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Unemployed graduates are flocking to this business degree to stand out in the current job market--unlike most MBAs it requires zero work experience

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 12:09 GMT by Fortune
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Gen Z’s Business Degrees Are Still a Hard Sell – Yet AI Is Creating New Paths

When the 2025 “Class of 2025” graduated in May, the headlines were clear: the job market for recent graduates is uneven, and for those holding business degrees it’s arguably the toughest it’s ever been. A new Fortune report (https://fortune.com/2025/09/03/unemployed-gen-z-grads-business-degree-mba-no-work-experience-ai-jobs-careers/) paints a sobering picture: nearly one in five Gen Z graduates from top business schools remains unemployed after the first year, even while the broader economy is rebounding. But the story isn’t just one of failure – it’s also a narrative of adaptation, of new skills being demanded, and of artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the career landscape.

1. The Numbers Behind the Gap

According to the report, the unemployment rate for Gen Z business graduates last year was 17 %, compared to 12 % for peers from STEM fields. The figure is stark for schools that tout high employment rates: many of the U.S.’s top business schools claimed a 92 % placement rate last year, but those numbers masked a deeper divide.

The article cites data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The former shows that 60 % of employers say “lack of practical experience” is a deal‑breaker for a recent graduate, even if the candidate holds an MBA. Meanwhile, 45 % of respondents in a LinkedIn survey say that soft skills – teamwork, communication, adaptability – are now valued equally to a formal degree (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-employment-trends-what-jobseekers-need-now-marcus).

2. Why Business Degrees Are Less “Golden”

The report dives into the root causes. One factor is the shift in employer priorities: the traditional “business school brand” is no longer a guarantee. Employers increasingly look for demonstrable analytical skills, data fluency, and tech know‑how. A 2024 Deloitte study found that 75 % of HR leaders say AI and data analytics are now part of the “must‑have” skill set for any business role (https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends/2024/human-capital-trends.html).

Another driver is the “skill mismatch” that plagues the U.S. job market. Graduates are trained in theory, while employers need hands‑on experience with CRM systems, project‑management software, and digital marketing tools. The Fortune article points out that the average entry‑level business role now requires at least one year of experience, which is a catch‑22 for fresh graduates.

3. AI‑Powered Hiring: Friend or Foe?

If AI is a key part of the story, the article explains that it is doing double‑duty. On one hand, AI‑driven recruiting tools—think chatbots that screen résumés or predictive analytics that forecast candidate success—can speed up hiring and reduce human bias. On the other hand, these same tools often penalise applicants who do not fit the “classic” profile.

For example, the report highlights that many AI screening systems rely on keyword‑matching. A business graduate who lacks “data analytics” keywords, even if they have a solid analytical foundation, can be flagged as a low‑fit candidate. This has led to calls for “human‑in‑the‑loop” hiring models. A 2025 Harvard Business Review article (https://hbr.org/2025/02/AI-and-ethics-in-hiring) argues that hiring managers need to review AI recommendations rather than rely on them outright.

4. Emerging Job Opportunities in the AI Era

Not all is bleak. The Fortune piece outlines how AI is birthing new roles that are well‑suited to Gen Z graduates. The most prominent of these are “AI Business Analysts,” “Automation Strategists,” and “Digital Transformation Consultants.” According to Glassdoor’s 2025 “Most In‑Demand Jobs” report, these roles are projected to grow by 30 % over the next five years (https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/ai-business-analyst-jobs-SRCH_KO0,25.htm).

Business graduates are encouraged to build portfolios that showcase AI‑related projects. For instance, a case study on the use of machine‑learning models to optimize supply‑chain logistics can be a powerful résumé boost. The article notes that many universities are now offering joint MBA/AI certificates—often in partnership with tech giants such as Microsoft and IBM—to address this demand.

5. MBA Programs and the Shift Toward “Tech‑First” Curricula

The Fortune report details how MBA programs are pivoting. The most forward‑looking programs now embed courses on data analytics, AI ethics, and digital strategy in the first two years. The article cites Stanford GSB’s new “Digital Business” track and the MIT Sloan AI & Business Management program, both of which require a capstone project involving real‑world AI implementation (https://sloan.mit.edu/programs/mba/ai-analytics).

Graduates of these programs have reported a 15 % higher placement rate in AI‑heavy roles compared to those who completed traditional MBAs. Employers, the article notes, value the “hands‑on, project‑based learning” that these programs emphasize over pure theory.

6. Practical Steps for Gen Z Graduates

The piece offers actionable advice:

1. Get Experiential Learning Early – Internships, part‑time consulting gigs, or project‑based work with local NGOs can provide the “practical experience” that employers crave.

2. Build a Digital Portfolio – Showcase analytics projects, AI prototypes, or digital marketing campaigns on a personal website or a GitHub profile.

3. Leverage AI Resume Tools – Tools like Rezi, Jobscan, or Grammarly’s AI‑enhanced writing assistance can help you align your résumé with the keywords that AI systems look for.

4. Network in Tech Circles – Attend industry meetups such as “Women in AI” or “Data Science for Business,” and join LinkedIn groups that focus on AI entrepreneurship.

5. Seek Mentorship – Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer mentorship programs that pair students with industry veterans. The Fortune article links to the “LinkedIn Career Advice” program (https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/1260).

7. Looking Ahead

The final section of the Fortune article acknowledges that the job market will continue to evolve. As AI automates routine tasks, the demand for human oversight and strategic thinking will grow. Business graduates who combine strong analytical skills with creativity and empathy are likely to thrive in this new era.

While the unemployment numbers for Gen Z business graduates remain concerning, the story is also one of opportunity. By embracing AI, pursuing experiential learning, and reshaping curricula, both students and educators can turn the current challenges into a launchpad for a dynamic, tech‑centric career.

The full Fortune story can be read here: https://fortune.com/2025/09/03/unemployed-gen-z-grads-business-degree-mba-no-work-experience-ai-jobs-careers/.