Once students have earned a bachelor’s degree and gained some work experience, many decide to complement their career with an online MBA. There are many reputable programs that offer the same opportunities to grow professionally and personally as traditional options do, but with added flexibility for busy schedules.
To make the most of an mba online, prospective enrollees should research how the program is structured to ensure it meets academic standards and offers ample learning support and resources. Check whether the institution has a dedicated staff and technology to support online students and if professors are involved in the development of online courses. It’s also worth looking at online syllabi to get an idea of what to expect, including readings, assignments and activities.
As with in-person MBA programs, online students are expected to participate actively and interact with their professors and fellow classmates. It may be difficult to build the same connections as in-person students, but many universities have a number of virtual meetups and other networking events for their online MBA students. It’s also important to consider what types of skills and connections you hope to gain from your program, and to choose a university that supports these goals.
While no online MBA is likely to make a recruiter’s heart race the way a Harvard or Wharton sheepskin does, it can still help boost career prospects and provide valuable professional insights. The lingering image of online degrees as diploma mills is overstated, but prospective students should consider their unique needs and objectives carefully before choosing an option.