Millennials are more likely than Gen Z to turn down a job offer if a company’s ethics and sustainability credentials do not align with their personal values, according to a new global report from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
The annual Prospective Students Survey by GMAC—now in its 15th year—found that 27% of millennial respondents strongly agreed that a company’s ethical and sustainability practices would influence their decision to accept a job offer, compared to just 19% of Gen Z candidates.
In total, more than two-thirds (68%) of all prospective business school students surveyed said that corporate ethics and environmental performance would factor into their decision-making when considering employment offers.
“It’s often assumed that Gen Z leads the charge on social values, but our findings suggest a more complex picture,” said Nalisha Patel, Regional Director for the Americas and Europe at GMAC. “Millennials are actually more willing to walk away from job offers that don’t align with their ethics. It’s a clear reminder for companies that strong ethics and sustainability practices aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential if they want to attract and retain value-driven talent.”
The GMAC survey, which included responses from 4,912 prospective students across 147 countries, offers a detailed insight into the evolving motivations of the next generation of business leaders.
While the desire for a salary increase, career advancement and geographic mobility remain key drivers for enrolling in business school, many candidates are increasingly prioritising purpose-led employment.
The report also highlighted that 85% of prospective students believe corporations have a social responsibility to the countries and communities they operate in. However, 37% said they would prefer global companies to avoid getting involved in political events or conflicts—highlighting a nuanced view of corporate activism.
In addition to ethical concerns, the survey also revealed that corporate recruiters are increasingly seeking human-centric skillsets in new graduates. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving ranked among the top desired attributes from business school graduates—reflecting a shift from purely technical skills towards leadership qualities that support resilience and collaboration.
When it comes to career ambitions, consulting, financial services, and technology remain the most popular industries among business school candidates. These sectors are seen as offering not only higher earning potential, but also greater opportunities for influence, innovation and global mobility.
The findings present a dual challenge and opportunity for companies: the growing importance of values-driven employment means businesses must ensure that their sustainability and ethical credentials are not just performative, but embedded into their core operations and visibly communicated to prospective talent.
For business schools, the report reinforces the need to integrate ethics, ESG, and responsible leadership into management education curricula, particularly as candidates weigh not just where to study, but who they will work for after graduation.
As Patel concluded: “For today’s business school candidates, career decisions are not just about compensation—they’re about contribution. Employers who understand this shift and authentically align with these values will be the ones to watch.”