Writing Skills: A Major Oversight

Through my MBA experience, I discovered that while the program covers various business disciplines, it falls significantly short in developing effective business writing skills. The curriculum tends to focus on academic writing, which, while valuable, does not translate well to the corporate world. Consequently, I sought additional resources and experiences to enhance my business communication skills.

Business schools often assign numerous essays and research papers, but they fail to teach practical business writing. Instead, students learn to adhere to MLA or APA formatting, which has little relevance in a business context. No one composes sales proposals in MLA format.

Courses on drafting memos, creating advertising copy, or delivering impactful presentations are notably absent from the curriculum. This is a significant gap in the design of business education. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available for those looking to improve their business writing skills independently.

Essential Sales Skills

During my MBA studies, it became evident that the program did not adequately prepare me in the crucial area of sales. Despite gaining knowledge in various aspects of business management, the importance of sales proficiency was largely overlooked. Selling is a fundamental component of any business, and I firmly believe that MBA programs should place a higher emphasis on teaching effective sales techniques.

In any business, consistent sales are the lifeblood. Every manager, regardless of their department, should understand sales principles and practice them. Mastering sales skills can significantly propel one's career, making it imperative for business schools to emphasize this area more comprehensively. Great resources, such as "The Sales Bible," can help aspiring professionals develop these essential skills.

Startup Skills: A Missed Opportunity

As an MBA student, I observed a shared entrepreneurial spirit among my peers, many of whom aspired to establish their own companies. However, it was disheartening to find that our education frequently neglected to nurture these ambitions. While we learned business fundamentals, we received scant guidance on the complexities of entrepreneurship.

In the past, securing a job at a large corporation was seen as a hallmark of success. However, with the recent achievements of startup tech companies, many now view entrepreneurship as the ultimate goal. Yet, business schools remain focused on training students for management roles in established enterprises, leaving aspiring entrepreneurs without adequate support.

It's perplexing that business schools concentrate on preparing students for corporate management roles when the reality is that few graduates ever reach significant management positions without years of experience. By that time, the knowledge gained in business school often fades, overshadowed by practical, on-the-job learning.

Many MBA students today harbor entrepreneurial aspirations, believing that running their own companies offers a more rewarding path to success. Unfortunately, the educational framework does not equip them with the necessary skills for securing financing, attracting venture capital, or navigating the startup landscape. For that knowledge, students may need to seek training from community colleges or small business development programs.

Fostering Innovation

Throughout my MBA journey, I recognized that the program primarily aimed to prepare students to manage an average business in a conventional way, adhering to industry standards. However, it fell short in fostering the skills needed to research markets and devise innovative strategies to advance businesses.

The ability to think creatively and drive innovation is crucial for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Unfortunately, MBA programs often focus on teaching standard procedures rather than encouraging students to explore unique market opportunities and advanced analytical skills.

What you might not learn in school about fostering innovation can often be found in literature. A great starting point is Simon Sinek's influential book, "Start With Why," which offers valuable insights into innovative thinking.

This video discusses strategies for tackling new application essays for the Fall 2024 MBA applications, providing insights into what admissions committees are looking for.

In this short video, the speaker shares a personal experience about making a mistake in their MBA application and offers advice on how to proceed after such an error.