Searching for Jobs: Evidence from MBA Graduates

45 Pages Posted: 4 Mar 2010 Last revised: 9 Mar 2011

See all articles by Camelia M. Kuhnen

Camelia M. Kuhnen

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill - Finance Area

Date Written: March 4, 2011

Abstract

While recent work shows that characteristics of managers influence firm performance, evidence regarding the selection of managers into firms is scarce. This paper uses novel data from the labor market for MBA graduates to understand how these individuals search and compete for jobs. I find that candidates search harder if they have lower ability or worse outside options, the job sought is more valuable, or if firms are more likely to hire. Candidates self-select into positions for which they are better qualified and higher ability types choose to compete for better paying jobs, such as those in the financial industry.

Keywords: Personnel Economics, Job Search, Matching, Human Capital, Career Choice

JEL Classification: M5, J24, J44

Suggested Citation

Kuhnen, Camelia M., Searching for Jobs: Evidence from MBA Graduates (March 4, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1563510 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1563510

Camelia M. Kuhnen (Contact Author)

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill - Finance Area ( email )

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
300 Kenan Center Dr., MC #4407
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3490
United States
(919) 9623284 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://sites.google.com/view/cameliakuhnen/

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