Do MBAs want international careers

Abstract Although they saw more advantages to domestic than international careers, eighty-four percent of the 1129 graduating MBAs surveyed stated that they would like an international assignment at some time during their careers. MBAs attending international schools showed the most interest followed by Canadian MBAs. American MBAs displayed the least interest in pursuing international careers. International assignments were seen as offering more job satisfaction whereas domestic assignments were seen as offering more organizational recognition and a more satisfying personal life. Consistent with their views of the differences between international and domestic jobs, the MBAs' primary reasons for accepting international jobs were cross-cultural experience, the type of work, and higher salary and benefits. MBAs rejected foreign assignments because they were perceived to be bad for the spouse and family, in a bad location, or to cause a potentially negative career impact .