The New York Times · 18 Oct, 05:00 · Business briefing

Opinion | I Teach at a Business School. It’s Time to Shut Them Down.

A prominent business school professor has published an opinion piece in The New York Times arguing that traditional business schools should be closed.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A prominent business school professor has published an opinion piece in The New York Times arguing that traditional business schools should be closed. The author contends that current programmes fail to adequately prepare graduates for the modern economic landscape, suggesting that the existing model is obsolete. This provocative stance challenges the fundamental value proposition of executive education and MBA degrees, sparking debate regarding the relevance of formal business training in an era of rapid technological change and evolving workplace dynamics and shifting corporate priorities.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This critique signals a growing demand for agile, practical skills over theoretical credentials. You must prioritise demonstrable expertise in AI strategy and data literacy, as employers increasingly value immediate applicability. Traditional management theory is losing ground to hands-on problem-solving capabilities. Focus on mastering digital transformation tools and strategic innovation rather than relying solely on your degree. Audit your current skill set against industry trends, identifying gaps in technical proficiency. Invest in micro-credentials that offer tangible outcomes. Network with practitioners who value adaptability. Your career resilience now depends on continuous, targeted learning rather than static academic validation. Stay ahead by embracing emerging technologies and proving your ability to drive real-world results in a volatile market.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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