In 2026, the global job market has been shaped by profound structural shifts. Ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt industries, while global economic growth remains in a fragile recovery. At the same time, the large-scale rollout of generative AI is fundamentally rewriting the value of job roles and reshaping the standards by which talent is assessed, making recruitment decisions more selective than ever.
Against this challenging backdrop, the CEIBS MBA Class of 2026 has remained resilient. Within three months of graduation, 91.9% of job-seeking graduates had secured at least one offer, with 88.7% accepting an offer. Ultimately, the offer acceptance rate climbed to 90.3% within four months, underscoring the enduring competitiveness of CEIBS graduates and their ability to create value in an increasingly uncertain business environment. 
 

Salary Growth Continues to Increase

Compared with last year, MBA graduates saw steady growth in salary levels. The average salary increase reached 52.1%, up from 50.5% last year, while median annual salary stood at RMB 480,000. Nearly 70% of graduates earned between RMB 300,000 and RMB 600,000 annually. 
This consistent, year-on-year salary growth reflects employers' confidence in the all-round capabilities of CEIBS MBA graduates. Whether advancing within existing industries or pursuing a career change, graduates were rewarded with meaningful salary growth that reflects the market value of their professional and managerial skills.
 

More Graduates Successfully Transformed Their Careers

Career transformation remained a defining feature of the CEIBS MBA experience. This year,85.5% of graduates successfully changed industry, function, or both — up from 80.6% last year. 
In a generally cautious hiring environment, changing careers usually comes with greater uncertainty. Yet this year's figures show that more and more graduates are actively choosing this path, demonstrating both confidence in their own abilities and the continued market demand for professionals who combine cross-functional perspectives with the agility to learn and adapt quickly.

Healthcare Becomes the Top Hiring Industry

Healthcare accounted for 23.6% of graduate employment, up from 15.3% last year, climbing from third place to first. Technology followed at 16.4%, down from 31.9% last year. Manufacturing and financial services each accounted for12.7%, while consulting ranked fifth at 10.9%. Together, the top five industries employed 76.4% of the graduating class.
The healthcare sector's sustained demand for management talent played a key role in reshaping this year's employment landscape. 
A similar structural pattern emerged across job functions: General management became the most popular career destination, rising from 26.8% to 32.7% and becoming the starting point for nearly a third of all graduates. Marketing and sales, consulting, and finance followed close behind, with the top four functions together accounting for 80.0% of all graduates.
 

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Remain in High Demand

of Class of 2026 graduates this year chose to start their own business, with ventures spanning technology, financial services, manufacturing, consumer goods and retail. 

Meanwhile, a growing number of graduates are also taking on innovation-focused roles within established organisations: 20% have joined internal innovation units, helping drive organisational transformation from within. These graduates are transforming business and management knowledge gained during their studies into entrepreneurial practice, exploring frontier fields such as humanoid robotics, AI-driven financial analysis systems, bio-based composite materials, new energy and data centres.
Traditional employment and entrepreneurship are increasingly becoming complementary paths in the career development of CEIBS MBA graduates. While the CEIBS MBA Career Development Centre (CDC) supports graduates pursuing corporate careers, the InnoLab helps graduates translate their business ideas and management thinking into real-world impact. Together, this dual-track system of support broadens graduates' career options, allowing employment and entrepreneurial capabilities to reinforce one another and strengthen long-term professional resilience.

International Graduates Expand Across Asia-Pacific

International graduates also delivered an impressive employment performance, with an employment rate of 90.9%. 20% of international graduates remained on the Chinese mainland, 70% pursued careers elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, and 10% relocated to Europe, highlighting the growing attractiveness of the wider Asia-Pacific market.
Across the entire graduating class, 18.2% are now working outside mainland China, up from 15.5% last year. The career footprint of CEIBS MBA graduates continues to expand alongside the overseas growth of Chinese companies.
This shift reflects both the accelerating globalisation of Chinese enterprises and the strength of CEIBS' international student body and globally focused curriculum. The growing presence of international graduates across the Asia-Pacific, together with the increasing number of Chinese graduates' pursuing overseas opportunities, illustrates CEIBS’ mission of cultivating responsible leaders versed in “China Depth, Global Breadth”.
 

Career Success Built on Year-Round Support from the CEIBS MBA Career Development Centre (CDC)

This year, nearly 60% of graduates secured employment through CEIBS career resources, reflecting the comprehensive support provided by the CEIBS CDC throughout the year. 
From CV coaching and mock interviews to company open days, industry insight sessions and targeted job recommendations, the CDC provided comprehensive support to graduates at every stage of their job search.
To better support international students, the CDC has expanded its dedicated career advisory services while actively identifying opportunities with Chinese companies pursuing global expansion. Career advisors also provide personalised one-on-one coaching based on each graduate's professional background, target industry and career aspirations, helping graduates navigate today's increasingly competitive job market with confidence.

Building Careers that Last

In an era defined by uncertainty, the employment outcomes of the CEIBS MBA Class of 2026 demonstrate that long-term career success depends on far more than an impressive CV;  it requires the foresight to adapt to change, the flexibility to respond to new challenges, and the grounded, effective executional abilities to see things through. 
These qualities continue to distinguish CEIBS graduates as they build impactful careers across industries, functions and markets worldwide.