2020 MBA Employment Data Affirms the Power of the Tuck Network

Resilient amid a global crisis, Tuck graduates and students steadily secure jobs and internships—and set a new record in MBA compensation.

Evidence of loyal and supportive alumni and corporate partners, Tuck’s 2020 employment data released today gives a nod to the world’s most effective MBA network and the continued demand for wise, decisive and resilient leaders.   

Graduating in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, 94 percent of Tuck’s most recent graduates received a job offer within three months after graduation, and 92 percent accepted positions within the same timeframe.

First-year compensation for Tuck MBA graduates climbed to a new high. Median total compensation rose to $180,000, increasing from $170,000 just a year prior. The median first-year base salary is $150,000 and the median signing bonus is $30,000. The mean first-year base salary and signing bonus for Tuck’s newest graduates totals to $178,038. Consistent with years prior, 88 percent of graduates received a signing bonus.

“In the middle of a global health crisis, we anticipated that recruiting might be more difficult this year,” acknowledges Stephen Pidgeon T’07, executive director of career services. “The mechanics of recruiting remain much the same remotely, but we were mindful at the onset about the number of opportunities that might be available. In the end a common theme emerged: organizations prioritizing collaborative, team-oriented leaders – a bill that Tuck students fit perfectly.”

Consulting, financial services and technology remained among the top three industries for Tuck graduates. A record among recent classes, 42 percent of this year’s graduating class secured jobs in the consulting industry. Finance followed with 21 percent of the class, technology with 15 percent, and health care, pharma, biotech with 8 percent.

Tuck-NEws-Employment-2020-Virtual-Recruiting-1400-750.jpg

"The mechanics of recruiting remain much the same remotely," says Stephen Pidgeon T’07, executive director of career services. Of Tuck’s most recent graduates, 94 percent received a job offer within three months after graduation.

“The outreach and connections from alumni in the face of this pandemic has truly shown the value of the Tuck network,” Pidgeon says. “Alumni were incredibly supportive for full-time recruiting, but it was with internship placement that their impact reverberated most.”

Every student in the class of 2021 had at least one internship or fellowship during the pandemic summer—some even had two. Internship locations for summer 2020 are not listed in this year’s report as most opportunities were remote.

“Most everything in 2020 has looked a bit different. The story behind this year’s employment data is one of stability, resilience, and a community deeply committed to supporting one another.”

The following 2020 employment data are currently available online: