How an online MBA programme can help you meet your professional goals

In today’s modern job market, ambitious individuals looking to progress into leadership positions need to give themselves a competitive edge. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) can be the puzzle piece which elevates your career and professional growth towards higher earning potential and better career prospects.

MBA degrees are valued highly by employers. According to a survey by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), MBA graduates earn double the amount of undergraduate business degree holders and more than double than those with another postgraduate business qualification.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of earning an MBA, the benefits of studying online, and what to look for when choosing an online MBA programme.

What are the benefits of earning an MBA degree?

As well as increasing your earning potential, having an MBA degree can benefit you and your career in many other ways.

Being able to put your MBA degree on your CV will open doors to new career opportunities, enabling you to climb the professional ladder. If you want to change career paths, showing that you’ve been self-motivated enough to learn in your own time will also encourage employers into thinking you’ll hit the ground running when learning a new industry, too.

MBA courses give you an in-depth level of skills and knowledge in business practices. You’ll learn more about the business as a whole, develop key leadership skills, and will also improve your soft skills such as critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving – all of which make you an excellent candidate in a competitive workforce.

On a personal level, you’ll develop your perspective of business and international relations, adding nuance to your understanding and the ability to think more deeply about issues. By studying online, you’ll also connect with peers across the world which will grow your global professional network.

What are the benefits of studying online?

Studying online is ideal for people who want more flexibility in their learning that can be offered through on-campus and in-person programmes. It’s also less costly, too, as you won’t need to pay to relocate or commute to hit your career goals.

Many online programmes are taught part-time, allowing you to fit your studies around a full-time job or familial commitments. By continuing to earn and learn, you’ll be able to apply your studies to your current role, giving you hands-on experience which will develop your skills more quickly, putting you in prime position for promotion upon graduation.

What to look for when choosing an online MBA programme

There are many things to look for when choosing an online MBA programme, and your needs may differ from other people’s so make sure you do your research when considering universities or higher education institutions to make sure you’ll be able to get what you need from studying with them. 

While rankings are a good indication of how a university is perceived, each online MBA will differ.

How flexible is the degree?

If you do want to keep working or have other personal or professional commitments which you need to fit your studies around, you’ll need a programme which is flexible. 

Some MBA programmes are carried out asynchronously, enabling you to access course materials, lectures, and coursework assignments at a time and a place that suits you. This option offers maximum flexibility, as you have full control of your schedule and can decide when you study.

How is online study carried out?

Are all the course materials pre-recorded or will you need to be available for some live sessions? Where does learning take place – in an interactive online learning platform or elsewhere?

Some degree programmes supply a week-to-week list of work to complete, making it easy to stay on schedule and see what your upcoming week looks like, enabling you to work it around other plans or your personal life. You may also want a programme where you can connect with other MBA students, so check to see if there are forums or discussion groups available for you to do this.

What kind of academic support will be available?

You may be a prospective student who just wants to work through material at your own pace, but some may want to know how much academic support is available if you have any questions to raise in between online lessons.

Look to see how assignment feedback is administered and if faculty members keep office hours where you’re able to pop in and gain further direction if you’re stuck.

Does the degree have an accreditation?

Some MBA degrees come with recognised accreditations which will help to boost your CV in the real-world. Do some research online to see if your chosen MBA offers this, or if it’s an option for the specialism you’re opting for.

What kind of success have alumni achieved?

Being able to see what business school alumni network of the online MBA degree have gone on to achieve is a good indication on how effective the programme and the teaching is. Many university websites will include testimonials on this so you can see where their alumni have improved their careers from studying with them.

Some education providers may also connect you with their alumni as part of the course as part of their career services offering. This will give you a good opportunity to ask them questions, and will also give you networking opportunities to grow your professional network.

What skills will you develop?

Employers are looking for individuals who have a good mix of business education and skills and soft skills, particularly when aiming for leadership roles.

Check to see if this skill set balance is addressed in the online MBA you’re interested in, as developing these skills will make you a good, well-rounded candidate for management roles.

Are there specialisms to suit your needs?

Many MBA providers offer specialist pathways which will give you a more in-depth knowledge of a certain aspect of business, enabling you to hone in on an area through elective modules.

If your career growth plan is directed into a certain concentration, being able to show business leaders that you’re an expert in a certain area will put you in good stead. Certain specialisms alongside the Executive MBA may include entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, marketing, and more.

Is financial aid available?

Much like full-time MBA degrees carried out on-campus, many online MBA degrees will also offer financial aid options for those looking for help in funding their studies.

This information on help with tuition fees should be available to you before you fill out your MBA application, so check the course pages of your chosen institution.

Start your MBA journey with Sheffield Hallam University

If you’re looking for career advancement in the business world, study an online MBA with Sheffield Hallam University. The degree takes place in a tailored online environment which can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, making your learning experience flexible to suit you.

In this course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of business management whilst developing the essential soft skills that employers are looking for.