April 2, 2025, Shanghai –In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the value of an MBA is frequently questioned. Rising costs, time commitments, shifting industry demands, and a changing employment environment have led some to reconsider whether the qualification remains a worthwhile investment.

In response to this ongoing question, we spoke with CEIBS Associate Professor of Marketing and MBA Programme Director Zhang Lingling, who shared her insights on the enduring value of management education, the unique strengths of CEIBS, and how Asia’s #1 ranked MBA programme is adapting to ever-evolving industry trends.

The enduring value of an MBA

Across the globe, management education is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by economic uncertainty, reduced demand for business degrees, and the rapid advancement of disruptive technologies, particularly AI. This is leading many to express concerns over the role of business education and the perceived value of an MBA in an increasingly complex and dynamic global economy.

While scepticism surrounding MBAs is understandable, Prof. Zhang argues that its value extends far beyond financial returns. “An MBA is an opportunity for transformative personal and professional growth, providing critical skills that are increasingly necessary in the modern business environment,” she explains.

Beyond technical and strategic business skills, an MBA like the one offered by CEIBS provides participants with unparalleled networking opportunities, exposure to diverse perspectives, and learning experiences with esteemed faculty and industry leaders, Prof. Zhang adds.

Beyond rankings: The true strength of an MBA

Rankings, such as the Financial Times’ Global MBA ranking, often play a crucial role in guiding prospective students when deciding on which MBA programme is right for them, but their validity itself is also sometimes questioned.

Based on data from 100 ranked business schools, the FT 2025 Global MBA Ranking was evaluated on 21 criteria including post-graduation salary and salary growth over the three years after completing the course, employment rate, career progress, value for money, and the quality of career advice and alumni network. The ranking also takes into account academic research quality, gender balance, international student and faculty representation, and sustainability efforts in teaching and operations.

Despite the various metrics measured in the international authoritative list, Prof. Zhang emphasises that these alone don’t capture all the benefits that a high-quality MBA offers.

“Many of the most valuable aspects of an MBA—such as leadership development, soft skills, and global perspectives—are not easily quantified,” she points out.

CEIBS specifically allows experiential learning and real-world business challenges take centre stage, enabling students to develop innovative solutions and apply their knowledge in practical settings, Prof. Zhang says. “This holistic approach, coupled with our strong connections to the business community, positions CEIBS graduates to excel beyond what rankings may suggest.”

Navigating a competitive job market

For decades, earning an MBA was considered a “golden ticket” to better professional roles. The degree is no longer seen as a guarantee of employment, however, as employment numbers for recent graduates have decreased. While acknowledging this challenge, Prof. Zhang highlights how CEIBS proactively prepares its graduates for success.

“At CEIBS, we guide students to focus on industries with strong demand, such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing,” she notes, adding that the programme also helps students tap into opportunities with Chinese enterprises expanding globally - an area where their international perspective and cross-cultural expertise give them a distinct advantage.

“Through tailored career services, industry partnerships, and a robust alumni base, we provide students with the tools to navigate this competitive landscape effectively. Our focus on experiential learning also ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but also poised for long-term career growth,” Prof. Zhang says.

The role of ESG & sustainability in business education

A key takeaway from this year’s FT ranking is that CEIBS saw an impressive jump of 26 places in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and net zero teaching, placing the school in the global top 20. When asked about how MBA integrates sustainability into its curriculum, Prof. Zhang pointed out that it naturally resonates with the programme’s continuous commitment to developing responsible business leaders.

“By focusing on ESG factors, we prepare future leaders to make informed and ethical business decisions that balance profitability with social responsibility, thereby contributing to the society and the environment as a whole,” Prof. Zhang says.

This focus on sustainability is not just a response to a trend, she adds, but reflects the evolving expectations of businesses and society, and the values that our students and alumni uphold as they strive to lead responsibly in an increasingly ESG-conscious world.

Leveraging the power of a strong global alumni network

With campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen in China, Zurich in Switzerland, and Accra in Ghana, CEIBS boasts a dynamic and engaged global alumni network across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Their successes serve as a valuable source of guidance and inspiration for both current and future students.

“One of CEIBS’ greatest assets is our dynamic and engaged alumni network,” Prof. Zhang says, emphasising how this community extends its impact well beyond graduation. “Our alumni community not only offers mentorship and guidance but also facilitates collaboration across industries and geographies. For current and future MBA candidates, this network opens doors to exclusive job opportunities, partnerships, and insights that are crucial in today’s interconnected business world.”

This powerful global network underscores the lasting value of a CEIBS MBA, creating opportunities for career advancement, cross-border collaboration, and lifelong professional growth.

Preparing for the AI Era

In response to a rapidly evolving landscape that is being reshaped by AI, the CEIBS MBA is proactively integrating AI-focused learning into its curriculum. “We focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of AI in business. This includes fostering critical thinking around the ethical implications of technology and its impact on various industries,” Prof. Zhang explains.

Beyond introducing AI-specific courses, the programme also embeds AI-related content into existing subjects such as finance, marketing, and strategy. “Our goal is to cultivate leaders who can leverage AI for greater efficiency and innovation, ensuring graduates not only prepared for current challenges, but also positioned to lead and innovate in a future where AI plays a central role in business strategy and operations,” Prof. Zhang affirms.

The key to the CEIBS MBA’s longevity

In the Financial Times’ 2025 Global Ranking of MBA programmes, CEIBS ranked #1 in Asia for the ninth consecutive year; it was also ranked #12 globally. What accounts for this sustained success amidst an environment which, we have now established, is difficult for MBA programmes around the world? According to Prof. Zhang, several key factors have contributed

Academic Excellence: A rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty ensure that students receive a world-class education.

International Perspective: With five campuses across three continents, CEIBS enjoys competitive geographical advantages which allows it to provide students with unique insights into the dynamics of Asian and global markets.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship equips students with the skills to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Strong Career Support: CEIBS offers comprehensive career support, including one-on-one coaching, mentorship programmes, and industry connections that help students navigate today’s competitive job market.

Extensive Alumni Network: With over 32,000 alumni across over 90 countries and regions in the world, CEIBS fosters lifelong connections that provide mentorship, career opportunities, and global networking.

“These attributes not only enhance students’ educational experience, but also significantly contribute to the value our graduates bring to their respective industries,” Prof. Zhang suggests.

The lasting impact of a CEIBS MBA

As industries evolve and new challenges emerge, the nature of management education, along with its perceived value, will inevitably change. Prof. Zhang, however, remains convinced that the value an MBA remains undeniable for those seeking transformative career growth.

Guided by its unique positioning of “China Depth, Global Breadth”, CEIBS intends to stay ahead of the curve through its commitment to experiential learning and strong industry and alumni connections, ensuring that its MBA remains a compelling and rewarding investment for all of its participants.

Prof. Zhang sees the CEIBS MBA as more than a programme for aspiring executives and managers, but as a transformational journey aimed at shaping global visionary leaders, a gateway to new opportunities, a catalyst for career growth, and a foundation for lifelong success in the global business landscape.