Online MBA: Who Should Pursue It, And Which Fields Are Best Suited For? Know Everything Here

According to UGC data, there was an ongoing demand for online MBA graduates, which witnessed 28,956 online MBA enrollments.

In the academic year 2022–23, around 66 universities were offering 371 online programs. (Representational Image))

Source : getty

Amidst the rise of cutting-edge technology, the world has universally shifted towards virtual solutions, and the education industry is no exception to that. Active participants in this transformation era have witnessed that the on-campus programmes are now operational in a blended mode of online and offline lecture delivery. This has led to substantial development in the value of accredited online MBA programs that come up with great opportunities, especially in countries like India. Recent data shows that the online education market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.9% by 2027, which many factors, such as the rising cost of on-campus education, less motivation, and the growing demand for professional and skilled workers, have influenced.

According to UGC data, there was an ongoing demand for online MBA graduates, which witnessed 28,956 online MBA enrollments. Following the demand, over 200 colleges in India started offering students online MBA courses at their convenience. In particular, note that 9% of them are government institutes. Moreover, in the academic year 2022–23, around 66 universities were offering 371 online programs. 30 deemed-to-be universities were offering students 166 online courses, while 20 state universities were offering 112 online programs, providing students with a wide range of options to choose from. Notably, recruiters are now receptive to the capabilities of online MBA graduates, especially if the online MBA is done at reputed b-schools like XLRI with AMBA or AACSB accreditation.

Who Should Consider An Online MBA?

Online MBAs are feasible, pocket friendly and accessible to a wide range of learners, including working professionals with family responsibilities. They have the flexibility to learn at their own pace and continue advancing in their careers without discontinuing their jobs. Providing these facilities makes online MBAs the future of education.

Which Field Is Best Suited For An Online MBA?

Embarking on a professional journey with an online MBA course can open the door to various sectors like marketing, finance, accounting, and human resources, which have been serving the economy as growth drivers. To excel in any field, students must opt for cross-specialization and hybrid skills, which can be taught through online MBA courses. Students should conduct thorough research and find out the current market trends that align with their skills and long-term career goals.

What Are the Scopes After Completing An Online MBA Degree?

Chat forums and online discussions through an online MBA program serve as a unique window to ensure that students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise, which is readily accessible at their fingertips, making them industry leaders. These enriching interactions can also help them apply to industries such as consulting, banking, finance, technology, and healthcare. Some of the reputed positions include financial analyst, marketing manager, operations manager, human resources manager, business development manager, project manager, data scientist, and more.

Advantages Of Doing An Online MBA

Online MBA programs are designed to match the on-campus curriculum to the greatest extent feasible. The course content is delivered via online live lectures, recorded sessions, and interactive video conferences. Some of the top online programs include career coaching sessions and placement fairs for potential students. There are top universities like XLRI Jamshedpur that offer accelerated one-year programs, while others offer extended part-time programs spanning up to two to five years. These flexibilities help students meet their needs and schedules.

Online MBA programs offer content and renowned professors comparable to their traditional on-campus counterparts. The courses are led by a team of instructors who deliver high-quality education, in-person classes, ensuring consistency in teaching excellence.

Moreover, students are empowered to employ experiential methods to validate their understanding of business principles, such as meticulously crafted projects and comprehensive assignments. These valuable methods help students ensure a profound understanding of a concept before delving into another. Additionally, students can continue to work so they don’t miss out on their monthly salary checks, and they can avoid costs associated with relocation and commuting. This strategic balance highlights an individual’s commitment to both knowledge and financial prudence.

How Does The Industry Perceive An Online MBA Degree?

In the early days, industry recruiters were skeptical about accepting online MBA graduates, but in the wake of the transformative educational era, their perceptions changed. There has been a significant shift in technology and resources that has prompted many applicants worldwide to opt for an online MBA degree. Moreover, recruiters are now placing a great emphasis on the virtual medium of education and recognizing the value of online MBA programs, facilitating access for deserving candidates. Furthermore, these changing perceptions have been accompanied by an increasing demand for upskilling, indicative of the necessity for skill development in fast paced industries. Balancing family responsibilities can make traditional training difficult. Online MBA programs provide flexibility and accessibility, with the added benefit of recorded sessions, making them a convenient option for advancing one's career.

In the pre-internet era, we witnessed that classic distance learning programs were the cornerstone of education. However, with the growth of technology and connectivity, education has spread virtually, and online MBAs have come a long way,  shifting from skepticism to acceptance. This paradigm shift has encouraged esteemed institutions to transcend geographical boundaries and usher in a new era of education accessible to every individual. With this progressive spirit, we believe that a world of knowledge is now accessible for potential individuals, regardless of their geographic location or social background.

(This article is provided by XLRI Jamshedpur)