MBA Value Debate

Comments debate the value, necessity, and benefits of MBA degrees for careers, networking, and business success, especially in tech and startups, contrasting them with practical experience.

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CS OP HN PhDs GPA BS HBS BA MBA transparentcareer.com mba mbas degree school business startup skills cs degree learn went

Sample Comments

grinich May 29, 2009 View on HN

what do you think the MBA is for?

gargs Feb 3, 2024 View on HN

Would this help in getting jobs as much as a real MBA would?

maukdaddy Mar 16, 2010 View on HN

And HN says that MBA's aren't valuable ;)

quickthrower2 May 23, 2023 View on HN

The MBAs could learn something from this!

The MBA route not a fad language in itself?

MattRogish Dec 11, 2012 View on HN

The MBA is more of a credentialing and marketing expense than an experiential one. For example, some big accounting/finance firms only hire "top MBAs". No amount of garage-startup experience is going to get you in there; remember that not every educational/experiential endeavor can/should be viewed via the "Is this good for a startup?" lens. Don't underestimate the network effects of high-powered rich people who all went to the same school: many companies are unfortunately not meritocracies.

ckluis Apr 29, 2013 View on HN

Did you notice I didn't directly say you need an MBA? I said they could be helpful. An MBA is like a CS degree. Do you need a CS degree to be a good programmer? Does it help?

startupstella Nov 5, 2012 View on HN

as an entrepreneur getting my MBA, i can certainly see what this guy is referring to. it's pretty obvious an MBA is not imperative for your success, however, in general, more education is generally a good thing, especially if an individual is intellectually curious. for me an MBA is a way to get broad business skills without having to actually work in the non startup world. the "mba mindset" is what he is referring to...if you keep your startup down to earth personality while doing an MBA, youll

bitcharmer Sep 14, 2024 View on HN

Another company that got MBA-ified

justinclift Jul 21, 2023 View on HN

Have you considered doing an MBA? :)