Follow up question: does one need an MBA to be successful?

how is this a question? do all successful people have MBAs? no. are all people with MBAs successful? also no. there’s your answer. jfc

No, but Booth MBA does increase your chances.

No. The real question is how do you define and measure succeed? Then get the knowledge, tools and experience to get to that measure of success.

I don’t have one but was with spouse when he got one. Professionally I feel fine. I didn’t want to leave my firm and feel my opportunities and promos have been consistent with my effort and abilities. Personally though I think I did miss on the relationships, self reflection and general broadening time. I may have chosen different paths with MBA vs staying at same firm my whole career, and most certainly would have more friends and more confidence. So agree it depends on what you’re looking for in terms of success.

No but I think it raises your floor on long-term success. Feels like every decent MBA gets to director level in corporate at a minimum. Know plenty of really sharp analysts and managers who can’t internally replicate the promotion pace to director without MBA + outside experience. ie. Director by age ~32

Like all professional degrees, it's only helpful if A: You were already on a path to success B: Dad bought you success An MBA in a vacuum is useless. If you know what you want to do with it, it's an asset.