Elon Musk’s Stance on MBAs in Corporate America and How to Get Hired by Him

Elon Musk, the renowned CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, as well as the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has made a bold statement regarding the presence of MBA graduates in corporate America. Musk believes that having an MBA is not a significant advantage when it comes to hiring employees.

During a 2013 interview with the American Physical Society, Musk stated, “I hire people in spite of an MBA, not because of one.” This sentiment has remained consistent over the years, with Musk reiterating his views during a 2020 WSJ CEO Summit, where he expressed concern about the number of MBAs running companies.

Musk’s aversion to MBAs stems from his belief that CEOs can become too focused on numbers and spreadsheets, losing sight of the ultimate goal of creating innovative products and services. He emphasizes the importance of being actively involved in the product or service itself, rather than getting bogged down in board meetings and financials.

Despite facing backlash from business-school leaders who advocate for the value of an MBA, Musk stands by his perspective. He personally holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and physics from the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting his preference for practical experience over traditional academic credentials.

For those aspiring to work for Musk at X, a recent Fortune report outlined the hiring process at the company. The process includes steps such as showcasing exceptional work, undergoing technical screenings, and impressing Musk with a focus on creating significant features rather than minor details.

Ultimately, Musk has the final say in hiring decisions and prefers candidates who have a track record of success and stability in their careers. His unconventional approach to hiring reflects his commitment to innovation and results-driven leadership.