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This data represents 2008-2009 full-time MBA students. For a full report on graduate employment, view our 2009 Graduate Employment Report.

These statistics are every bit as unique as the program these students represent

  • 2008/2009 Thunderbird graduates went to work at over 90 organizations in 20 countries last year.
  • Thirteen percent of US students accepted employment positions outside the United States, while 45% of international students accepted positions inside the US.
  • Thunderbird MBAs made an average base salary of $76,309 (down from $84,295 in the year prior as a result of systemic economic factors) plus an average signing bonus of $14,777 and an average for other guaranteed compensation of $14,190.
  • Internships in 2008/2009 were spread out across a variety of industries, garnering an average monthly salary of $2,963.

Where 2008-2009 Thunderbird graduates went

International Placement

2009 Employment - International
US Placement
2009 Employment - US

2008-2009 Average Base Salary by Region

World

US

Africa * Mid-Atlantic $93,002
Asia $59,213 Midwest $83,916
Europe * Northeast $86,261
Latin America $78,000 South $87,000
Middle East * Southwest $70,833
North America $80,400 West $79,487

* indicates insufficient data points for publication

Function
2009 Employment by Function

Industry
2009 Employment by Industry

Internships

Over 180 students interned in 27 countries in summer 2009, going to work for private equity firms, media conglomerates, pharmaceutical giants, development banks and manufacturing leaders.

2009 Summer Internships
Industry % of Students
Consulting Services 8
Consumer Products 5
Energy 4
Financial Services 18
Government/Non-Profit 12
Manufacturing 8
Media/Entertainment 6
Pharma/Healthcare 8
Technology 10
Other Services 21

The above charts were taken from our most recent employment report. Review the 2009 Graduate Employment Report for a comprehensive breakdown by average salaries, geographic distribution of graduates, student demographics and more.