The Indicator from Planet Money · October 28, 2026 · 9m

Is it time to abolish the MBA?

A professor and a dean debate whether business schools are equipping graduates to solve the world's biggest problems or primarily funneling talent into consulting, banking, and tech. The episode explores the critique that MBAs might not be preparing leaders for societal challenges, while also hearing the defense of the degree's value in a changing economy.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

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The societal return on MBA education

The episode debates whether business schools help fix the world's problems or merely channel graduates into high-paying but narrow career tracks like consulting and banking.

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The funnel effect toward consulting, banking, and tech

A key criticism is that MBA programs overwhelmingly steer graduates toward a limited set of industries, potentially limiting their broader impact on society.

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