GMAC: Business Skills of the Future

Gain insight into the skills employers value most today and the capabilities they expect to become increasingly important in the future. Published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), this research snapshot highlights trends shaping hiring decisions for graduate business talent and provides a forward-looking view of workforce needs.

Why Use This Resource?

  • Understand which skills employers prioritize when hiring business graduates.
  • Identify emerging competencies that may influence future career opportunities.
  • Align professional development efforts with labor market trends.
  • Prepare for evolving employer expectations across industries and functions.
  • Use employer insights to guide career planning, skill development, and job search strategies.

What You’ll Find

  • Employer perspectives on the most important skills for graduate business talent.
  • Comparisons between current workforce needs and future skill demands.
  • Insights into communication, strategy, leadership, and data analysis capabilities.
  • Trends related to technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation skills.
  • Information on emerging areas such as human behavior, media communication, and cross-cultural competence.
  • Visual summaries of skills expected to increase in importance over the next five years.

Key Findings

  • Communication, data analysis, and strategy skills remain among the most valued capabilities.
  • Technology-related skills are expected to grow significantly in importance.
  • Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based technologies continue to gain relevance.
  • Employers anticipate increasing demand for skills related to human behavior and leadership.
  • Cross-cultural competence and media communication are expected to become more important in the future workforce.

How to Use This Resource

Review the findings to assess how your current skills align with employer expectations. Use the report to identify areas for professional development, prioritize learning opportunities, and strengthen competencies that are projected to become more valuable over time. The insights can also help guide resume development, interview preparation, and long-term career planning.

Accessing the Resource

Select View Resource to explore the infographic and review employer perspectives on the future of business skills.

View Resource