FMCG is still the preferred choice for Management Graduates at the campus: Nielsen

The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector has maintained its status as the industry of choice for the latest batch of management graduates, with 54 percent of students graduating in 2011 voting it their most preferred industry in the latest Nielsen Campus Track'B School Survey. FMCG also tops the list of industries seen to have bright prospects. Other industries that enjoy student preference and complete the list of top 5 sectors of choice are Management Consulting (40%), Investment Banks (27%), Oil & Energy (23%) and Foreign Banks (23%).

Compared to the previous year, FMCG has seen the highest rise in preference and Management Consulting and Investment Banking have followed suit. Oil & Energy, Diversified Conglomerates and the Automobile Sector have entered the top 10, edging out Financial Institutions, Entertainment/ Media and Indian Banks which were previously on the top 10 list.

"A diversification of sectoral preference, coupled with a resurgence of sectors like management consulting and investment banking companies is symptomatic of greater optimism within the prospective talent pool. However, there is still a "flight to stability' with sectors and employers that are seen to offer greater resilience during downturns gaining greater preference" said Surekha Poddar, Executive Director, The Nielsen Company.

More than 2/3rd students plan to move out of their first job within four years. Better career options, better position/designation and higher pay are the main reasons for moving out of the first job.