Shocking! MBA students care about more than money

The image of MBAs that most people have is probably not a good one. But a new study from the Aspen Institute's Center for Business Education shows that business school students are motivated by, get this, altruism and a desire for an interesting, challenging work experience.

Students were asked to choose up to 3 of the factors that were most important to them as they looked for jobs. 64% mentioned challenging responsibilities, making compensation a distant second at 48%. Work life balance and the potential to make a contribution to society were the 3rd and 4th most important factors. Only 4% cared about job security!

Of course, what people will say on a survey and what they actually believe can be very different.

But here's my theory: many of the current MBA students are the children of the Baby Boomers, a generation marked by social consciousness and a desire to change the world. Perhaps some of this altruism has rubbed off on their business school children.