Aug 23 2012
Is MBA For Fresh Graduates?
I’ve already lost count of how many times fresh graduates asked me about MBA and I told them to go to work instead.
Sure, they can enroll into MBA, pass all exams and graduate with this prestigious business masters degree. After all, “professional students” in our education system nowadays have been trained how to memorize, spot questions and cram through exams.
The problem is, anyone can study theories, but not everyone can fully understand and appreciate how these are applied in real-world business. With some working experience, one is better equipped to go through the learning experience more easily and smoothly.
I’ve seen many friends who are fresh graduates suffering in an MBA program. Worse still, some of them are not really interested in what they study nor the business world out there. What could have been a fruitful learning journey turn out to be bitter experience having to go through assignments, presentations, case studies and exams.
Due to their lack of “context” experience, they then are less able to bring meaningful ideas and insights for meaningful discussion when they work with their classmates and group mates who are more experienced.
There are different breeds of MBA students. But to cater for the needs of fresh graduates, even lecturers and business schools have to suit their teaching method for this group of exam-oriented students. As a result, teaching quality suffers. Business school ranking drops.
There are of course exceptions. I’ve seenvery bright MBA students too even though they don’t have any formal working experience. Their character and interest in business somehow compensate for what they lack. But they are in the minority.
Correct me if I’m wrong, for the sake of the fresh graduates, the more experienced students, the business school and the education system, I think MBA should not be open for fresh graduates.
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