Institute of Product Leadership

Common Objections and Myths about MBA

In 2023, over 250,000 people applied to MBA programs globally, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. That’s not a small number, especially when many on LinkedIn keep shouting, “You don’t need an MBA anymore!”

But here’s the irony.

For every post that says, “MBAs are outdated,” there’s a hiring manager or investor asking, “Do they have a solid business background?”

The MBA debate is loud, messy, and filled with myths. If you’re on the fence or just annoyed by all the noise, this blog is your sanity break. Let’s break down the most common objections and misconceptions around getting an MBA.

Key Takeaways:

  • It is never too late to do an MBA – mid career professionals can get the most strategic value.
  • MBA expenses usually justify themselves in the form of scholarships, sponsorships, and career advancement.
  • The in-person, immersive MBA experience can never be replicated online.
  • MBAs are not only about finance or consulting anymore – they provide access to industries.
  • MBA is not a magic wand, but when used with a clear purpose, it can act as a strong catalyst.
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    Myth 1: MBA is Only for People in Their 20s

    Let us dispel this first.

    You are not too old. Hardly at all.

    In fact, many professionals in their 30s or 40s are turning to MBAs as a way to:

    1. Break out of stagnation. The existence of that mid-career plateau is real. An MBA can serve as the shock to be able to transition to leadership and strategy; it can even lead to a change of domain.
    2. Transition industries. An MBA can get you over the line with legitimacy, whether you are a civil engineer moving into marketing or a techie considering fintech.
    3. Start your venture. And it is not all theory – MBAs can easily introduce you to alumni, investors, mentors, and co-founders.

    Example: The average age in the best executive MBA degrees, such as Wharton, Kellogg, or ISB PGPMAX, is above 35. Experience is not a liability – it is the largest asset in those rooms.

    The answer is ‘no’, you are not late. You are only beginning to sharpen up your tools.

    Myth 2: It’s Too Expensive

    This is a fair one. And let us not kid ourselves that an MBA does not cost a fortune. Nevertheless, context is important.

    What people miss:

    1. Financial aid and scholarships have never been as available as they are now, particularly to women, under-represented minority groups and high-potential professionals with strong track records.
    2. Executive MBAs tend to have company sponsorships. Even in tech, consulting, or finance, ask your employer about an upskilling fund or learning budget.
    3. The ROI tends to even out. The median post-MBA salary increase is 50-120 per cent, based on location and specialisation.

    Here’s a simple mental model:

    Let’s say you are investing 25-40 lakhs, yet you are incrementing your pre-MBA annual compensation by 15-20 lakhs (again, before promotions and before equity) – the math works out in a couple of years.

    It is not free. However, it is not an expense; it is an investment when you are purposeful about the result.

    executive mba in product management

    Myth 3: I Can Just Learn All This Online

    This is the most popular myth today, popularized by YouTube, Coursera and hundreds of learn-business-in-10-minutes threads.

    Let’s be frank. Online, you can learn concepts. Frameworks and case studies can be picked up as well.

    However, these are some things that online learning does not necessarily provide:

    But here’s what online learning doesn’t always offer:

    1. Professors who have been in the industry provide real-time feedback to them.
    2. Learn with other professionals from various industries and backgrounds.
    3. Authority to change domains or to sell yourself into senior positions
    4. Structured accountability (as most of us do not complete the 8-week course we enrol in)

    And business is not all theory, either. It is a matter of judgement, teamwork, leadership and pressurised decision-making. It is not the skills you can binge-watch your way into.

    Thus, yes, you can learn online, and it can supplement your development. But when it comes to reinventing your professional life, an MBA provides format, signal, and genuine momentum.

    Myth 4: MBA Is Only for Finance and Consulting

    That used to be somewhat true. Not anymore.

    Today, MBAs are cracking:

    1. Product Management
    2. Tech Strategy & Digital Transformation
    3. Growth and Marketing
    4. Business & Finance
    5. Sustainability and Impact Consulting
    6. Luxury, Sports and Entertainment Management

    You should see the number of former designers, writers, engineers and chefs who are now killing it in the business world, and all they did was to combine their initial competencies with business capability.

    MBA is not about becoming corporate. It is about a new dimension to your capabilities – be it scaling your startup, becoming a leader in your NGO, or joining a unicorn as Chief of Staff.

    Myth 5: I’ll Lose My Momentum or Take a Step Back

    Most are worried that taking a break to do an MBA (more so full-time) would halt their career.

    Here is a restatement:

    1. You are not taking a break in your career. You are skipping ahead on it.
    2. A year or two down the line, you will be improving your network, improving your thinking, your credibility, and access to improved opportunities.
    3. That momentum you think you’re losing? It tends to return 5 times stronger.

    And when you are selecting a part-time or executive MBA, you do not even need to quit your job; in fact, you are earning and learning at the same time.

    Myth 6: MBAs Are Just Networking Clubs

    This one gets thrown around a lot. “You’re just paying for the network.”

    Although that is somewhat the case, this is the reality:

    1. The network is not the only advantage but a bonus.
    2. Structured learning, frameworks of strategic thinking, and a mistake-free environment to practice in (before you screw up real P&Ls) are all included as well.
    3. And, yes, the network can transform your life. Alumni networks can be a ticket to jobs, co-founders, and even funding.

    But no, it is not like people just make jobs appear because you were in the same MBA class. You still have to earn your place. The network only provides you with an opportunity to be noticed.

    Myth 7: MBA Doesn’t Guarantee Success

    No degree does.

    What it gives you is:

    1. A platform to accelerate
    2. A space to think differently
    3. Tools to lead, not just execute
    4. A network of motivated individuals who will challenge you

    However, at the end of the day, it is up to you to leap, to do the work, and to claim your growth.

    So, Is an MBA Worth It?

    If you are doing it because of the brand, then the answer is no.

    When you do it with clarity, curiosity and conviction, then yes. An MBA can open doors that you had no idea were there.

    It will not give you a dream job. But it will definitely alter the way you think about your career, approach problem-solving, and value creation.

    If you’re considering a future in tech, product, or digital transformation, specialized MBAs can give you a real edge. The MBA in Technology Management by the Institute of Product Leadership is one such program built for working professionals looking to lead in the digital age – with hands-on learning, industry mentoring, and real-world projects that go beyond theory.

    Because the right MBA isn’t just a degree; it’s a career catalyst.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Mid‑career professionals in their 30s and 40s benefit significantly from MBA programs, especially Executive MBAs, bringing maturity and experience that enrich learning and peer collaboration.

    While MBA tuition can be steep, scholarships, part‑time options, employer sponsorships, and an average post‑MBA salary increase of 22-40% help offset the investment.

    Online learning covers theory, but it lacks structured feedback, peer interaction, leadership training, and the credibility that comes with a full MBA experience.

    Accredited, high-quality online MBAs are increasingly respected by employers – rigour and institutional reputation matter more than delivery format.

    Absolutely not. Today’s MBAs span a wide range of fields – including tech strategy, entrepreneurship, healthcare, sustainability, and more.

    Institute of Product Leadership is Asia’s First Business School providing accredited degree programs and certification courses exclusively in Product Management, Strategy, and Leadership.
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