Embracing the online MBA

Do employers view the online Master of Business Administration as any less an advanced degree than full-time institutional MBAs? Feedback from employers is online students are impressive insofar as they maintain current business knowledge and implement contemporary practices in the workplace whilst they undertake their MBA studies - so the answer is no.

The method of study matters little as compared to the quality of the program, online MBA programs utilise the same content as institutional MBAs. What students miss out on is the face-to-face networking opportunities and the ability to engage in face-to-face teamwork whilst undertaking case studies possibly limiting verbal communication skills.

However, this is balanced by the tendency by companies engaging virtual teams due to the increased utilisation of technology in the workplace; this is mirrored in the online MBA delivery embracing technology. Online students actively engaged in the workplace hold high levels of commercial awareness intimately understanding actual workplace challenges and issues.

Major universities and business schools have all embraced technology as a means to deliver effective tertiary education. Workplace experience counts, previously MBA candidates have about three years work experience with executive MBAs holding ten years or more experience in senior leadership positions.

The average age and experience of online MBA students is higher resulting in richer learning experiences for all students to take into account. An online MBA lacks networking opportunities but is a cost effective method to gain a business education.