Factors Affecting Choice of First Employer

Abstract

Earlier studies from other countries identified factors which influence the final year management graduates’ choice for their first employer. But there is lack of systematic study done with respect to the Indian management graduates aspiring for their first job. This article systematically studied how different educational and social variables influence the expectations of management graduates seeking their first job. Based on literature review and focus group interview, a questionnaire was developed and used for collecting responses from 196 management students of one of the leading business schools in India. The respondents were in their graduating year getting ready for campus placements. Factor analysis results identified latency among diversity in job expectations and different educational and social variables. Results revealed that Indian management graduates stressed more on the long-term growth factors of the job than short-term benefits and salary. Differences on account of gender, region, educational and parental backgrounds influenced the choice of first job.