This evolution reflects broader shifts also in the way we work. As automation streamlines routine tasks and organizations flatten their hierarchies, the skills that set professionals apart are no longer purely technical, they’re human-centric, forward-looking, and deeply adaptive. Emotional intelligence, systems thinking, digital fluency, resilience, and the capacity to lead in uncertainty are emerging as core differentiators in the future of work.

At LJUBLJANA MBA, we have the privilege of seeing these changes up close. What unites the candidates is their pursuit of growth. For them, the MBA is not just a qualification; it's a step towards bold leadership and meaningful career acceleration.

 

Investing in leadership capital

The numbers continue to support the MBA’s value. According to the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC), 94% of EMBA graduates experience career advancement, with over half receiving promotions and nearly 40% moving into higher leadership positions within a year of graduation. Salary growth is another strong indicator: 77% of graduates report increased compensation post-MBA.

These figures mirror what we’ve seen locally. In the LJUBLJANA MBA Career report 2024, we found that:

• C-level positions among graduates more than doubled, from 7.5% pre-MBA to 17.5% post-graduation.
• Business ownership jumped from 2.5% to 10%.
• Promotions and salary increases were reported by 70% of alumni.
• Notably, 35% experienced salary increases of 30% or more, with a further 30% seeing growth between 10–29%.

What stands out most is that many of these career transitions occur during the program; a clear sign that the MBA is not just future focused, but immediately actionable.

 

ALUMNI CAREER REPORT 2024

 

Building future-ready leadership

In today’s workplace, where agility and adaptability have become the currency of progress, the most valuable MBA programs are those that go far beyond traditional management theory. They shape leaders capable of thriving amid complexity, professionals who can steer through ambiguity, align diverse teams, and design strategies that are both innovative and sustainable.

Our recent career survey highlighted specific areas of skill development that have directly influenced our graduates’ success:

• strategic thinking and decision-making, navigating uncertainty with data-driven confidence, 
• leadership influence and organizational effectiveness, 
• adaptability and innovation, pivoting effectively in fast-evolving industries,
• communication and negotiation, engaging stakeholders with clarity and persuasion,
• financial skills and making sound decisions in resource-constrained environments,
• collaboration and thriving in diverse, cross-functional teams. 

In alignment with “future of work” reports from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning orientation are increasingly at the forefront of leadership development. These are precisely the capacities we focus on at LJUBLJANA MBA.

 

Aligning with global leadership trends

Our findings also resonate with broader international leadership research. According to a 2025 Development dimensions international (DDI) study, 64% of leaders identified strategic thinking as essential, only 37% had received adequate training. Similarly, 61% recognized change management as vital, but just 36% had been effectively developed in this area.

Furthermore, a 2023 Harvard Business Publishing study found that 76% of organizations view emotional and social intelligence as key leadership traits. As expectations shift toward more inclusive, emotionally intelligent leadership, MBA programs must keep pace.

This is where I believe the LJUBLJANA MBA stands out. By integrating continuous feedback from alumni and business leaders, we refine our curriculum to reflect real-world leadership demands, particularly in strategic agility, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. These qualities are becoming non-negotiable for the leaders of tomorrow.

 

Future-proofing careers in a tech-driven world

As AI, automation, and emerging technologies redefine how work is done, executives must not only understand these trends, they must lead through them. The future of leadership lies in continuous learning, digital fluency, and ethical, inclusive decision-making.

MBA programs are rising to this challenge. The best are embedding AI literacy, sustainable leadership, and systems-level thinking into their core. Our program is no exception. We prioritize equipping our candidates with adaptability, curiosity, and a learning mindset. 

The modern leader is no longer a distant strategist at the top of a hierarchy, but a collaborative, emotionally intelligent guide, what prof. Miha Škerlavaj refers to as the "post-heroic leader": one who fosters inclusion, nurtures innovation, and builds cultures of trust and agility.

Today’s leadership pathways are more diverse than ever. Whether stepping into the C-suite, launching a venture, or transitioning industries, the MBA remains a proven enabler of success. 

But its greatest strength lies in what it cultivates: the confidence to lead, the capacity to adapt, and the courage to transform, not only organizations, but ourselves.

For me, working closely with our candidates and alumni at LJUBLJANA MBA, this transformation is both visible and deeply inspiring. It’s not just about landing a new job title; it’s about entering a new chapter of leadership, with clarity, purpose, and ambition.

 

ALUMNI CAREER REPORT 2024

 

Written by: Maja Kožuh, Program manager at LJUBLJANA MBA