Job prospect for 2011 class

FYI if you don't know this forum below... jobs don't look too good especially for international students (see discussions within US)

http://gmatclub.com/forum/t76263-job-prospects-for-one-of-the-most-competitive-classes-ever?sk=t&sd=a

To get IB it is a lot more than putting in effort. I know people who did nothing and got BBB because they had the right profile and I know a lot of people at various schools who were trying to career switch but came up empty. They busted their tails networking and learning everything they could about companies, the industry, and what the jobs are like. IB's are far less likely to give a shot to career switchers now than in the past and those doing it have amazing profiles that are often super analytical or were in some finance function before. Profile >>>> Networking.

I think 2011 things will be much better, and a lot of the recruiting problems of this year will be figured out. There will probably be lower numbers going to the choice companies but new companies will show up to take up the slack. Companies that typically were taking most of their talent from 2nd tier schools will now be going to top tier schools and having success attracting people. I don't see salaries dropping really but I dont see them going up at the 5-10% rate they did when things were going great.

Healthcare and Energy have held up remarkably well here at Kellogg compared to all the others. I know some of the energy companies gave out more offers than in the past, and will probably get very strong acceptance rates since they offer great opportunities going forward and probably have the best work/life balance to pay ratio you will find. These are jobs you will do 40-50 hours a week and make 120k+ with large raises and promotions available quickly if you are a star. Healthcare held up well and were open to career changers who showed their passion. If you have a background in HC or energy you had a huge advantage but there are definitely people who got them without prior experience. I think in the next few years these areas will be growing and will start to attract more people from top schools.

The issue will be the internationals and H1b visa situation. Banks and MC were some of the bigger hirers of internationals, a lot of companies in other areas like GM, corporate fin, marketing dont hire internationals to work in the US. Tech doesnt have an issue hiring internationals but many other areas shy away from it. So how that situation plays out will also be a huge factor.