New Delhi, Dec 18 : A survey amongst 1,362 students in 40 business schools across the country reveals that 74 percent of them fear that recession has affected their placement opportunities.

The study, conducted by the Nielson group said that corporate honcho Ratan Tata is the role model of most management students.

"In line with last year's survey, Ratan Tata remains the role model for management students due to graduate in 2010," the survey said.

While a good job prospect was important for a student to choose a company, a high degree of independence at work was equally important, the survey further said.

"Among various factors that were cited by students for driving their decision to choose a company, good job prospects topped the list with 69 percent votes. Other factors that are critical for students in their selection of a company are high degree of independence (65 percent), good market standing and good salary package (both 60 percent), good job content (58 percent), and a good take-home salary (57 percent)," the survey said.

Most graduates - almost 70 percent - expect to move out of their first job in less than four years, it said.

"The top three reasons for moving on are better career options (66 percent), better salary (50 percent), and better designation (44 percent). 13 percent of students would quit their job to pursue higher studies. However, a good designation with considerable autonomy, good pay and learning opportunities will deter them from further studies," the survey said.

"Student preferences haven't changed much in the past year; a secure career is still a major attraction for them. However, it is going to be interesting to observe how much the new sectors and the changing economy will impact their choices in the years to come," it added.(IANS)