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People who go on to have an outsized impact on the world don't usually participate in programs that are neither useful to their careers (to the point of being d
by 101km 9y ago
People who go on to have an outsized impact on the world don't usually participate in programs that are neither useful to their careers (to the point of being detrimental) nor transformative to their lives.
If a Harvard MBA is essentially pointless like you describe - people go into it and come out the same - the only reason to pursue it is to buy into the network.
Hence, perhaps, the "Golden Passport" nomenclature. You'd also notice the author didn't write "Golden Ticket", which I dare say, is an interesting freudian slip.
- ruleabidinguser 9y agoWhat is the difference between "passport" and "ticket" here?
- Lavery 9y agoA ticket allows admission while a passport certifies identity / credentials. At least in so far as what the words signify, tickets are bought but passports are earned. I think it's a pretty good distinction in this context.
- DelaneyM 9y agoIt's a good two-year summer camp at a time in our career when we're all racing towards our first burnout, and a good opportunity to hang out with other high-achievers. It's also the lemming effect... HBS is a rung on the "success" positive reinforcement ladder, like a big funding round. Privileged kids do the "prep school -> ivy -> wall street (quants) / MBB consulting (arts) -> HBS -> PE" track in absence of any other inspiration.
- 101km 9y agoI think this is called failing upwards. As you allude, an outsider to this cohort crashing into the program should keep expectations in check. Barry Lyndon comes to mind. I wish it was more socially acceptable to have two year gaps in ones resume and sail around the world or something.