Why MBA Graduates Think They Are Hot Sh*t (And Usually Aren't)

Let's face it, everyone that has graduated with a master degree in Business Administration (MBA) has a slight mentality that they are better (at least, at business) than everyone else. And let's be honest, some definitely need a reality check more than others. This post is for MBA graduates to really think about whether these minor skills and experiences make them "better" than other college graduates.

1. You can draw complicated business numbers on a white board.

Just because you can make a complicated graph out of something, does not make your information useful. MBA graduates LOVE wasting time and energy on fancy reports, pretty graphs, and appealing spreadsheets; however, in the real world, most companies would rather you spend time on getting things done. Nice looking reports and graphs might be nice for important meetings, but other than that, you're spending an inordinate amount of time making your work look more impressive than it really is.

2. You can use really big words (AKA "indecipherable jargon").

"The turnaround on our RFP is not going to have the projected ROI on that time frame, assuming our SMART goals are properly sourced and our profit message is intact."

No one knows what this means, and no one cares. Just because you put a lot of complicated words together in a sentence does not mean that what you said is somehow of worth. If you can't cater your language to your audience, you do not deserve to be in business (and especially in marketing). Speak the lingo of the business you are in, not the language of your MBA alma mater.

3. You dress better than anyone else.

The dress codes of many MBA programs are, to say the least, "behind the times." Many office environments today are much more casual than, oh let's say, 50 years ago. Most business schools, however, have not updated their dress code since then. Yes, you already have a professional wardrobe - but no, your fancy pencil skirts and slacks do not make you somehow more prestigious than your colleagues.

"Whoa... Is that Armani?" Answer: "Everything I own is designer."

4. You still think you have technical skills.

The world is moving at a rapid pace; if you took time to get an MBA, all of your technical expertise has most likely progressed far behind you. Going back into the workforce, recognize that your soft skills are now your main selling point: do not lecture "subordinates" on technical skills. They definitely know more than you do. Yes, you may have a BA in Communications, no, those same skills do not still apply today.

5. You hang out with other MBAs.

This one is actually a plus. MBA graduates tend to have a wider business circle than most, and it definitely becomes an advantage. MBAs like their networking, a lot. If you need to meet some business people, I would suggest finding an MBA graduate - they will be happy to refer you to every other business person they have ever met.


6. You can immediately find a stock photo for every business function.

Enough said.


7. You are always in the job market. 

MBAs are constantly networking and looking for new opportunities. Even if they aren't actively seeking a new job, well, there's always more fish in the sea...


8. You think you know more about business than anyone else.

And honestly, you probably do. Just stop acting like you are the CEO of a billion dollar company (until you are actually the CEO of a billion dollar company).


9. You say this a lot, "If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense."

Yeah, we get it. Make it rain. An MBA's primary function is to remind you that if it doesn't make money, it isn't worth doing.

And if they aren't doing this, well, they aren't hot sh*t. And they probably were not to begin with. But hey, it's always good to keep them around... sometimes.