School touted as place to hire ethical graduates
Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management advanced to 26th from 38th in The Wall Street Journal's 2003 ranking of top business schools worldwide.
BYU was also ranked 2nd behind Yale University in the new "Emphasis on Ethics" category as "best for hiring graduates with high ethical standards."
"We're gratified by the spotlight this recognition shines on our students and the values of our sponsoring institution," says Ned C. Hill, dean of the Marriott School. "And while it's a great honor to be ranked next to other top academic programs, we're most excited about our showing in the new ethics category."
The paper reports, "Indeed, some recruiters say they are drawn more these days to religious schools like Notre Dame and Brigham Young University. Recruiters find Brigham Young produces an especially valuable type of graduate these days: the ethical accountant. Brigham Young, which is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is considered one of the best schools for hiring students with high ethical standards."
In addition to a significant jump in the overall rankings and top marks for ethics, BYU's Marriott School ranked 3rd in the "Hidden Gems" category, a ranking of 10 schools that "don't receive the respect and attention they deserve." BYU graduates received high ratings for analytical and problem-solving abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, their fit with the corporate culture and team orientation.
"Two categories where we compared less favorably—work experience and diversity—are areas where we've already begun focusing attention," says Maurice Stocks, assistant dean of corporate development and career management. "Post-bachelor's degree full-time work experience for this fall's entering MBA class was 3.2 years—excluding mission experience. And, the school launched a major diversity initiative last year to recruit more underrepresented students, enhance the school's internal climate and hire minority faculty members."
The Wall Street Journal worked with market research firm Harris Interactive to survey 2,191 MBA recruiters. Recruiters evaluated attributes such as quality of past hires, analytical and problem-solving skills, leadership potential, personal ethics and integrity and strategic thinking.
Although more than 468 accredited business schools were considered, the final sample of business schools eligible and available for rating included 183 U.S. schools and 73 non-U.S. schools.
"We work hard and know we're quality students, but it's encouraging when recruiters validate that thinking with a high ranking," says Jessica Johnson, MBA Student Association president. "It's exciting to see BYU's reputation growing. Good rankings not only help current students as they search for jobs but also increase the value of a BYU degree for those out shaping their careers."
The Wall Street Journal recognition reflects the Marriot School's mission, which is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled at the Marriott School's graduate and undergraduate programs.
