What Recruiters Really Look for in 2025 – And How an MBA/MCA Prepares You for That

You’ve completed your UG degree, maybe even stepped into your first job, but deep down, you know something’s missing. The job market is tougher than ever, and just having a degree no longer guarantees a solid career. You hear phrases like “industry-ready,” “business exposure,” or “AI skills” thrown around in interviews, but no one tells you how to gain them. If you're feeling stuck between education and employability, you’re not alone.

At Sri Venkateswara College, we’ve seen this gap firsthand, and we’ve built our MBA and MCA programs to bridge it. Our curriculum doesn’t just teach theory; it prepares students to meet real recruiter expectations head-on. With a focus on communication, digital tools, project experience, and placement readiness, we help transform students into confident, job-ready professionals who stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.

In this blog, we’ll uncover what top recruiters are looking for and, more importantly, how the right MBA or MCA program can help you develop those exact skills. Whether you’re finishing UG or working with plans to grow, this read might just be the turning point in your career path.

Why is getting hired changing in 2025?

• Hiring isn’t what it used to be. In 2025, just having a degree isn’t enough to land a good job. Companies are facing new challenges, and they want people who can handle real-world problems, not just classroom theories. With technology evolving fast, especially with AI, automation, and big data, employers are now looking for candidates who can keep up with these changes.
• It’s not just about how much you know, but how well you can apply it. At the same time, soft skills like communication, adaptability, and leadership are becoming just as important as technical knowledge. Interviews are no longer just question-and-answer sessions; they often include tasks or problem-solving rounds to test how ready you are. So, if you're planning to enter the job market, it’s important to understand how much things have changed and what it takes to stand out today.

What are today's recruiters looking for?

• When hiring fresh graduates, companies aren’t just scanning for degrees or grades anymore. They’re looking for candidates who already have a working knowledge of the tools, platforms, and skills used in real jobs. Whether you’re aiming for a role in tech, business, marketing, or management, the expectation is clear: bring more than just textbook knowledge.
• Of course, expectations may differ slightly from company to company depending on their size, industry, or tools they use. But here’s a general breakdown of what most recruiters are looking for

Role / Career Path	Most Expected Tools & Skills in 2025
Software Developer	Python, Java, JavaScript (React/Node), Git, SQL, understanding of Agile methodology
Data Analyst	Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, data interpretation, basic statistics
Digital Marketing Executive	SEO, Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Sendinblue), Google Analytics
Business Analyst	Requirements gathering, process documentation, SQL basics, Jira, stakeholder communication
HR Executive	Recruitment, Zoho HRMS, Darwinbox, employee engagement, onboarding process
Operations Manager	ERP tools (SAP, Oracle), process optimization, supply chain awareness, team coordination
Logistics Coordinator	Inventory tools (Tally ERP, SAP), vendor management, planning, dispatch tools
Retail Manager	POS systems, merchandising knowledge, customer handling, sales analytics
Product Manager	Wireframing (Figma), project planning, user story mapping, Agile tools, and UX awareness
Entrepreneur / Startup Role	Branding, business model planning, budget forecasting, digital outreach, lean thinking

• No matter what path you choose, one thing is clear—recruiters today want candidates who can adapt, think on their feet, and start contributing right from day one. Having hands-on familiarity with these tools can set you apart from the crowd.

How MBA and MCA Bridge the Industry-Academia Gap?

• MBA and MCA programs are structured to directly address the gaps between classroom learning and workplace readiness. Through hands-on experiences like internships, real-time projects, and industry case studies, students build both technical expertise and workplace skills. These programs are intentionally designed to help learners gain exposure to tools, technologies, and professional challenges they’ll face on the job — making the transition from academic life to professional roles much smoother.
• According to a survey by Matsh.co, over 70% of employers believe that fresh graduates lack practical skills required for day-to-day work. MBA and MCA programs aim to change that by integrating practical training with academic instruction. For instance, students often work with tools like Tableau, Power BI, SAP, and Python technologies, commonly used across various industries. These experiences not only strengthen their technical foundation but also prepare them for the dynamic nature of today’s workplaces.
• While the expectations may vary from company to company, a common thread is the need for well-rounded individuals who are both technically competent and adaptable.
• Additionally, students are exposed to teamwork, leadership opportunities, client presentations, and structured thinking skills that are crucial but often overlooked in undergraduate studies. In fact, a Springboard report highlights that skills like analytical thinking, project management, and data literacy are in high demand across tech and non-tech sectors. A LinkedIn study further reinforces this, showing that soft skills such as communication and problem-solving are just as essential as hard skills in securing and growing within a job role.
• The curriculum in these programs is continuously updated to reflect changing industry needs. As per a report by AMBA & BGA, 87% of employers hiring MBA/MCA graduates felt they brought fresh perspectives and strategic thinking to their organizations, qualities that are hard to nurture without exposure to real-world scenarios.
• By combining technical knowledge with practical experience and soft skill development, MBA and MCA programs bridge the industry-academia gap and help students step confidently into their careers.

Why is Sri Venkateswara the ideal choice for MBA or MCA?

• Choosing the right institution for your MBA or MCA isn’t just about earning a degree, it's about preparing yourself for a confident, career-ready future. At Sri Venkateswara College, we understand that you’re not looking for just another classroom experience. You’re seeking a launchpad that helps you grow personally, professionally, and practically.

Here’s how we make that happen.

• From the moment you step into our MBA or MCA program, you’ll notice that our curriculum is deeply aligned with real-world demands. We don’t believe in passive learning. Instead, you’ll engage in industry-focused case studies, tech-driven group projects, and lab sessions that mirror corporate environments. Whether it's working with data visualization tools like Power BI or building functional web apps in your MCA journey, we make sure you're equipped for what's next. This approach is especially important if you're coming from a technical background—we’ve explained more about this in our article on why an MBA after B.Tech is a smart choice.
• But it’s not just about skills—it’s about confidence and readiness. That’s why we’ve built a comprehensive placement ecosystem around you. Starting from the third semester, you’ll undergo regular aptitude training, resume enhancement sessions, mock interviews, and one-on-one mentoring. As shared in our insights on why postgraduates are more employable, this ecosystem plays a crucial role in giving you a clear edge in today’s competitive job market.
• If you’re considering an MCA, we don’t just train you for exams—we prepare you for a tech career that evolves. Our students explore real APIs, cloud platforms, and participate in hands-on mini projects to strengthen their practical know-how. Curious how this approach benefits you long-term? Our article on how MCA transforms your career in IT dives deeper into that transformation.
• What makes all of this work is our commitment to mentorship and individual growth. With smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty guidance, and a learning environment built on trust and clarity, you don’t just study—you thrive. You’ll always have someone to guide you as you explore, experiment, and evolve.
• At Sri Venkateswara, we don’t just prepare you for a job—we help you build a future. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, this is where your journey begins.

Why is Sri Venkateswara the ideal choice for MBA or MCA?

In this article, you discovered what truly matters to recruiters in 2025 - practical experience, industry-ready skills, strong communication, and leadership potential. We showed how Sri Venkateswara’s MBA and MCA programs are purposefully designed to help you build exactly that

With our hands-on learning, career-focused training, and consistent placement support, you don’t just earn a degree, you graduate job-ready.

Now it’s your turn to take the first step toward a future-proof career.

Admissions are now open for MBA and MCA in Tamil Nadu at Sri Venkateswara College — one of the best colleges preparing students for today’s job market.

Apply today and start shaping the career recruiters are already looking for.