An Online MBA is an executive programme designed for working professionals who wish to progress in their career and achieve ambitious goals. One of the key advantages of such a programme is that you can choose it from any institution in the world. But how do you make the best choice and ensure your success? Here is your guide to finding the Online MBA that fits your goals.
What is your goal?
The first factor that will determine your choice is your objective: Where do you want to be in 5 to 10 years and what are the key steps? You should take time to think about what you want, what skills you need to develop and what your ultimate goal is.
The next question is: How will the MBA contribute to your professional advancement? What do you need to learn, what are employers’ expectations? Will the programme help you meet those expectations? Are you preparing for a career change? How important is networking to achieving your goals? What specialisations are the most relevant to your industry? What new trends and emerging technologies do you need to adapt to?
While an Online MBA is designed to be convenient for working professionals, it is important to assess the importance of the commitment. It will be much less time-consuming than an in-person programme, but you will need to find a balance between work, family and study. This is also an important factor to consider.
What should you look for when choosing an Online MBA?
The first thing to look for is an accredited institution. A school whose programmes have already been accredited is reliable and worth looking into. For your Online MBA, make sure that the programme have been positively reviewed for example by AACSB, AMBA or EQUIS.
The adequation of the Online MBA with your professional goals is another important factor. Programmes have different curriculums and specialisations. This is why defining your goals beforehand is so important. Once you know what skills you need, you will quickly see if the MBA you are considering will help you achieve your goal.
Take the time to examine the faculty. If professors are researchers specialising in the subjects you want to develop your skills in or if they are business leaders and innovators, this is very positive. You will have the insurance that you will learn practical research-based skills and gain first-hand knowledge that you can quickly apply in your company.
What outcomes can you expect?
As a working professional, the Online MBA you choose needs to have a clear and measurable impact on your career. On their websites, schools usually give key figures and detailed information about the outcomes of the programme.
They often explain what kind of jobs it prepares you for. Most MBAs equip participants for management positions, but there is often a specialisation or specific role you are preparing for. This is important information to consider as it will give you a clear idea of how your career can progress after graduation.
The outcomes can be enhanced by networking opportunities. You should only choose an Online MBA that allows you to build your professional network. Make sure you have plenty of opportunities to interact with other participants (for example through group projects) and thought leaders. An online programme has the advantage of bringing together professionals from different countries, making it a perfect opportunity to network outside your own country.
Other things to consider
There are many elements to consider, and their relative importance depends on your own priorities and goals. Here are some other factors that you should take into account:
- Can you count on an alumni network after you graduate? If the school can demonstrate that its alumni form a cohesive network, this is a clear advantage to find new opportunities.
- What additional support can you expect? For example, some schools offer leadership development programmes alongside the curriculum.
- Does the programme include courses on issues such as sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? Business leaders cannot ignore such problems and need to be able to provide innovative solutions to address them.
Start an Online MBA for working professionals with a top business school
As you can see, finding the best Online MBA for a working professional like you is a matter of self-reflection and patience. If you are looking for a programme from a prestigious international institution, EDHEC Business School has created its own Online MBA to complement its catalogue of programmes. As a pioneer in e-learning and a top-ranked school for MBAs, we are one of the best institutions to help you develop the skills you need to achieve your career goals.