Is an MBA Worth It? Only If You Know What You Want from It
Whether or not an MBA is worth it is one of the most common questions I get — and honestly, the only right answer is: it depends.
An MBA can be a powerful career accelerator, but only if you approach it with a clear strategy. The people I saw succeed at Cambridge Judge Business School weren’t necessarily the smartest or most polished — they were the ones who came in with a plan.
If you’re considering an MBA, you should ask yourself: What do I want to do after the MBA? What skills, network, or credibility do I need to get there? And how does this specific program help me close that gap?
The most successful classmates I had knew exactly what they wanted — whether it was breaking into consulting, pivoting to tech, or launching a startup. They used the MBA like a toolkit: targeted, efficient, and focused.
The least successful, in contrast, believed that the brand name alone would open doors. They assumed that having “Cambridge” on their CV would be enough to land top jobs. It’s not. In today’s competitive job market, prestige gives you a foot in the door — but it won’t carry you through the interview. You still need relevant experience, a compelling story, and sharp execution.
For me personally, the MBA was absolutely worth it. I knew I wanted to work in pharma marketing in Europe, and the combination of my pre-MBA experience and the credibility of the Cambridge brand helped me stand out. I noticed a tangible difference — more interview invites, more networking responses, and ultimately more choice in a crowded market. But that only worked because my career goals aligned with what the MBA could offer.
Beyond careers, one of the biggest benefits of an MBA is the international network you build. Some of my closest friends today are scattered across continents — and every year, I fly to Mexico to meet my best MBA buddy. The connections you make aren’t just professional — they’re lifelong.
You don’t just gain a diploma — you build real skills, both hard and soft. You’ll learn to analyze businesses, lead teams, pitch ideas, and make strategic decisions. You’ll learn just as much from your peers as you do in class — through group work, late-night debates, and shared challenges. If you use the MBA experience with intention, it can reshape how you think and operate as a leader.
So, is an MBA worth it?
Yes — but only if you're clear about where you're going and how the MBA helps you get there. If you're just looking for a break, or hoping the brand name will do the work for you, you may walk away disappointed. But if you're intentional, proactive, and open to learning, it can be a truly transformative experience.
