Finweek, in conjunction with MBAConnect.net, has just released their first research report on the impact the MBA has on the lives of students and graduates in South Africa.  This survey probed the question on whether or not the MBA was a worthy endeavor and what impact this objective had on the lives of students and graduates.  Over 1500 respondents shared their views on the good and bad of the MBA pursuit.  Here’s a few of the key findings of the survey.

One of the more interesting findings was related to why students pursue the MBA.  Popular opinion suggests that the MBA is sought for career advancement and better pay.  This survey found that professionals obtained the MBA to “be more productive in a business environment.”  However, 77% of respondents indicated they had received a promotion or greater responsibility after earning the MBA.

Is the MBA a positive force on their career?  Over 95% of respondents felt that the MBA improved their decision-making abilities.  Nearly 90% felt the MBA bestowed more credibility on their careers by elevating the perceptions others had of them and improving their ability to interact with others at various levels.  The MBA also made them better leaders, with other 90% of respondents attributing their skills learned in courses, skills learned from group interaction and a heightened self-awareness as the main drivers for this improvement.

Career changers found some benefit from the MBA, as 56% of the respondents changed careers after graduation.  Of these graduates, 65% said the MBA made the difference.

One of the more profound positive impacts identified was the change in their outlook on life.  Over two-thirds felt the MBA opened their eyes to new opportunities, renewed their interest in the business world and improved their level of confidence and self-belief.

As you might expect, the MBA isn’t “all that.”  There were a few downsides to its pursuit.  Most students (68%) stated that the financial requirements forced them to cut back on normal lifestyle expenses.  Negative impacts were noted with regards to diet (48%), sleep (82%), stress (81%) and sex (42%). 

What about beyond the MBA?  This survey found room for improvement within the universities for several key career-related activities for Alumni.  These include access to MBA-level job opportunities and networking events, helping graduates start and grow businesses and building personal brands.

While these are only a few of the results, it’s important to note the overall message from the survey; that is, the MBA is worth the pursuit.  Even though students and graduates felt the universities were failing to meet some expectations, they are still looking to the MBA programs to be a big part of their post-MBA career.

You can find the survey results at MBAConnect.net (http://www.mbaconnect.net/finweeksurvey.aspx).