“MBA Preferred” — Why Education Still Matters

Even If Our Current Political Climate Says Otherwise

I was catching up with a friend recently. She’s in the middle of a job search, aiming for her first management role, and something kept popping up in the listings:

“MBA or Master’s preferred.”

It wasn’t just one or two postings — it was nearly every director-level role.

It got me thinking about the current discourse we’re living in, especially online. There’s this growing trend of people saying, “You don’t need a degree anymore” or “School is a scam.” And I get where that frustration comes from. Education is expensive, student loan debt is crushing, and the ROI can feel murky if you choose the wrong program or path.

But let’s not throw out the whole system without examining the real issue.

I only have a bachelor’s degree. I never went back for a master’s. What’s helped me build my career is the experience I’ve gained in fast-paced startups and the network I’ve grown over the years. That’s what helped me stand out for senior roles. But if I didn’t have that track record or those relationshi…