Good morning and happy Friday!
Here are a few stories you may have missed from the week that was …
Why The MBA is Still Relevant | Harvard Business School Blog
An MBA, like any other degree, is inherently valued. But, like any trade, its value can be finite. Even Harvard Business School alumni like Ellen DaSilva can find themselves in a career where the degree might not be perceived quite the same.
“I come from an industry that gives sideways glances at the mention of an MBA. ‘Tech moves so quickly,’ I was advised. ‘It won’t be the same when you return. Taking two years away from the workforce is risky.’ The MBA isn’t exactly praised in Silicon Valley. But it was a risk I was willing to take on two years Harvard Business School, primarily because I believe this degree is still relevant, regardless of industry.”
DaSilva argues there’s much more to a prestigious MBA than the name recognition or a path to a potential lucrative job. She points out three distinct elements that give MBAs a direct advantage, citing leadership skills, authenticity and a world of connections that is almost impossible to compare.
Read more of why DaSilva feels the MBA is as relevant as ever here …
Bad for Business? One in Five Global MBAs Runs at a Loss | Times Higher Education
A recent survey conducted by the Association of MBAs found that nearly a fifth of all global MBA programs are actually operating at a loss, draining resources from other academic programs within institutions. Speaking with Times Higher Education, Gregory Whitehead, Dean of the University of Sydney’s Business School, notes that part of the internal resource demand is to get a better shot at global top 50 rankings.
“In schools, such as Sydney, which offer multiple postgraduate programs, funds allocated to MBAs can drain resources from other areas, causing internal friction,” he told the publication. “Having said that, I believe that all of these issues can be managed successfully but require some fine judgement.”
Read more of THE’s findings here …
Ross Adcom Director Shares Do’s and Don’ts | Clear Admit
Clear Admit friend and regular Soojin Kwon, the Managing Director for full-time admissions and programs at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, recently shared a bit of valuable advice on her frequently-excellent Ross blog about the do’s and don’ts. Her initial advice, firmly, is to make a good first impression.
“For starters, take the opportunity to make a good first impression on members of the admissions committee and alumni, who can become advocates for your candidacy early in the process, she says. How? ‘Practice your ‘elevator pitch’—i.e., a short, interesting summary of your background and goals,’ she suggests.”
Read more of Kwon’s MBA admissions advice here ...
Columbia MBA Alum Nominated as Department of Energy Undersecretary | Science
Paul Dabbar has been officially nominated as the newest Undersecretary for the Department of Energy under President Trump. The former Columbia Business School MBA graduate has had an illustrious career, previously serving as a nuclear submarine officer, a lecturer at the U.S. Naval Academy Economics Department and conducting research at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He is currently the Managing Director for JP Morgan Chase, overseeing “over $400 billion in investment experience across all energy sectors including solar, wind, geothermal, distributed-generation, utility, LNG, pipeline, oil & gas, trading, energy technology, and has also led the majority of all nuclear transactions,” according to a recent White House Statement. Dabbar, if confirmed by the Senate, will be working under Energy Secretary Rick Perry.
Science notes that Dabbar “has made substantial donations to Republican candidates and J.P. Morgan’s own political action committee,” according to finance campaign records.