Is the MBA the ticket to career success?

[chris.barry]

In a recent article on the Business Spectator, titled "Who needs an MBA anyway?" (http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/How-beneficial-is-the-MBA-pd20090729-UDTSF?OpenDocument) the author argues that the relevance and currency of the MBA is dwindling fast.

Citing the three fastest rising executives in Australian business, he notes that only one has an MBA, arguing that the MBA is losing its place as the ticket to the top jobs. Anecdotal evidence says executives and companies are rethinking their commitment to courses that can cost up to $200,000 and take an executive out of the loop for up to two years.

Some suggest that shorter, sharper, more focused courses such as the Mini MBA (http://portal.aimnsw.com.au/showcoursedetail.aspx?PID=Q6UJ9A002WPX) are more relevant in the current market. Indeed, the Harvard Business School notes that executive level courses need to have an emphasis on developing practical skills, including leadership, communication, problem identification and self awareness, suggesting that the MBA program is simply not practical enough.

So, what's the future for executive education and is the MBA worth the expense anymore?

[Burgo]

Some suggest that shorter, sharper, more focused courses such as the Mini MBA are more relevant in the current market. Indeed, the Harvard Business School notes that executive level courses need to have an emphasis on developing practical skills, including leadership, communication, problem identification and self awareness, suggesting that the MBA program is simply not practical enough.

Unfortunately I don't have an MBA, and I have always respected those that have. However having an MBA or any other Degree does not guarantee a top job anywhere. Having an MBA or any other Degree coupled with many years business leadership experience may, but then do you have that something special. No its not passion, but that is part of it. Though we have eyes that see, do we have VISION.

We refer to these people as entrepreneurs.

Michael Gerber talks about entrepreneurs in his book Emyth Mastery.
Although I'm not a fan of Michael Gerber I do have to agree with him when he says " Passion is the fuel that drives an enterprise forward".

So for my money mini MBA's that are tailored would possible serve a much better purpose, giving the know how.