Thinking about waiting out the recession by getting an MBA? A recent Newsweek article may may you think twice. The article, reported on an 18-month study on the state of the M.B.A. conducted by two Harvard professors. They interviewed deans, recruiters, faculty and alumni from several dozen top business schools.

Their conclusions? Recruiters say the M.B.A.s they do hire have learned little about such skills as giving presentations, navigating corporate politics or leading co-workers.