An MBA should be about more than not fearing change, but about embracing change
19 February 2025
Andrew Crisp examines how prospective MBAs are embracing change rather than looking backwards, drawing on findings from the new Tomorrow’s MBA report.
The Mayor of Lisbon, speaking at the recent EFMD Deans conference suggested that the role of an MBA should be to open you up not to fear change. However, perhaps an MBA should go further, rather than not fearing change, it should encourage you to embrace change. Today’s world is undoubtedly uncertain and those that can embrace change seem likely to thrive.
On the surface, some of the findings from this year’s Tomorrow’s MBA, might suggest that prospective students are rejecting change. More students want to study full-time on campus than last year and fewer students are interested in international study. Such an outcome feels like a step backwards to an MBA of the past.
However, almost 1 in 6 (15%) want to take an MBA to acquire the key skills to start and/or grow a business. More than half (51%) are interested in study that involves some element of online study (8% entirely online, 28% blended and 15% hi-flex switching from campus to online study as required). Seeing the MBA as a step to business start-up is certainly different from the past when many graduates joined large corporates. Learning online is also about embracing the future.
And the embrace of change can also be seen in the topics that prospective students value in their potential MBA. Just over 4 in 10 (43%) want artificial intelligence in their MBA, 27% want cybersecurity and 22% want cryptocurrencies and digital payment systems; it’s unlikely that any MBAs included these subjects a decade ago. More than 70% expect responsible management, ethical leadership, global challenge and diversity, equality and inclusion to be embedded in their degree.
Yesterday’s MBA was largely about a transition into senior management roles, especially for those who didn’t have a business background. Tomorrow’s MBA is a different proposition with many students using it to develop specialist knowledge, alongside traditional leadership skills. For business schools, recognising the value of an MBA to entrepreneurs and change-makers across industries will be key to the success of their degree offer. Not only should students embrace change, but so should schools wanting a successful and sustainable MBA.
The Tomorrow’s MBA report can be purchased from the CarringtonCrisp website here.