Engineering Degrees Narrowly Outpace MBAs in Producing Top CEOs, Harvard Study Reveals

Editorial Team

Last updated 2-04-2025

2 min

Engineering graduates lead the pack among successful CEOs, a Harvard study reveals.

Engineers are lauded for analytical and problem-solving skills essential for top executive roles.

MBA holders, not far behind engineers, bring strategic thinking to the executive table.

Professional diversity, blending engineering and business acumen, shapes successful leadership.

Ultimately, a CEO's success hinges on their skills and versatility, not just academic background.

Ever fancied yourself leading a major company one day? Well, if you've got an engineering degree, you might already be ahead of the pack. According to a recent Harvard study of 100 successful CEOs, around 34% originally trained as engineers, just edging out those with an MBA at 32%.

It seems there might be more truth than we'd imagined in the old joke I've heard at a few British dinner partys—"When in doubt, ask an engineer!" Well, it turns out that engineers are doing a bit more than just troubleshooting broken appliances—they're running some serious businesses and making decisions that shape industries.

Indeed, some top CEOs have engineering credentials on their CVs; take, for instance, the founder and CEO of travo click, who comes from just that background. It's not surprising when you think about it. Those who study engineering develop analytical skills, problem-solving expertise and that all-important pragmatism—qualities any CEO would surely rely on.

Interestingly though, MBAs aren't far behind. The allure of business school remains strong. It seems there's a useful combination of traits coming from both backgrounds: the strategic mindset refined through studying an MBA could pair perfectly with the solid analytical approach of an engineer.

I recall reading a fun little debate on Arageek not long ago about the relative merits of an engineering education versus business school. Readers were surprisingly passionate, each defending their own background vigorously over some metaphorical tea and biscuits. But, perhaps both sides have a point. After all, successful leadership probably has more to do with the person rather than their academic background alone.

So whether you're knee-deep in management textbooks or covered in engine grease, success at the highest levels clearly favours versatility, hard work, and problem-solving skills over one specific qualification. Just something to ponder over your next takeaway fish and chips.

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