<p>What do business schools teach students that they couldn't learn on the job or in life? I've read that a number of CEOs and business people don't have MBAs, or any formal business training, but they are still successful. So, why MBAs?</p>
<p>Bumb Bump Bump</p>
<p>To me, B-schools mostly teach you how to network. Success in business is often times not so much about what you know than about WHO you know. B-schools not only give you access to a contemporary networking social group, but one that transcends time. For example, if you ever meet another graduate of the school, whether he/she was before you or after you, then you will always share a bond. Hence, that can be your 'in' to get into a conversation with that person. B-schools also provide you with plenty of opportunities to build your social skills, especially your public speaking skills, and these are critical business skills to have. </p>
<p>However, I also think that B-schools are useful in providing people with the opportunity to learn things that they would never learn in their regular job. If you have a job as an engineer, or marketer, or salesman, or accountant, or whatever it is, then it is highly tempting for companies to have you do just that thing, and nothing else. This tends to lead to a chicken-and-egg problem. A guy wants to get promoted, but that next job on the rung requires a different skillset than his current job provides him with, so he gets passed over for the promotion. But he could build that skillset only if he is promoted. B-school provides you with the opportunity to break that logjam by taking classes on things that you would never have an opportunity to see in your regular job.</p>