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Get to know several of Babson’s most recent full-time MBA graduates to learn about their job search, what strategies worked for them, the challenges they faced, and how they were able to overcome them.
“Building confidence in myself was paramount, allowing me to venture into applying for positions deemed ‘impossible’ to attain. By taking calculated risks and embracing a proactive mindset, I not only shattered the stereotype but also showcased the depth of talent and potential that transcends institutional labels.”
Pablo Prosperi MBA’23, finance manager, American Express
Did your short- or long-term career goals change during your time at Babson or during the job search process?
Melissa Belec MBA’23, VC investment analyst, Panache Ventures: “The pivotal moment in my MBA journey came when I had the privilege of interning with Mendoza Ventures, a Boston-based Venture Capital firm. This experience was transformative in terms of the knowledge and insights I gained about the industry, but also exposed me to the tangible impact of this career path. From that moment, I was determined to pursue a career in venture capital.”
Pablo Prosperi MBA’23, finance manager, American Express: “In the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape cultivated at Babson, I was on the precipice of embarking on an entrepreneurial journey through acquisition. Guided by the invaluable insights gained from two illuminating ET&A™ (Entrepreneurial Thought & Action®) classes with Professor John Hallal, my post-graduate trajectory led me tantalizingly close to engaging in a search fund accelerator. Despite alluring prospects in private equity and consulting, my strategic decision was to steadfastly remain within the realm of corporate finance. Concurrently, I have been actively contributing to the strategic growth and scaling of my family business, assuming roles as both a shareholder and Director.”
Francesca Hemmerde Coppo MBA’23, Hispanic business unit marketing manager, Frito-Lay North America (PepsiCo): “While always engaged in the corporate sector, I attended Babson to explore my entrepreneurial side fully. Although leaving the corporate world wasn’t my initial intention, I embraced the startup ecosystem, turning down a corporate job offer to become a full-time marketing consultant at a startup. Although enriching, I later returned to a top consumer packaged goods (CPG) company, driven by the desire to accelerate my learning curve in a market where I lacked prior experience.”
How did Babson’s career resources help you in your job search?
Simone Nayak MBA’23, marketing manager, HCLTech: “Engaging with the (Graduate Center for Career Development) team at Babson during my two-year program was pivotal. They played a key role in securing a summer internship with an SMB firm, facilitated valuable networking opportunities within the industry, and ultimately contributed to securing a full-time position with one of the world’s leading tech firms. The CCD team has consistently served as a mentor, guiding me through each step of this journey.”
Hemmerde: “One significant outcome of my engagement with the CCD was securing a job offer from a company ranked fourth on the Fortune 500 list during one of the (Babson CCD) job fairs. I am grateful to the CCD for facilitating this opportunity, and I’m aware that several other students also found employment with the same company through their support.”
What was the greatest challenge you faced during your job search? How did you overcome or resolve it?
Prosperi: “One of the most substantial challenges I faced during my job search centered around debunking the misconception that Babson solely emphasizes entrepreneurship. Dispelling this notion was crucial, given the prevalent belief that securing an outstanding corporate job post-MBA required attendance at an Ivy League institution—a challenge I approached with determination.
“To overcome this hurdle, I placed trust in my abilities, conducting thorough research and extensive preparation to capitalize on the opportunities that surfaced. Building confidence in myself was paramount, allowing me to venture into applying for positions deemed ‘impossible’ to attain. By taking calculated risks and embracing a proactive mindset, I not only shattered the stereotype but also showcased the depth of talent and potential that transcends institutional labels.”
Rakshit NH Reddy MBA’23, pathways operations manager, Amazon: “The largest obstacle was breaking into the Western market; I have spent my entire career working in India and have never got an opportunity to work outside of the country. It was difficult for me to establish a connection when I first started looking for jobs and internships. I improved my networking abilities by learning from Richard Goulding, Jay Robie, and Anirudh Dhebar how to approach people and carry on conversations.”
What advice would you give to current graduate students?
Nayak: “Amidst the allure of diverse opportunities, it’s crucial to anchor yourself in your strengths. While others pursue remarkable endeavors, what suits them might not align with your path. Stay focused on leveraging your experience and strengths, consistently putting in the work to carve out a trajectory that resonates with your individual journey.”
Reddy: “Create a high-quality network rather than a large one because you already know the markets you want to get in or launch a business in. Because the market is competitive, you must be alert to opportunities if you want to launch a business or land a position within one. There will be setbacks, and the job market is currently challenging, but persevere!”
Prosperi: “The foremost advice I would offer current MBA students is to maximize their time at Babson. I strongly advocate stepping outside one’s comfort zone by enrolling in challenging courses beyond their expertise. In terms of career guidance, I emphasize the importance of a strategic approach to internships. Choosing internships judiciously can serve as an invaluable opportunity to make a lasting impression on a company, potentially paving the way for a full-time offer post-graduation, a particularly noteworthy consideration for international students.”
