full

Is Going Back to School Worth It? - E9

Published on: 14th October, 2025

Ishana, Minali and Mona dive deep into one of the biggest questions professionals and lifelong learners face: should you go back to school? From medicine to MBAs to pursuing degrees later in life, they share raw, personal stories that reveal the trade-offs, challenges, and surprising rewards of higher education. Whether you’re debating a career pivot, craving intellectual curiosity, or simply wondering if another degree will pay off, this conversation uncovers the financial, emotional, and practical truths behind returning to the classroom.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Minali’s long medical school journey

(03:00) - Mona returns to school in her 50s

(07:00) - Choosing the right degree

(09:00) - Ishana’s MBA experience

(14:00) - Finances and alternative options

(18:00) - MBA job market struggles

(23:00) - Overspecialization frustrations


Key Topics Discussed:

Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, Generational Advice, Back to School Debate, Is Going Back to School Worth It, Should I Go Back to School, MBA Worth It 2024, Graduate School Worth It, Going Back to School at 50, Career Change Education, Returning to School as Adult, Going Back to School at 40, Adult Learners Returning to Education, MBA for Career Change, Back to School Decision, Going Back to School at 30, Cost Benefit Analysis Graduate School, When Is the Right Time to Get MBA, Career Pivot Strategies, Alternatives to Graduate Degree, Executive Education Programs, Professional Development vs Degree, Graduate School ROI Calculator, Going Back to School Without Taking Loans


More of Three Takes:

Email us at connect@threetakes.com

Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/

DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Three Takes: 3 Women, 3 Generations, 1 Family Unpacking the Questions We All Ask

About the Podcast

Three Takes: 3 Women, 3 Generations, 1 Family Unpacking the Questions We All Ask
A Gen X mom and her Millennial & Gen Z daughters share real conversations on career, wellness, family, and growth
Welcome to Three Takes, a multi-generational podcast hosted by Mona and her daughters, Minali and Ishana, representing Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z perspectives. Together, they explore the intersection of career, wellness, and family life, providing authentic conversations and valuable insights to empower women in their work, life, and relationships.
Each episode dives into a thought-provoking question, as they share their unique 'takes' on a diverse range of topics, from navigating professional challenges to fostering personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships. More than just a podcast, Three Takes is a shared space for us to evolve together as a growing community, inviting listeners to reflect and connect.