Experts Comment On How Important MBAs Really Are From a Recruiting Perspective

What Exactly Is An MBA?

 

An MBA – a Master of Business Administration – is a postgraduate degree that is intended to give professionals advanced knowledge of business leadership, management and strategy. It’s supposed to help further skills in decision-making and problem-solving in order to enhance individuals’ roles as managers.

MBAs have long been seen as a really import qualification to have on a CV for anyone attempting to work their way up the corporate ladder, enhancing career prospects by opening doors to higher-paying jobs, networking opportunities and leadership positions.

On top of that, the degree equips professionals with a far broader understanding on marketing, finance and operations – with far more depth than an undergraduate degree – helping them drive business growth and innovation too.

 

The True Value of An MBA: Worth the Time or a Waste of Time? 

 

The true value of an MBA depends on the industry, role and employer expectations. While some companies prioritise real-world experience and technical skills over formal education, others view an MBA as a mark of leadership potential and strategic thinking.

On the other hand, for some professionals, the networking and career advancement opportunities justify the investment.

But, critics argue that practical skills and hands-on experience often outweigh theoretical knowledge.

Of course, for many who aren’t in a position to have their studies sponsored and have to pay out of pocket – which can be absurdly expensive – it’s very necessary to consider whether it’s more worth the time and money to study or try and get someone to give them real-world experience.

So, is an MBA a valuable asset or an unnecessary expense? Here’s what experts say.

 

 

Our Experts

 

• Martin Butler: Professor in Digital Transformation at Vlerick Business School, Academic Director of the MBA
• Arnav Bhushan: Business Head of Client Success and Delivery at Hirexa Solutions
• Helen Fleming: Executive Director of Search and Specialisms at Harvey Nash
• Christopher Pappas: Founder of eLearningIndustry.com
• Anna Williams: HR Director at Pretty Moment
• Lily Wang: HR Solutions and Talent Acquisition at Taizhou Srlon Food Container Technology Co., Ltd.
• Linda Moore: Head of HR t Slipintosoft
• Greta Maiocchi Head of Marketing and Admissions at OPIT
• Lucas Botzen: HR Expert and CEO of Rivermate
• Dean Sadler: CEO and Founder at Tribepad
• Jessica Brewer: Founder of Emiz HR & Coaching

 

Martin Butler, Professor in Digital Transformation at Vlerick Business School, Academic Director of the MBA

 

 

How valuable is an MBA to business really?

 

Undoubtedly, the value of an MBA is highly context specific. However, MBA graduates possess an advantage in making sound decisions when navigating the complexities of the modern business environment. In an era where organisations grapple with increasingly intricate choices, conflicting priorities, divergent stakeholder interests, and a constantly evolving contextual environment, top MBA programmes equip their graduates with the skills to enhance their decision-making through case studies and immersion into complex business realities.

Furthermore, MBA programmes offer a comprehensive exposure to all modern business disciplines. While employees who have specialized in a specific area of business will undoubtedly have a deeper understanding of that area, the broad nature of MBA studies provides graduates with a holistic view of the interdependence of all business areas.

 

How much of a difference does it make to businesses when they are comparing potential new hires?

 

The value of an MBA in the hiring process is role specific. For instance, if you’re seeking a Marketing expert with limited collaboration with the rest of the organisation, the MBA qualification may not be a significantly differentiator. However, when the role involves collaboration with multiple leaders in multidisciplinary teams, MBA graduates shine with their comprehensive understanding of the entire business environment. In addition, the frequent group work allow them to practice interpersonal skills, negotiation and conflict resolution.

An additional value attribute is the networks formed during their MBA studies. MBA graduates often reflect on the strength of their business network due to their studies.

 

Does an MBA immediately make someone a better hire, or do experience and skill contribute just as much?

 

An MBA is not fairy dust; it does not transform those who would not have climbed the corporate ladder into leaders. However, it is a career accelerator enabling graduates to gain the experience of ten to fifteen years in a fraction of the time.

Of course, experience counts, but an MBA provides significant experience through various activities, such as company assignments where students work on real business problems, and research projects that require them to delve deep into a specific area of business.

 

Arnav Bhushan, Business Head of Client Success and Delivery at Hirexa Solutions

 

 

“The value of an MBA lies in how effectively an individual can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. When utilised appropriately, the insights and frameworks gained during an MBA program can be invaluable, making candidates more attractive to potential employers. However, this appeal often stems more from how the knowledge is applied rather than the degree itself.

That said, employers tend to prioritise practical skills and experience over academic credentials. Proven problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and tangible accomplishments often demonstrate a candidate’s capability to deliver results in real-world scenarios. These practical contributions and achievements typically carry more weight than theoretical knowledge alone.

In my opinion, while academic qualifications like an MBA have their place, the skills and expertise gained through hands-on experience are far more impactful and enduring in the professional world.”

 

Helen Fleming, Executive Director of Search and Specialisms at Harvey Nash

 

 

“We rarely look for an MBA specifically when recruiting executive technology leaders, and very few clients highlight an MBA as an essential requirement. However, a candidate with an MBA from a prestigious institution combined with other academic qualifications can strongly communicate to clients that this is someone who is intelligent, business-minded and dedicated.

Those considering an MBA to help them land their dream technology role need to really weigh up whether or not the time and financial investment is worth it. This is partly because when we assess executive leaders, we first look at whether they have a track record of delivering for organisations.

There are many examples of proven leaders that have never even been to university, and likewise plenty of candidates with MBAs that have a less impressive track record in the working world. But the MBA route should not be completely dismissed as the top business schools estimate that achieving an MBA can increase the average candidate’s salary by up to 140%.”

 

Christopher Pappas, Founder of eLearningIndustry.com

 

 

“MBAs are highly valued for roles requiring strategic thinking and leadership, such as in corporate training or business development. They signal a mastery of key concepts and the ability to approach problems with a holistic mindset.

However, recruiters often prioritize candidates with a blend of education and real-world success. Experience demonstrates how well candidates apply their knowledge, making it a critical factor alongside academic qualifications.”

 

Anna Williams, HR Director at Pretty Moment

 

 

“In my role as an HR Director at Pretty Moment, an MBA often signifies a deeper understanding of business strategies and financial management. However, this doesn’t undermine the value of hands-on experience and other skills. A candidate displaying leadership ability, adaptability, and emotional intelligence is equally attractive. It is about balancing both.

Especially in a dynamic industry like ours, an MBA coupled with relevant work experience can accelerate career advancement, but experience alone, if implicating growth and innovation, can be equally potent.”

 

Lily Wang, HR Solutions and Talent Acquisition at Taizhou Srlon Food Container Technology Co., Ltd.

 

 

“As an HR Director with over 15 years’ experience, I’ve found an MBA can provide a solid theoretical base and facilitate an understanding of intricate business operations. However, it’s not the sole deciding factor. In my experience, relevant industry experience and transferrable skills often outweigh an MBA.

For instance, in Srlon, a tech-driven enterprise, we prioritize technical and specialized skills, innovation capabilities and adaptability over an MBA degree. Ultimately, the weight given to an MBA depends on the industry and the role the candidate is considered for.”

 

Linda Moore, Head of HR t Slipintosoft

 

 

“As someone who has overseen countless hiring procedures, I find that an MBA can certainly provide a competitive edge. The degree often signifies a candidate with developed leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a good grasp of business theory. However, in the technology sector where I operate, industry-specific skills and relevant experience are paramount.

Here at Slipintosoft, a blend of educational qualifications, soft skills, and sector-specific experience have proven to create the most effective hires. Ultimately, an MBA is valuable, but it is the combination of qualities that defines an exceptional fit for a role.”

 

Greta Maiocchi, Head of Marketing and Admissions at OPIT

 

 

“As someone who has been deeply involved in the fields of marketing, recruitment, and education, I’ve observed that the value of an MBA is situation-dependent. An MBA brings comprehensive business knowledge which is often highly valued in strategic roles, particularly in a start-up environment.

However, the tech industry often prioritizes practical experience, specialized skills, and problem-solving abilities, which may not always necessitate an MBA. In essence, the weightage of an MBA vs. experience depends on alignment with the specific role. The key is not merely to hold an MBA, but to effectively leverage its learnings to deliver growth and innovation.”

 

Lucas Botzen, HR Expert and CEO of Rivermate

 

 

“An MBA represents a commitment by the candidate to learn more, to understand how to lead people, and to realize how business works. In those highly specialized business roles that require this expertise, such as management consulting and executive leadership, an MBA is very useful.

In fast-changing environments, though, experience and emotional intelligence often carry more weight than any piece of paper. Many companies now place problem-solving skills, adaptability, and past performance above formal education. While an MBA adds credibility, it’s not a substitute for hands-on expertise and the ability to drive tangible results.”

 

Dean Sadler, CEO and Founder at Tribepad

 

 

“MBAs can be valuable and I like to see that someone has taken time to invest in knowledge and skills. But too often they focus on frameworks and strategy rather than what really makes a business work – people.

From a hiring perspective, I care far more about how someone leads, adapts, and collaborates than whether they have an MBA. At Tribepad, we run on the principle of People first. Product second. Profit third. That mindset can’t always be taught in a classroom. Experience, mindset, and problem-solving ability matter more than a degree.”

 

Jessica Brewer, Founder of Emiz HR & Coaching

 

 

“Recruiters and businesses still value an MBA, but not all are viewed equally. They recognise that an MBA from a prestigious institution with strong practical projects and industry connections holds more weight, so choosing the right MBA is crucial.

A well-selected MBA from a top-tier school can undoubtedly fast-track your career but you still need real world experience. There is no doubt that the skills learnt in leadership, management and strategy are hugely beneficial to all business, but how you apply those skills is what really counts.”