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10% Decline in Tech Job Interest Among Future Business School Students

Interest in tech careers among prospective business school students has dropped from 39% in 2023 to 35% in 2024, according to a new report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) – a 10% year-on-year decline.

These findings come from the latest Prospective Students Survey by GMAC – a report that identifies and measures the needs and preferences of aspiring students in management and business education.

Now in its 15th year, the report analyses data from 4,912 respondents across 147 countries, offering insights into evolving candidate decision-making to guide business school strategies.

Technology remains the third most attractive sector for future business school students. Consulting continues to lead as the most popular sector, with exactly half of all respondents considering it for a future career.

The remainder of the top five sectors include financial services (41%) in second place, investment banking and management (34%) in fourth, and consumer products (20%) in fifth.

Notably, there were significant gender and generational disparities in interest in tech careers. Among Millennial men, 45% were interested in a tech career, compared to 38% of Gen Z men. Meanwhile, only 34% of Millennial women and 29% of Gen Z women expressed interest in the technology sector.

“The recent dip in interest toward tech careers among prospective business students may reflect growing uncertainty in the sector,” says Nalisha Patel, Regional Director for the Americas and Europe at GMAC.

“With high-profile layoffs and the rapid evolution of AI disrupting traditional roles, many students are understandably cautious. While technology remains a dynamic and innovative field, the perceived instability is prompting future graduates to weigh their options more carefully as they seek long-term career security."

The research also identified key skill sets employers are seeking in business school graduates, with a growing emphasis on human-centric skills such as emotional intelligence and problem-solving, according to corporate recruiters.

The Graduate Management Admission Council is an international non-profit organisation representing over 200 business schools worldwide. It provides research and market insights to academic institutions and prospective graduate management students.

You can download the report GMAC 2025 Prospective Students Survey Summary Report here 

https://tinyurl.com/mxrptbcp

https://www.gmac.com/

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New guide urges leaders to ‘slump-proof’ their teams before holiday season hits

Everyone deserves a guilt-free holiday

With the summer holiday season looming, business leaders are being urged by leading people development company Insights to act now or risk their operations grind to a halt due to the well-known, but often unaddressed “summer slump.”

A new guide from global people development company Insights has been produced in response to previous research that workplace productivity can decline by up to 20% during the summer months, while project timelines can lengthen by 13%.

“Too many leaders plan for absence, not impact,” David Bowes, Head of People at Insights told That's Business. 

“You’re not just losing a person for two weeks, you may be losing your team’s planner, your motivator, your quiet fixer. These personality gaps can derail performance if they’re not anticipated.”

To help leaders keep performance on track whilst ensuring employees can take a guilt-free, interruption-free break, Insights has released A Leader’s Guide to Combating the Summer Slowdown, a practical playbook for maintaining team momentum as headcounts fluctuate.

Key recommendations include:

• Don’t just fill seats - fill roles with the right personalities. Identify essential responsibilities and match cover to team strengths.

• Prevent burnout by planning workload balance. Avoid overburdening the few who remain.

• Clarify what’s critical. Set clear boundaries on what needs doing now, next, and later.

• Communicate the gaps. Let the team know what skills or behaviours will be missing during absences, who’s stepping up, and how others can support.

• Empower decision-making. Make sure authority and timelines are clear and pair less confident team members with peers for backup and reassurance.

“Slump-proofing the summer starts well before anyone checks in at the airport,” adds David.

“Smart leaders know the real risk isn’t people taking time off, because all employees are entitled to a guilt-free break with family and friends, but the lack of planning for how their absence shifts team dynamics and leaving team members underequipped.”

The downloadable guide also includes templates for communication planning, tips for building flexible cross-functional teams, and insight into aligning work to people’s natural strengths.

Download “A Leader’s Guide to Combating the Summer Slowdown” at the link below:-

https://www.insights.com/resources/how-to-combat-the-summer-slowdown/

Businesses under pressure: Research highlights leadership skills deficit in C-Suite

59% of leaders raise concerns around future C-Suite skills availability

Senior transformation roles expected to grow in demand amid market fluctuations

AI skills needed, with 87% of leaders predicting experience in artificial intelligence to be critical

A transformation of C-Suite capabilities is urgently needed, with companies fundamentally unprepared for what lies ahead over the next decade, amid growing uncertainty and market fluctuations. That’s according to new research from international recruitment firm Robert Half.

In its study, “Towards the C-Suite 2035”, the talent solutions expert found concerns around leadership skills, with 59% of UK C-Suite respondents reporting an increase in worries about finding suitable leaders for the next ten years, with transformation abilities in seemingly high demand and short supply.

The data shows experience in digital and workforce transformation will be absolutely vital in the coming years, with 79% of C-suite respondents highlighting digital expertise and 62% emphasising workforce transformation as key components of leadership teams.

Looking ahead to the next decade, the C-suite is painting a clear picture of the leadership qualities that will define success. 

Resilience tops the list, with 75% of executives expecting it to be in high demand, followed closely by innovative thinking (67%) and agility (61%). More than half (56%) also see change management as a critical skill in navigating the road ahead. In response to these shifting priorities, new roles are emerging on the leadership horizon, by 2035, 78% of respondents anticipate the rise in importance of Chief Technology Transformation Officers, while 57% expect Chief Talent Transformation Officers to play a key role in shaping the future of work.

AI demand expected to grow

As organisations race toward a more automated future, AI expertise is quickly becoming a cornerstone of leadership. According to the report, 87% of C-suite leaders believe that knowledge of artificial intelligence will be essential by 2035. 

But it's not just deep technical understanding that's in demand, the rise of low-code and no-code platforms means broader teams will need to develop practical, hands-on AI skills. 

Reflecting this shift, 83% of executives expect the role of the Chief AI Officer to grow significantly in importance over the next decade, as businesses seek leaders who can bridge the gap between advanced technology and accessible innovation.

Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland at Robert Half, told That's Business: “Today executive leaders face a complex, rapidly evolving set of challenges, shaped by technological disruption, global instability, workforce dynamics and increasing stakeholder expectations.

“Transformation isn’t a buzzword anymore, it’s actually a job title. CTROs (Chief Transformation Officers) and transformation leads (VP/Director Technology and/or Talent Transformation) are now essential operators in the C-Suite or the extended top leadership team, not consultants waiting in the wings.

“Resilient and adaptable leadership will help navigate complex social and political issues while maintaining credibility and trust. In 2035, businesses which have embraced this journey will be better placed to compete and to survive.

“A leadership team which understands how to innovate, alongside a workforce which can deliver new ideas, will be strengthened by the strategic development of future talent. Seeds planted now will stand tall in 2035.”

https://www.roberthalf.com

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How Retailers Can Protect Their Stock from Young Opportunistic Thieves During the School Holidays

With the school holidays in full swing, many retailers see a noticeable uptick in footfall, especially from teenagers and schoolchildren with time on their hands. 

While most young visitors are simply browsing or enjoying a bit of freedom, the holidays can unfortunately also bring a rise in opportunistic thefts from under-18s.

Retail theft is frustrating at any time, but it’s particularly sensitive when minors are involved. So how can shopkeepers and retail staff protect stock, maintain a welcoming environment, and still act responsibly when tackling the issue?

Here are some practical and ethical strategies to help safeguard your business during the holiday period:

1. Make Your Presence Known

A visible staff presence is one of the strongest deterrents to theft. Ensure team members are actively engaging with all customers, especially in quieter corners of the shop or near high-value goods. A friendly “Can I help you?” does more than offer service, it reminds would-be shoplifters they’re being noticed.

2. Review and Refresh CCTV Coverage

Make sure your CCTV system is:

Fully operational

Covers all key areas (including blind spots and exits)

Clearly signed and visible to visitors

Regular checks and signage reminding customers of surveillance can go a long way in discouraging theft. If your system is outdated, now’s the time to consider upgrading before problems arise.

3. Reposition High-Risk Stock

Items that are small, popular, or easy to conceal, such as cosmetics, accessories, tech items, or confectionery should be:

Kept closer to the tills

Placed behind counters

Displayed in locked or secured cabinets

This also applies to seasonal merchandise or trending products among teens.

4. Train Staff in Friendly Vigilance

Your team doesn’t need to turn into security guards, but they should know the signs of suspicious behaviour, such as:

Groups loitering without engaging with products

People entering with large bags or bulky clothing in warm weather

Repeated glancing around or avoiding eye contact

Encourage calm, non-accusatory interactions. A welcoming approach often disarms bad intentions and avoids escalation.

5. Work With Local Schools and Community Police

In some areas, community policing teams offer additional patrols during the holidays and may be happy to work with retailers. Establish a dialogue and share concerns early.

Likewise, developing a relationship with local schools can be helpful. If there’s a recurring problem involving specific pupils, schools often prefer to be informed discreetly to resolve the issue themselves.

6. Offer Alternatives – Don’t Just Assume the Worst

Sometimes, theft by minors stems from boredom, peer pressure, or financial hardship rather than malice. Consider:

Offering free or low-cost samples

Engaging younger visitors with friendly conversation

Providing a small, affordable ‘pocket money’ range to reduce temptation

It won’t prevent every incident, but a proactive, understanding approach can make a difference.

7. Stay Calm and Follow Procedure

If a theft occurs:

Do not physically confront the suspect unless absolutely necessary

Record CCTV footage

Report serious or repeated incidents to the police

Ensure your team knows what to do, including how to involve parents or guardians appropriately if a minor is involved.

Some Chambers of Commerce or local councils run a radio link system with shopkeepers all linked by radio to a central command point or the local police. If there's no such system in your town or district perhaps you should suggest that one is launched?

8. Don’t Let a Few Spoil It for Everyone

It’s easy to become defensive or suspicious when thefts increase, but remember, most young customers are respectful and often enthusiastic shoppers. Keeping your store friendly and inclusive is key to long-term trust and loyalty.

The school holidays are a brilliant time for shops to attract younger customers and families, but they also call for smart stock management and a bit more vigilance. 

With the right balance of security, staff training, and community cooperation, retailers can protect their stock while still creating a welcoming environment for all.

After all, today’s teens could become tomorrow’s most loyal customers — if they’re treated with fairness and respect.