Should you apply to a Top MBA business school this year?

The video begins with Sheng introducing himself and the purpose of his channel, which is to help individuals and companies solve complex problems. He references his previous videos about his experience at the London Business School (LBS), where he was ranked number one in his class. The focus of this video is to explore whether it's still worthwhile to apply to top business school programs today, and he shares insights from a survey he conducted with 20 recent graduates from various prestigious schools. The video aims to cover transitions before and after the MBA, reasons for pursuing the degree, and priorities of these graduates, as well as analyze factors like cost and alternatives to a full-time MBA.

Sheng discusses the career transitions of MBA graduates, categorizing their pre-MBA roles into tech, consulting, finance, and industry, and noting a shift towards tech and entrepreneurship post-MBA. He observes that consulting and industry roles decrease, while tech becomes the dominant sector. Sheng shares his personal experience at LBS, highlighting the impact of organizing the LBS Hackathon and how it attracted tech talent. He emphasizes the trend of professionals transitioning into tech roles and the value of an MBA for those looking to make such a shift.

The video delves into the reasons why individuals choose to pursue an MBA. Sheng presents a pie chart summarizing the primary and secondary priorities of graduates, with career change and exploration at the top. He notes that while networking is important, it is not the main driver. Sheng also discusses the decreasing importance of an MBA for promotion, especially in industries like banking and consulting, and suggests that the MBA is less necessary for career advancement than in the past.

Sheng addresses the question of whether an MBA from a top business school is the right choice for viewers. He presents a decision-making tree based on the survey responses, which considers factors like career and personal growth, the need for a career switch, and the value of the alumni network. Sheng emphasizes that an MBA is not for everyone and that it depends on the individual's goals and motivations. He advises viewers to be intentional and consider their 'why' before deciding to apply for an MBA program.

This section focuses on the personal benefits of pursuing an MBA. Sheng lists reasons such as finding a partner, making new friends, developing soft skills, and learning to navigate interpersonal relationships. He highlights the importance of these skills in leadership roles and how the MBA environment, with its time constraints and challenges, can help individuals grow and practice making an impact. Sheng shares his personal experiences and the transformative effect the MBA had on his life, both personally and professionally.

Sheng discusses the changing landscape of the job market and the value of an MBA degree. He notes that while some industries like tech are more meritocratic, an MBA can still provide valuable skills like structured thinking, leadership, and stress management. He also mentions the high cost of an MBA and presents alternatives such as part-time MBA programs, boot camps, online courses, and professional organizations. Sheng emphasizes the importance of considering the cost and potential return on investment when deciding whether to pursue an MBA.

In the concluding part of the video, Sheng summarizes the key points discussed and encourages viewers to reflect on their personal and professional goals when considering an MBA. He suggests that while an MBA can be a transformative experience, it is not a substitute for gaining experience and skills in other ways. Sheng invites viewers to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, or sharing the video and provides a decision-making tree to help viewers assess their situation regarding MBA applications.