A surprising revelation, Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, described his prestigious Wharton MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania as “a waste of time.” Instead, he emphasized the long-term value of his humanities undergraduate degree in international relations and history from Colgate University.
This statement has sparked conversations across the business and education worlds, prompting questions about the evolving importance of traditional business degrees in the era of AI and rapid technological change.
Bill Winters: From JPMorgan to Standard Chartered
Bill Winters began his financial career in 1983 at JPMorgan, where he climbed the ranks to become co-CEO of the investment banking division. Though once considered a possible successor to CEO Jamie Dimon, he was ousted in 2009. In 2011, Winters launched his own fund management firm, Renshaw Bay, before taking the helm at Standard Chartered in 2015. Today, he leads a 160-year-old global bank and is one of the most respected voices in international finance.
Despite his storied success, Winters recently reflected critically on his educational path, particularly his MBA.
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Why Winters Believes the Humanities Degree Mattered More
When asked what degree young people should pursue, Winters didn’t hesitate. He credited his undergraduate studies in international relations and history for teaching him how to think critically, understand context, and communicate effectively.
“I learned how to think at university,” Winters told Bloomberg. “For the 40 years since I left university, those skills have been degraded.”
He emphasized that studying the humanities laid a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability—qualities increasingly valuable in today’s fast-changing work environment.
Criticizing the MBA Experience
Though an MBA is often seen as a ticket to executive leadership, Winters dismissed the value of his own Wharton degree.
“I got an MBA later, but that was a waste of time,” he said bluntly.
His comments challenge conventional wisdom, particularly given that Wharton is consistently ranked among the world’s top business schools. But Winters argues that the modern job market doesn’t reward business-school-style technical knowledge in the same way anymore.
The Role of AI in Devaluing Technical Skills
A key reason Winters considers technical training less important today is the rise of artificial intelligence.
“AI is taking over tasks on the technical side,” he explained. “It’s critical that you know how to think and communicate.”
He differentiated effective communication from AI-powered response generation, noting that true communication requires understanding your audience, being empathetic, and showing curiosity—skills not easily replicated by machines.
The Shift in Skill Demand: From Code to Critical Thinking
AI is reshaping the tech world. At companies like Google and Microsoft, AI tools now generate around 30% of new code. Meta expects half of its software development to be AI-driven within a year. This wave of automation is reducing demand for purely technical skills, while amplifying the importance of strategic thinking and creativity.
Even the concept of “vibe coding”—where AI tools create entire applications based on simple prompts—is gaining momentum. Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently admitted to using AI tools to “vibe code” a webpage in his spare time.
Other Executives Echo the Humanities Emphasis
Winters isn’t alone in his endorsement of the humanities. Marco Argenti, Chief Information Officer at Goldman Sachs, recently advised engineers to take philosophy classes. Writing for the Harvard Business Review, Argenti explained that such courses cultivate the critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills that tech professionals need in a world increasingly driven by AI.
This growing consensus suggests a broader shift in how employers view talent, favoring versatile thinkers over narrowly trained technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bill Winters?
Bill Winters is the CEO of Standard Chartered and a former co-CEO at JPMorgan’s investment bank. He has over four decades of experience in global finance.
Why did Winters say his Wharton MBA was a waste of time?
He believes the MBA offered limited long-term value compared to the critical thinking skills he gained from his humanities degree.
What did Winters study at Colgate University?
He majored in international relations and history.
Why are humanities degrees gaining attention again?
As AI handles more technical tasks, employers value skills like critical thinking, empathy, and communication—strengths often developed through humanities studies.
What is “vibe coding”?
Vibe coding refers to using AI tools to develop complete software applications through natural language prompts, minimizing the need for manual coding.
What advice did Goldman Sachs’ Marco Argenti give to engineers?
He recommended taking philosophy classes to build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that complement technical skills.
Are technical skills becoming obsolete?
Not entirely, but their dominance is decreasing as AI tools automate routine tasks. Soft skills and strategic thinking are rising in importance.
Should students still pursue MBAs?
It depends on individual goals. While MBAs still offer networking and structured business education, they may not provide the competitive edge they once did in a rapidly changing job market.
Conclusion
Bill Winters’ critique of his Wharton MBA and praise for his humanities background should prompt educators, students, and employers to reconsider what truly prepares individuals for long-term success. As AI automates more technical work, the value of human-centric skills—like curiosity, adaptability, empathy, and communication—is becoming clearer.
