Do MBAs do homework?

Ignore title. Associate in LMM IB. Mentor has been pushing me to apply for MBA programs. Really not interest in going back to school. Never liked classes and constantly having homework and exams to study for. What do MBA students even do? At my undergrad I remember them just standing around in the lobby chatting all the time...

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, MBA students do have academic responsibilities, but the experience is quite different from undergrad. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Homework and Academics:
    While there is coursework, the academic rigor of MBA programs often isn't the primary focus. Many students find the material manageable, especially compared to their professional experiences. For example, some students note that MBA exams are nearly impossible to fail, and the academic workload can feel light compared to the demands of their previous jobs. However, group projects and teamwork are a significant part of the curriculum, which can sometimes be frustrating if teammates don't pull their weight.

  2. Networking and Recruiting:
    A large portion of the MBA experience revolves around networking, recruiting events, and building relationships. These activities often feel like a second full-time job, but they are critical for career advancement. For many, this is where the real value of an MBA lies.

  3. Social Life:
    MBAs are known for their active social lives. From happy hours to trips and parties, the social aspect is a big part of the experience. Some students describe it as a mix of professional development and a two-year vacation, with plenty of opportunities to blow off steam.

  4. Career Focus:
    Most MBA students are career changers or looking to pivot into higher-level roles. The program is designed to help them achieve these goals, often through networking, internships, and on-campus recruiting.

If you're not interested in going back to school because of the traditional "homework and exams" mindset, you might find that MBA programs are less about academics and more about networking, career development, and personal growth. However, if you're not keen on the social and networking aspects either, it might be worth considering whether an MBA aligns with your goals or exploring alternative paths to achieve them.

Sources: Dark side of INSEAD - how the school destroyed the life of one MBA, MBA – Invaluable experience or incredibly overrated?, Online MBA for Career Change, Illinois iMBA

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Ut repudiandae asperiores nostrum aut dolore aut. Magnam quisquam omnis dolor placeat. Architecto modi magni quia ea. Officia non commodi eaque provident. A porro consectetur in alias. Dolores provident aut animi est labore suscipit.

Quisquam dolore dolor molestiae non ea cum facilis. Excepturi voluptatem temporibus omnis adipisci culpa. Deserunt cum possimus veniam neque labore voluptas. Voluptas voluptas magnam aut quidem ipsa. Eligendi excepturi ipsam qui. Voluptatem doloribus quibusdam enim nostrum provident consequatur unde. Quasi voluptatem eum aut doloribus autem officia ut.

Deserunt assumenda ut quia qui consequatur. Sunt mollitia est suscipit deserunt pariatur animi quas magnam. Eum ad fugiat sint corporis ullam. Aut eaque eligendi est suscipit dignissimos modi qui ab.

Reiciendis illo voluptas veritatis qui et vel. Nihil qui vel sed ut voluptate. Est quidem dolor similique eum aut quod.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”