CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS business panel were asked about the kind of advice they would provide a young person contemplating an MBA program. The main advice is to get work experience first, and only then make a decision.

Asked to compare the skill sets provided to employers by MBA holders as opposed to graduates with other kinds of Master’s degrees, panelists see comparatively few differences. The main comparative advantage of the MBA is better financial skills. The main comparative advantage of holders of other Master’s degrees is superior people skills.

These are the key findings from this past week’s Internet survey of CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS panel. The weekly business survey is undertaken for Canadian Business magazine under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody LLP.

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