Illinois Gies Employment Report: Key Numbers
Illinois Gies graduates earn an average starting salary of $132,000 with an employment rate of 90% within three months of graduation. These numbers reflect solid outcomes with room for growth as the program matures.
Industry Breakdown
Illinois Gies's employment report shows graduates entering these industries:
- Finance: 25-35% (banking, PE, hedge funds, asset management)
- Consulting: 20-30% (MBB, Big 4, boutique)
- Technology: 15-25% (product, strategy, operations)
- Other: 10-20% (corporate, healthcare, non-profit)
Illinois Gies is particularly strong for careers in Finance, Technology, Accounting. The school's full profile details specific employer relationships and career pipelines.
Salary by Industry
Average starting salaries vary significantly by industry:
- Consulting: $175,000-$190,000 base + $25,000-$35,000 signing bonus
- Finance (banking): $175,000 base + $50,000-$65,000 signing bonus
- Technology: $150,000-$180,000 base + equity/RSUs
- Corporate (Fortune 500): $130,000-$155,000 base + $15,000-$25,000 signing bonus
The $132,000 average at Illinois Gies is a blend across all industries. Students entering consulting and finance typically exceed this average, while those entering non-profit or government roles may earn below it. See our MBA ROI analysis for how to think about salary in the context of total MBA investment.
Career Services and Recruiting
Illinois Gies's career services team connects students with employer presentations, networking events, career treks, and alumni mentorship. The 90% employment rate reflects the program's ability to place graduates effectively.
When evaluating employment reports, look beyond the headline salary number. Consider:
- Which specific companies hire from this school?
- What percentage of students enter their target industry?
- How active is the alumni network in your desired field?
- What career-change support does the school provide?
For a complete overview of Illinois Gies's programs, culture, and admissions, see the full Illinois Gies profile.