Kenan-Flagler Business School sees applicant spike

The Kenan-Flagler Business School saw a 15 percent increase in applicants this year, a jump that school officials said came, in part, because of the uncertain job market.

This year, 691 students applied to the undergraduate business program — which notified accepted applicants Friday — said Anna Millar, senior associate director of admissions, recruiting and advising for the program.

She attributed the increase to the improving reputation of Kenan-Flagler and the consistent ability of graduates to find jobs in a worsening economy.

Business school ambassador and student Ganesh Raj said more students are applying in hopes of improving future job prospects.

“It comes down to one comprehensive reason,” he said. “There is an increasing uncertainty about what the job market will hold in four or five years.”

The school also boasts a strong alumni network, Raj said. Alumni come to the school to conduct networking nights, which help students meet employers and make connections, he said.

The school accepted 55 percent of applicants this year, and is ranked eighth among U.S. undergraduate business schools by Bloomberg Businessweek.

Matt Muse, a sophomore business administration major who was accepted Friday, said he applied because it will help him succeed upon graduation.

“I know how prestigious the undergraduate business program is, and I know it will provide a network of resources that will help me in the future.”

But Ray Angle, director of University Career Services, said a business degree doesn’t ensure job security. Like most career fields, the demand in the field of business responds to the economy, he said.

“It is hard to say what is the best career because it varies so much year to year.”

He said students should make career decisions based on a variety of factors, including supply and demand in the particular field and personal interests.

Angle said students don’t need a business degree to obtain jobs in the business field.

Brittany Hackett, a business school ambassador and student, said some companies are also looking for students from other majors to round out their staffs.

Angle said students should be open to opportunities in other career fields. “In American culture, it is pretty much understood that we will change careers multiple times in our lifetime,” he said.

“What you are preparing for right now is your first destination, and when you get there, you will get a better sense of who you are and what you want to do.”

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