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IT’S STRIKING that whenever the global economy bogs down questions are asked about the validity of MBA training – almost as if it’s the factor that determines the direction taken by the global economy. The past two years have been no exception and in the United States and elsewhere, MBA training is again in the spotlight because it plays such an important role in the business world.
So is it worth the trouble taking this “controversial” degree? University of the Free State School of Management director Professor Helena van Zyl says there’s a great demand for the degree – despite all the debates. This confirms the great value of an MBA.
Over the past few years South Africa’s business schools have also continuously looked critically at their MBA degrees in terms of the transfer of appropriate knowledge. Probably still the best way to gauge the value of this degree is to ask MBA graduates whether it’s opened any doors for them. The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) recently did so again and found in almost every case the degree improved the holder’s mobility or contributed to obtaining a better position in a company.
The degree also gave some graduates the self-confidence to tackle their own businesses.
The comments were consistently positive: such as this one from a recent graduate, who was immediately promoted. “My MBA helped me to understand my own strengths and weaknesses and how to handle change. I also have the practical and theoretical knowledge about how things should work, and I have a network of other MBAs to help me when I need it.”
So is it worth the trouble taking this “controversial” degree? University of the Free State School of Management director Professor Helena van Zyl says there’s a great demand for the degree – despite all the debates. This confirms the great value of an MBA.
Over the past few years South Africa’s business schools have also continuously looked critically at their MBA degrees in terms of the transfer of appropriate knowledge. Probably still the best way to gauge the value of this degree is to ask MBA graduates whether it’s opened any doors for them. The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) recently did so again and found in almost every case the degree improved the holder’s mobility or contributed to obtaining a better position in a company.
The degree also gave some graduates the self-confidence to tackle their own businesses.
The comments were consistently positive: such as this one from a recent graduate, who was immediately promoted. “My MBA helped me to understand my own strengths and weaknesses and how to handle change. I also have the practical and theoretical knowledge about how things should work, and I have a network of other MBAs to help me when I need it.”
