Is an MBA Still Worth It?
Reflections from My Conversation on Synergies Schmynergies
Recently, I joined Jeremy Schifeling and Rose Ngo on their new podcast, Synergies Schmynergies, a self-described “business podcast for people who hate business podcasts.” We had a candid conversation about today’s MBA: what it offers, when it’s worth the investment, and when it might not be the right fit.
This topic is personal for me. I earned my MBA at Stanford, and after working in consulting, brand management, and several startups, I later directed the MBA Career Management Center there. Over the years, I’ve seen thousands of students, alumni, and professionals wrestle with the same question: Is an MBA really worth it?
My answer has been consistent: it depends… on you, your purpose, and your goals.
The MBA is not an escape hatch from a job you don’t like, nor is it a guaranteed ticket to your dream job or a bigger paycheck. It works best as an accelerator for people who already have a clear sense of where they want to go—ideally before they even apply. With purpose and direction, the MBA can be the fuel to propel you forward.
In our conversation, I broke down the benefits of an MBA into four big takeaways:
- A Strong Business Education – You gain a solid grounding in core business principles, plus specialized knowledge and skills that can make you more marketable right away.
- Brand Credibility – A school’s name and reputation matter, but their influence often depends on region and industry. Don’t assume that a high ranking alone will align with your goals.
- Access to Networks – Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about cultivating authentic, lasting relationships. That requires proactive effort with classmates, professors, alumni, employers, and beyond.
- A Structured Reset – A full-time MBA offers something rare in professional life: time and space to pause, reflect, and intentionally design your next chapter.
We also explored what’s ahead. While AI is reshaping business education, the distinctly human skills (strategic, critical thinking, ethical judgment, teamwork, and communication) will remain the differentiators. At Wake Forest, we’re focused on helping students strengthen the human skills that will always matter most.
While AI is reshaping business education, the distinctly human skills (strategic, critical thinking, ethical judgment, teamwork, and communication) will remain the differentiators.
At the end of the day, an MBA is a tool. What matters most is how you use it. Enter with purpose, and it can be transformative. Enter without direction, and it may disappoint. Do your due diligence: it’s a huge investment of time, money, and opportunity cost, and you want to be sure it delivers on what you hope to achieve.
If you’re weighing the MBA decision or simply curious about this perennial yet timely debate, I’d encourage you to listen to the full podcast. It’s thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly real.
🎧 Listen here: Synergies Schmynergies Podcast: Is an MBA Worth It?