Second Post

Are MBAs being devalued?



The number of MBA programmes currently available has led to claims that the once mighty qualification has become diluted and devalued through sheer weight of numbers. This has to represent a major concern for those considering an MBA, as the investment required – in terms of both finance and time – is considerable, so candidates need to have confidence they will see tangible results come graduation.


Too many cooks?

MBAs no longer represent a guaranteed route to ‘top management’. Above all else companies rate experience and evidence that an individual can perform. While the qualification provides evidence of potential to perform it does not demonstrate that an individual can operate effectively in a business environment.



If an HR professional is presented with a choice between a candidate with 10 years experience and a proven track record under his belt, or an MBA graduate with minimal work experience, the decision is obvious.



The reasons behind the falling stock of MBAs are largely explained by the proliferation of courses and a growing perception that they are ‘nothing special’. Andrew Macdonald, head of APESMA Management Education, Australia, uses the analogy of a congested highway.


“The so called ‘fast track’ will simply become a main highway, clogged up with people going slow in the right hand lane ”



Due to the increase in MBA programmes, it seems the reputation of one of the most respected and sought after degrees has been undermined.



Proceed with caution

This is by no means to suggest that MBAs have suddenly become redundant but merely that applicants should exercise extreme caution when selecting a programme. Take careful steps before committing to a programme, not least spending time analysing the course’s track record.



What are recent graduates doing now? Does the course have corporate approval? Remember, you are trying to give your career the best chance of success as possible so it is inadvisable to embark on an MBA programme if you have less than five years experience.



The key ingredients to a management career are performance and experience, with formal qualifications providing the icing on the cake. Thus, if you are viewing an MBA as the be-all-and-end-all of career development, think again!



On the other hand, if you plan to use the experience to create a diverse network with a large range of people, take on new and challenging assignments and achieve corporate and personal goals – while achieving a respected qualification – then an MBA could be for you.