Increasing Demand for Online MBA: A Path to Success in the Evolving Work Landscape
The traditional narrative surrounding MBA pursuits often revolves around young aspirants dedicating themselves to full-time on-campus programs. However, a shift in discourse is underway, emphasizing the need for mid-career professionals to consider a second MBA as upskilling becomes imperative. Sunanda Rao, a Career Coach, sheds light on this evolving trend.
With the emergence of domains like Data Science, Metaverse, Digital Marketing, and Fintech, the industry demands a skill set beyond traditional management studies.
Recognizing an impending skill crisis, the solution comes in the form of the new-age approach: online MBA.
While remote business degrees are not new, the perception of distance-learning programs being subpar has hindered their acceptance. However, driven by the changing work culture and innovative learning techniques, the tide is turning. The new work culture emphasizes constant upskilling, making an industry-aligned online MBA a viable solution for professionals seeking career advancement.
Online programs offer flexibility, with expert-delivered recorded lectures allowing learners to balance their studies with full-time commitments. The self-paced learning model further attracts professionals, enabling better assimilation of the curriculum without the pressure of keeping up with a traditional class.
The online MBA’s advantage extends to the flexibility it offers to universities in securing top-notch instructors for recorded lectures, who can later serve as personal mentors for candidates. Mentorship from industry leaders not only prepares candidates for more challenging roles but also facilitates career switches without compromising success trajectories.
For new entrants, an online MBA provides an affordable route to success, bridging the skill gap between entry-level positions and more senior roles. Despite initial skepticism about Online Distance Learning (ODL), the pandemic has shown a marked preference for online learning, particularly for acquiring complex skills.
Novel learning techniques, such as Simulation-based Learning (SBL), are gaining traction, offering an immersive experience that deepens understanding and improves retention. Successful completion of challenging remote programs delivered through such technologies aligns well with the emerging trend of a remote-first work culture.
In this context, UpGrad, a prominent online education platform, offers an online MBA that has significantly benefited working professional students. This program reflects the evolving needs of the industry and technology, providing relevant and adaptable content for both recruiters and learners in the contemporary work environment.
