GMAC found that millennials are more likely to reject ethics and sustainability work than Gen Z.
Millennials are more likely to refuse job offers than generations if a company’s certificate of ethics and sustainability does not match their personal values, according to a new global report from the Graduate Management Admissions Committee (GMAC).
GMAC’s annual potential student survey (now its 15th year), 27% of millennial respondents agree that the company’s ethics and sustainability practices will affect their decision to accept job opportunities, while only 19% of Gen Z candidates are expected to be candidates.
Overall, over two-thirds (68%) of all potential business school students surveyed said that the company’s ethical and environmental performance will lead to their decision-making when considering employment offers.
“It is often believed that Gen Z leads allegations of social values, but our findings suggest a more complex situation,” said Nalisha Patel, regional director of America and Europe at GMAC. “Millennials are actually more willing to get rid of work that doesn’t match their ethics. This is a clear reminder of companies that strong ethics and sustainability practices are more than just a good thing – it’s essential if they want to attract and retain value-driven talent.”
The GMAC survey includes answers from 4,912 potential students from 147 countries, providing detailed insights into the ongoing motivations of next generation business leaders.
Despite the desire to increase wages, career development and geographic mobility remain key drivers for admission to business schools, but many candidates are increasingly prioritizing professional leadership work.
The report also highlights that 85% of potential students believe that companies are socially responsible for the country and communities in which they operate. But 37% said they want global companies to avoid participating in political events or conflicts, a subtle view of corporate activism.
In addition to ethical issues, the survey also shows that company recruiters are increasingly seeking human-centric skills among new graduates. EQ, adaptability and problem-solving problems rank among the highest desired attributes for business school graduates, shifting from purely technical skills to leadership that supports resilience and collaboration.
Consulting, financial services and technology remain the most popular industries among business school candidates when it comes to career ambitions. These sectors not only offer higher revenue potential, but also greater opportunities for impact, innovation and global liquidity.
The findings present a double challenge and opportunity for companies: the importance of value-driven employment is becoming increasingly important, meaning companies must ensure that their sustainability and ethics certificates are not only excellent, but are embedded in their core operations and are clearly communicated to potential talent.
For business schools, the report reinforces the need to integrate ethics, ESG and responsible leadership into management education courses, especially when candidates not only need to study, but also work after graduation.
As Patel concluded: “For today’s business school candidates, career decisions are not only about compensation, but about contributions. Employers who understand this shift and truly align with these values will be values worthy of attention.”
