For MBA aspirants, the decision to pursue an MBA can often be quite a confusing process. Not only are they torn between the type of MBA programs they can pursue, but also become exhausted by the overwhelming amount of information out there about these programs.
In the exhausting process of taking standardized tests, looking up numerous institutions and prep for interviews, aspirants can sometimes lose motivation and even forget why it was that they even wanted to pursue an MBA. And wonder, “is it even worth it?”
If you can relate to the above description, this article is for you! It provides a list of movies, rather than another boring reading chore, that MBA aspirants should watch to remind themselves why this career path is an excellent, exciting and relevant choice – despite its many initial hurdles.
Take some time off your formal prep, sit back and enjoy these films that teach important lessons about ethics, morality, and the business landscape as you prepare to enter it as an MBA graduate!
1. The Big Short (2006)
It’s the story of Nick Naylor, who is a tobacco lobbyist. The power of his speech turns the table for the tobacco companies in their toughest situations and handles media converting problems into opportunities. The movie teaches soft skills to the MBA graduates and is a complete entertainer.
2. The Insider (1999)
Business ethics are pure and simple. This movie portrays business ethics and its implications in the best possible manner. As future leaders, MBAs need to depict a sense of integrity. It’s a must-watch.
3. Wall Street (1987)
A stock broker accepts the difficulties of working for a millionaire who is a corporate raider, just to make it big on Wall Street. The movie draws the curtains off the dirty secrets of business. It shows how greed for money and power can lead people to their ruin. It’s a lesson in business on par with the content of your core classes.
4. Office Space (1999)
This movie is an inside look at office politics at their finest. It’s a case study in bad management and will give you an up, close and personal look at what consultants do. As MBAs, at one time in our past or some time in the future, we can all relate to this movie, and thus it’s perfect to be included on this list.
5. Up in the Air (2009)
An American comedy-drama starring George Clooney, the film revolves around Ryan Bingham – an HR consultant specializing in employee termination. The film is all about his travels around the country, terminating employees until his company comes up with something that’ll pose a threat to his travels. You’ll have to watch the movie to know if you’re ready for the pitfalls of a job. It throws some light on HR and the personnel issues that may crop up.
6. Citizen Kane (1941)
Citizen Kane tells the story of the rise of a newspaper tycoon who loses his moral bearings in his pursuit of power. In a series of flashbacks, news reporters try to demystify the tycoon’s dying words. A classic, Citizen Kane warns of the dangers of greed and unethical business practices. It teaches the lesson that success can sometimes carry a heavy price tag.
7. The Intern (2015)
A retired professional joins an online fashion company and teaches the CEO and her colleagues the value of experience. In this entertaining comedy, a 70-year old professional realizes he is not ready for retirement, and applies to become an intern at a fashion house. What’s more, it stars Robert de Niro and Anne Hathway in the lead roles.
8. Margin Call (2011)
Margin Call portrays the activities of key players at an investment bank in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It actually follows the first 24 hours of that financial crisis, from the point of view of professionals trying to uncover the true reason behind their financial downfall.
9. Barbarians at the Gate (1993)
Based on the true story of RJR Nabisco company, this docudrama follows the CEO and President of a massive food and tobacco corporation as he tries to buy the company. Watch this film for a deep understanding of hostile takeovers and leveraged buyouts.
10. Inside Job (2010)
This is a 2010 documentary film about the late 2000s financial crisis. It explores the financial meltdown and how changes in the policy environment and banking practices helped create the financial crisis. A must-watch for MBA aspirants, this movie will tell you the hidden story about modern-day depression. It talks about corruption, greed, and lust for money that eventually led to this meltdown.
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