Opinions on online mba degrees?
Are they worth the money and time? Did they increase your earning potential? Are there networking opportunities? Do they even offer career services?
Are online MBAs worth the time and money? ABSOLUTELY, assuming you do your due diligence and select one that is properly accredited. I was able to accelerate my MBA program and earned it in less than a year and spent a little under $4000. The course work was rigorous and the instructors were dedicated to ensuring that I was properly educated. My online MBA allowed me to change career paths quite seamlessly. I truly don't understand why people insist on talking down on online MBA programs (online programs in general) because it takes TRUE dedication to attend classes in a not a structured environment.
Who did you do it through?
I have a traditional MBA and some of my friends have gotten online or mixed (mostly online with 1-2 weekends in person per semester). These are the main differences I've found:
Traditional Full-time MBA: For career switchers, people trying to get new jobs in big branded companies, serious entrepreneurs or venture capitalists. Need large strongly-supported network even after graduation. Jobs generally easier to get, especially if you recruit during school.
(I'm looking for work right now post-MBA because I did not recruit in school, and although the process is slower, random alumni I've never met have been extremely helpful.)
Online/Part-time MBA: For those who are happy with their current company/job and/or do not want to or cannot leave for graduate school. May need MBA for "stamp of approval" to get a promotion in current company. May use MBA for small moves later in career.
(A friend of mine did online/mixed and almost all students in her class were continuing at their companies. A few would dabble in entrepreneurship or a different field than their own on the side. My boyfriend did a part-time MBA and most his classmates were students of other fields or nurses/medical professionals looking to add to their degrees/experiences. He used his MBA to make a pivot into the military, but didn't necessarily need a big-box MBA program to do so.)
Full-time MBA programs are costly but wonderful depending on your needs. Online may be a better option if you're staying with your current company and/or not looking to change career paths. Hope this helps!
This is a really good question. I started my MBA program in person and finished remotely when I needed to relocate for work. I would just heavily consider what you want to get out of your MBA and the return on investment. Is this just a box you need to check for your next career move? An online MBA may be a good fit and provide the flexibility to pursue it at a reduced cost. Are you interested in making a pivot and using an MBA to accomplish that? In person is probably a better choice so you can network with your classmates and learn about what they do.
This may just be a "me" bias, but I think I operated under the impression that if I got my MBA, jobs would come to me. There's still a lot of self discovery and planning that your MBA program may not provide. A career coach is a good asset for this portion of the journey.
I had the same thought in my mind!
How does it help in networking when you are virtually present?