Why 1 in 10 LinkedIn members are ready to find the right MBA In many cases LinkedIn members are looking to develop further and faster in the job that they’re in and for 1 in 10 of our members that personal development plan may include taking an MBA in the near future. Over half of those considering an MBA see themselves taking one within the next 18 months – and 58% of those considering an MBA will use LinkedIn to find the right business school for them. Our survey of more than 2,000 members in the UK, France and Netherlands proves how important it can be to fit further education into current career plans. For 61% of those considering an MBA, the ability to study part-time and locally has a big influence on the provider they choose; an MBA isn’t something they necessarily want to leave their job to do. Personal development and up-skilling are by far the most popular reasons for taking an MBA, named by 79% of those considering one, with 48% seeing it as an opportunity to earn a higher salary and 35% valuing the course as a networking opportunity. These priorities feed into the type of content that they would like to see from potential MBA providers: 55% want to read career advice as a taster of how the provider can further them professionally; 41% want to see what alumni have achieved. Based on our latest research, here’s the essential three-point plan for business school marketers looking to connect with likely MBA students: Use LinkedIn as your primary content platform Over a third of LinkedIn members are considering further education and 1 in 10 are actively planning to take an MBA. LinkedIn is where 58% of these would-be MBA students will research schools and a presence on the platform is essential for building up awareness over the 18-24 month search period. Share content that builds credibility As might be expected, teaching reputation and the range of subjects available are the primary factors influencing choice of MBA provider. Communicate these clearly – and share content that supports your reputation. Over half of respondents (51%) would like to see profiles of the lecturers who might be teaching them, whilst 46% want to read reviews of your institution. Give them a taste of what you can do for their careers Remember that a primary motivation for taking an MBA is personal career development. Share your alumni’s success stories and use career advice as content to help connect with potential students. Several MBA providers have found success by spotlighting connections in their potential students’ networks that have advanced their careers by taking their course. Scroll down for more from our exclusive survey of MBA research on LinkedIn, in our MBA Intenders infographic.

1. will use LinkedIn to research
potential business schools
will take an MBA
to up-level their
personal skillset
are seeking a
higher salary
see it as a
networking
opportunity
LinkedIn internal data, April 2014. 2,193 LinkedIn members were surveyed in the UK, France and the Netherlands. 228 members intend to do an MBA.
Personal development is a top priority for LinkedIn
members across Europe. We reveal the information
they’re seeking and the factors influencing their choice.
1IN 10
intend to take an MBA
and well over
50%
of those will use LinkedIn to
find the right course
MBAs are a big part of LinkedIn members’ plans
Reputation and flexibility are key
Motivation for doing an MBA matches
members reasons for being on LinkedIn
The type of content MBA Intenders look
for from business schools on LinkedIn
European members
intend to do an MBA
of them plan
to start a course
within the next
18 months
79%
48%
35%
89%
say the subjects
available will
influence their
choice of school
82%
Cite teaching
reputation as
an important
deciding factor
61%
want to study
part-time
locally
55%
of MBA Intenders
want schools to share
career advice
46%
seek reviews of the
institution
51%
want lecturer
profiles
41%
value alumni
profiles &
achievements
3Million
58%