The Rise of Online MBAs: Navigating the New Roadmap to Success
The conventional notion surrounding the pursuit of an MBA typically revolves around young professionals who can commit to full-time, on-campus programs. However, there’s a growing understanding that mid-career individuals also benefit from upskilling, potentially through a second MBA. Dr. Kunjal Sinha, Director of the Centre for Continuing Education and Online Learning at Parul University, emphasizes this shift.
The rise of domains like Data Science, Metaverse, Digital Marketing, and Fintech suggests a need for skills beyond traditional management studies, hinting at a looming skill crisis. Thus, the solution lies in online MBAs.
While remote business degrees aren’t new, they’ve been hindered by perceptions of inferiority. However, this is changing due to evolving work cultures and innovative learning methods. Companies now demand continuous upskilling, aligning with changing technologies and market trends.
Online MBA programs provide flexibility and expert-led recorded lectures, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace while managing work commitments. Learners prefer online learning, especially for complex skill acquisition, owing to its effectiveness demonstrated during and after the pandemic.
Online MBAs also offer mentorship from industry leaders, enabling candidates to take on more challenging roles and even switch careers without hindering their progress.
For newcomers facing a broad skill barrier between entry-level and senior positions, online MBAs offer an affordable path to success while accruing industry experience.
Despite initial skepticism, emerging learning techniques like Simulation-based Learning (SBL) promise to enhance understanding and retention, potentially making online education even more effective.
In summary, the relevance of online MBAs lies in adapting to evolving industry and technological landscapes, ensuring both recruiters and learners stay ahead by embracing change in content, acceptability, and delivery methods.
