It’s not just our governor who thinks higher education should be more closely aligned with job prospects and tangible, marketable skills. Business schools have realized the value of an MBA isn’t what it used to be – and they’re doing something about it, according to this blog from mindingthecampus.com
So MBA schools are screening student applicants more carefully. As another WSJ piece notes, a number of schools now involve career-services staff in the admissions process. These administrators evaluate applicants and advise prospective students about the realities of the current market for MBAs. Leigh Gauthier, for one, helps the admissions committee at the University of Toronto’s business school find students with industry-specific skills. For instance, she looks at applicants who express interest in consulting and assesses which will actually thrive in that field. Other career-services administrators give students a more accurate idea of employment opportunities and compensation levels.
There’s nothing anti-higher education, or anti-liberal arts about ensuring that education delivers in the job market.