More MBAs Makes the World a Better Place

During the holidays, I managed to meet up with a few old friends who have decided to go back to school. I had a great time chatting with them about the days we used to teach in Fukushima and the days we pulled all-nighters playing Risk in Tokyo. After the reminiscing, we shared our experiences about getting our MBA. One friend has just started a joint Law and MBA programme at Ivey while another has finished at Thunderbird many years ago.

After our discussions, I concluded that the average age of MBA students is decreasing. The MBA graduates that my friends and I met ten years ago were typically early to mid-thirties. The average age in the MBA programme in McGill is about twenty-eight. Perhaps people are realizing earlier that an MBA is an asset, or perhaps the economic downturn is encouraging more people to stay in school longer.

For the MBA graduate, this means that the workplace is becoming more competitive as the number of MBA applicants are increasing while the number of jobs is not. MBA's are becoming more common and there has been many articles discussing whether an MBA is worth the investment. I was told by my friend that even the new entry level position sales staff at his company has an MBA.

It might be competitive for MBA graduates in their job applications; however, it is probably just as competitive, if not more, for non-MBA applicants. Most of the MBA graduates I know have managed to find a higher level position than their previous, during their schooling or not long after their graduation.

Doors open to those trying to open doors. Those willing to put in the work and make an investment in their own career will more likely have the same attitude when they are working, seeking options that have better potential...

- Article by Desautels MBA student, Boon Hoh

Read full article: Financial Post, January 12, 2012