Mgt grads of 2010 prefer FMCG sector: Nielsen

The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has once again emerged as the industry of choice for this year’s management graduates.

According to Nielsen Campus Track–B School Survey, 44 per cent of students graduating in 2010 voted FMCG sector as their most preferred industry. With HUL and P&G being considered “dream companies” for students.

The average salary expectation of students from their “dream company”, however has notched up a few decimals to Rs 14.6 lakh this year against Rs 14 lakh last year. Salary expectation from a foreign company is almost twice than that from an Indian company.

FMCG also tops the ‘industry of future’ list. Other industries preferred are management consulting, foreign banks, entertainment and media, and Software, IT Consultancy/ IT Services.

Student’s perception of players in the FMCG industry has changed over the years inching closer and closer to the traditional leaders, Consultancy. While certain key Consultant companies still dominate campus recruitments, as an industry, most FMCG players have gained in perception vs. last year. The other industry that has shown a significant movement in preference is media industry.

“The security that FMCG sector provides forms a major attraction for the graduating batch. However, the affects of economic downturn can still be seen as three out of every four students feels that recession is going to affect their final placements,” said Shaveta Bhardwaj, Associate Director Client Solutions, The Nielsen Company.

Among various factors that were cited by students for driving their decision to choose a company, good job prospects topped the list with 69 per cent votes. Other factors that are critical for students in their selection of a company are high degree of independence, good market standing and good salary package, job content, and a good take-home salary.

In line with last year’s survey, Ratan Tata remains the role model for management students due to graduate in 2010.

In its 10th year, the Nielsen Campus Track B-School Survey gauged students’ perceptions of companies and their considerations as they evaluate prospective employers. About 1,362 soon-to-be graduates from the top 40 management institutes were interviewed.