A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is a business administration-focused postgraduate degree that covers a wide range of business areas. With such a degree, you can learn more about accounting, management, business law, business ethics, and much more.
Studying for an MBA can set you up for success in a variety of careers, such as business analyst, entrepreneur, and business manager. However, not everyone is convinced that enrolling in an online MBA is worth their time.
An MBA could be the ideal opportunity for you to develop in your profession. By obtaining an MBA, you can broaden your experiences, make new friends, and have the ability to adapt to change.
Because they reduce transportation costs and enable students to maintain employment while enrolled, online MBA programs are growing in popularity. The drawback is that you might pass on school-based job fairs and career support opportunities.
If you’re nervous about finding out more about an online MBA, the following benefits might just convince you to start exploring your options.
You’ll Learn In-Demand Skills
An online MBA can help boost your career opportunities by giving you the necessary skills to succeed in today’s business world.
A well-rounded education will teach you the hard and soft skills that are in demand, from negotiating with clients to building teamwork and managing people across physical and virtual environments.
You’ll Gain Experience
MBA can help you gain experience in a field or industry you are passionate about. You’ll have a chance to learn from other professionals in the same area and build relationships with them.
You’ll have a chance to meet people in your field, potential employers, and recruiters. This can give you the boost you need to make a successful career switch or start your own business.
Most online MBA Washington State programs operate year-round, and some schools offer accelerated options to allow eligible students to complete their degrees in just over a year. This can be a good option for those with a lot of time but want to fast-track their education.
You’ll Gain Credibility
If you want to boost your career opportunities, an online MBA can do just that. It can help you improve your job security, increase your wages and even give you promotion potential.
While an MBA is not a prerequisite for many jobs, earning one can show employers that you’re serious about your education and are willing to work to achieve your goals.
You’ll also gain credibility by having the skills and knowledge to succeed in various business environments. This includes being able to deal with global challenges.
Online programs are a great way to meet new business professionals and get international exposure. They often have small class sizes and always-on access to professors who can provide feedback and industry insight.
Study When It Suits Your Schedule
When you enroll in an online MBA program, you’ll likely be surprised by how flexible your study schedule can be.
Rather than arranging your life around in-person classes, you can view lectures online and study around your commitments and when you feel the most productive.
This can be one of the most desirable benefits, especially when many people are put off by the idea of broadening their career prospects due to major life commitments like work and family.
The flexibility of an online MBA means it is an excellent choice for adult learners who need to balance their studies with work or family obligations.
Students can study at their own pace, and online schools increasingly encourage interaction within their communities to make the experience as immersive as possible.
Study From Anywhere
Many people who choose to pursue a new degree find themselves having to uproot their lives and move to where their course is located. While this is the reality for anyone attending in-person lectures, it’s not necessary if you’re working toward an online MBA.
As the program is entirely online, you have complete freedom to study wherever you want. You might choose the comfort of your own home, your office on a work break, or even on the beach of a sunny tropical paradise.
As long as you have a sound internet connection, there are no barriers to where you further your education.
You Can Work While You Study
Many educational programs can be limiting. They sometimes require full-time in-person attendance, which means you might struggle to make a living while working toward your MBA. You might even have to give up your job or change your working hours.
Online MBAs are different. Since you can study on your own schedule, you can comfortably retain a full-time or part-time job that allows you to afford life’s necessities.
That can be one less thing to worry about while you work hard to set yourself up for future success.
You’ll Increase Your Salary
MBA is a good investment if you’re a professional looking to boost your salary. You don’t have to take time off from work, and you can get your tuition paid for through scholarships and employer sponsorship.
The majority of business schools offer a variety of financial aid packages to help offset costs, so you’ll be able to pay for your MBA without worrying about debt.
In addition to helping you increase your income, an online MBA can also allow you to hone your skills in a specialized field that you may not have otherwise studied. For example, an MBA in finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship could help you become more competitive in the job market.
While an MBA can boost your salary, it’s important to remember that where you live, and the industry where you work are also factors. It’s also essential to seek an MBA program dedicated to your chosen sector and aligning with your career goals.
Improve Your Digital Knowledge
We live in a digital age, but that doesn’t mean everyone is comfortable with technology. However, not having knowledge and experience can limit your future job prospects.
Studying for an MBA online can be a game-changer in this respect. Since it’s entirely online, you can try new devices like laptops and tablets and navigate new software and programs like word processors.
By the time you graduate, you’ll likely have a firm understanding of computers and everyday software businesses use that you can put to good use in your own business or someone else’s.
Improve Your Career Prospects
Not having any qualifications can be limiting. While you might be fortunate enough to have had your experience in specific subjects help you gain employment in the past, you might sometimes struggle to be considered for more advanced roles when the qualifications section of your resume lies empty.
Getting your online MBA might change that. Once you obtain your qualification and some experience tied to it, you might find it’s much easier to secure roles you love with attractive salaries.
Read also: 7 Ways to Find Your Dream Job
Make Helpful Connections
It’s easy to assume that being in an online program limits your ability to make new connections. After all, you aren’t sitting in a classroom with your peers, building strong relationships. However, online MBAs offer as many opportunities to network as in-person programs.
You can work on group coursework online and connect with other students in the online space. You can even generally rely on other students for support if you’re feeling stressed about your course content.
Once you form strong connections with your peers, you might even decide to meet them in person and rely on them for referrals and references when you graduate.
You’ll Learn From Experts
Online MBA programs are an excellent option for working professionals who need to balance their studies with their job. They provide a way to learn from business experts and build connections without sacrificing time away from work.
Many students in online MBA programs have worked for the same companies for a while and are ready to step up their careers. The online learning environment has improved course delivery and offered more interaction opportunities, making meeting people in your network easier.
Moreover, online MBAs are less expensive than on-campus programs. They can also be a better choice for students who want to make new international contacts and upskill their skills.
Plenty of Support
The idea of studying online by yourself can seem isolating, especially if you have questions about your course content or are struggling with some of it. You can’t ask a tutor in person for help, nor can you rely on your classmates to help you troubleshoot.
However, you have more support than you think. Tutors and professors can provide plenty of one-on-one time over email, video, and phone calls. As online programs tend to have small class sizes, you might also benefit from a more personable approach than if you attended lectures in large halls.
You might not be familiar with online study programs, but that doesn’t mean they’re not right for you. If you’ve been thinking about gaining qualifications to expand your career prospects, now might be the right time to explore an online MBA. You might be surprised by how flexible, convenient, and valuable such a program could be.