Poll endorses short courses

Since graduating five years ago, few of the MBA class of 2007 have gone on for further formal business education. In a recent FT poll of 1,800 alumni, only one in 10 had attended an executive education course since completing their MBA.

Of those who had taken such courses, however, the vast majority were impressed. While 87 per cent rate the quality and value of their programmes as good or outstanding, 91 per cent believe it was an effective use of their time.

Participants cite the development of role-specific skills as the main reason for attending an executive programme. Only one in five said they took a course because their MBA had not equipped them sufficiently for their current professional position.

When reflecting on their MBA, most respondents were very positive about the experience. Although two-thirds believe the global economic downturn has affected their careers adversely since graduation, 82 per cent say they would not have progressed as far over the past five years without an MBA.

Such endorsement comes against the backdrop of enduring student debt. Among the 48 per cent of polled alumni who continue to service debts accumulated during their MBA programme, 11 per cent have yet to make any inroads.