Opinions on the benefits of an MBA education are kind of like those on coffee, alcohol and kale – they cover the full spectrum and are often packed with a combination of data and conjecture.
Some feel the opportunity cost of earning an MBA is too great to justify the time and expense. They feel taking online courses, enrolling in corporate training programs or placing additional time and effort in to their current role will accelerate their career trajectory more rapidly than going back to school.
Others talk about MBA education in quantitative terms: ranking, return on investment and average starting salary. The sentiment seems to be that attending a “top-ranked” school (although few who opine on this topic will tell you which rankings to believe, or why the major rankings are often inconsistent) is the only way to benefit from an MBA.
Both schools of thought miss the mark. An MBA can be so much more than a series of classes or a ticket to a higher-paying job. Earning an MBA can be a truly transformative experience, opening doors to new people, opportunities, experiences and careers.
Ten years ago, I returned to my alma mater, the University of Illinois, to earn my MBA. My thinking at the time was the degree would lead to a higher-paying job in a new field. In orientation the first day, our dean told us we only have 621 days together and we should use the time to not only learn new skills but to also learn about ourselves and each other.
In the ensuing days I had the opportunity to travel to China, Australia and New Zealand, start a company, work at a startup, and lead a major philanthropic effort. I also made friendships which span the globe and withstand the test of time.
The MBA experience gave me the perspective, confidence and opportunities needed to chart a new course for my career and my life. Now I have the opportunity to pay it forward. In my role as MBA Program Director at Oregon State, I enjoy working with prospective and current students to realize the true power of an MBA education.
Brian Precious is the MBA Program Director at Oregon State University. He can be reached at osumba@oregonstate.edu.
