The trouble with MBAs

 

Click on the story,"Are MBAs DOA?" and watch the video.

Note: CNN NEWSROOM aired this story on August 8, 2001

Overview: What is happening to many MBA graduates? After investigating local unemployment rates and economy, determine advice business professionals could offer MBA graduates.

Curriculum connections: Business

1. What is an MBA? What are many MBA graduates experiencing as they enter the job market? What is a deferral letter? Why are so many MBAs getting these letters? What is the Dean of the Kellogg Business School doing in an attempt to help these graduates? How are Kellogg alumni responding to the dean's e-mail?

2. What economic conditions are prompting many companies to downsize or not hire new workers? After a brief discussion, inform students that the U.S. unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.5 percent for the month of July. Discuss what this statistic means, and why the unemployment rate does not tell the whole story. Then, direct students to local resources and the Internet to learn more about their state's employment picture: What is the current unemployment rate? Have companies cut jobs since the start of this year? If so, how many? If the state's economy is suffering, do students feel the effects? Share student findings and ask: What advice should business professionals in your state be offering recent graduates of MBA and other professional programs? Why? Discuss.