University leavers, particularly those with graduate-level degrees, are facing increasingly rosy prospects entering the 2013 job market, according to a survey of 201 employers conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

GMAC’s 2012 Year-End Poll of Employers finds 76% of employers expect to hire new MBA graduates in 2013, up from 69% last year, with 43% of those expecting to rise their starting salaries in line with inflation, and a further 13% by more than that.

It also shows that 43% plan to hire graduates with masters in management (up from 33% in 2012), while there were also increases number of firms looking to take on those with masters in accounting (40%, up from 32%) and finance (39%, up from 32%), as well as specialised masters degrees in business (46%, up from 34%)

The outlook for internships also looks strong in 2013, with 85% of employers set to offer student internships in 2013, with 70% planning to use undergraduate interns and 65% planning to use MBA interns.

GMAC president and chief executive Dave Wilson says: “Employers recognize that employees with graduate business degrees are a wise investment when times are uncertain and they need talent that not only bring skills but agility to meet the changing demands of these times.”