Will early career MBA become a norm rather than an exception

Hi Reese -

I think that your question is an interesting one. Undoubtably, more education is a trend. Years ago, a high school degree would prepare one for a successful career. Now, even a college degree will barely suffice. Graduate education IS gaining more popularity and, especially in recessionary times, there is greater interest amongst more recent graduates to head back to school.

However, it is also helpful to remember that MBA programs are very different from law schools or medical schools. MBA programs don't certify you in how to be a "business person" or prepare you to take law (or medical) boards. It is much more of a "life training" and the more experience you bring into the program, the more you will get out of the program. I would be wary of attending a business program with all fresh graduates. Your classroom experience would be very diminished. You could still learn accounting or economics, but, the "real world" perspective wouldnt' be there.

It is also much more challenging for students (even with an MBA) to find a job without work experience so that is another disadvantage for the recent grad. Post-MBA recruiters expect that the job applicants will have significant "real" experience (even if they are switching careers).

I think what is most interesting to watch is the interim programs - a masters in finance or business - to be pursued right after undergrad but before going on to a true MBA program. Dual masters degrees or a masters and PhD may be the trend in the future!