To MBA or not to MBA
April Cardinal
MGT 521
June 28, 2012
Sandra Abbey
To MBA or not to MBA
The decision to get an MBA should be taken under serious consideration. There are many factors that could make or break this decision. One must first determine their future career and life goals. Other factors that play a role in this decision are time, money, and commitment. Higher education can be extremely beneficial. However, if it does not pertain, it could be a complete waste of time. There has been much criticism about the various MBA programs. Several question the relevancy of the curricula, whereas others simply state that education does not create leaders. The question becomes what is the benefit, if any of obtaining a general MBA degree. Studies have touted that master’s degrees advance careers and increase base pay. Whereas some opinions are that business schools are making money on a scam. This discussion will highlight the pros and cons of MBA programs.
Managerial positions are for leaders, people who can train, educate people, and manage people. Critics question if an MBA program is capable of cultivating students with the necessary soft skills.According to Rubin and Dierdorff (2009), “the MBA is wholly out-of-touch with the ‘real world’ and the needs of practicing managers.” The current curriculum does not address the finer areas of management and leadership. When dealing with people; science and reason are not always relevant. People are at the forefront of business. They go on to state because of societal pressure, the focus has shifted to a “reactive approach to management education including easier coursework, an exclusive focus on current events, grade inflation, an increase in unqualified instructors, reactive curricular decision making and so on” (Rubin & Dierdorff, P. 209). To summarize this idea, there is a vast amount of education and skills that have to be acquired through personal experience and cannot be...