FMCG 'dream choice' for fresh MBA graduates

I know, sounds a tad surprising but that's what this AC NIelsen survey seems to be saying.Link to biz std article is here.

The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector has 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. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and Procter & Gamble (P&G) emerged the ‘dream companies’ for students.

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.

Aha. But are these grads from the top institutes? How representative is the sample of the top B schools in the country?

The average salary expectation of students from their dream company has notched up a few decimals to Rs 14.6 lakh this year against Rs 14 lakh last year. 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 over last year. The other industry that has shown a significant movement in preference is media industry.

Well, the avg sal fig certainly suggests a top level B school popn, doesn't it?

“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 factors cited 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.