The New York Times · 22 Oct, 17:42 · Business briefing

Opinion | Should We Shut Down Business Schools?

The New York Times publishes an opinion piece questioning the fundamental value of traditional business schools.

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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.

The New York Times publishes an opinion piece questioning the fundamental value of traditional business schools. The article scrutinises whether these institutions still provide relevant education in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. It challenges the prevailing assumption that formal business degrees remain essential for career progression. The piece invites readers to consider alternative pathways for acquiring managerial and strategic competencies. This debate highlights growing scrutiny over the return on investment for higher education. Professionals are urged to evaluate if academic credentials still outweigh practical experience. The discussion reflects broader concerns about educational relevance and cost. It suggests that the future of business learning may lie outside conventional university structures.

Employer demand for Business And Management 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.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must critically assess your own skill portfolio against market demands. Traditional management theory may yield to agile, practical competencies. Prioritise demonstrable outcomes over prestigious credentials. Focus on acquiring hard skills in data analysis and digital strategy, which employers increasingly value. You should seek micro-credentials or hands-on projects that prove your ability to drive results. Network with peers who value experience over academic background. This shift empowers self-directed learners. You must stay adaptable, continuously upskilling in areas like AI strategy and project management. Do not rely solely on past degrees. Instead, build a portfolio of real-world achievements. This approach ensures your career remains resilient against changing educational paradigms and shifting corporate expectations.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Business And Management, Data Science, Project Management and AI Strategy — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

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

Matched to this story

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