With a master of business administration degree, you've set yourself apart from the competition. It tells potential employers that you've gone above and beyond the bachelor's level to understand the complexities of business —from practical management skills to emerging trends and beyond.You already know the basic perks of online MBA programs, like flexibility and time savings. But you may not have considered some of the more surprising advantages, from hands-on residency experiences to unprecedented networking opportunities.
Your Potential Explored
As more students with bachelor’s degrees flood the workforce, those with advanced degrees not only find themselves with increased earning potential but also enjoy the advantage of choosing their ideal jobs and employers. A recent survey by Global Employer Survey revealed the demand for professionals with an MBA increased by 12 percent from 2014 to 2015. Those who hold MBAs also earned on average about $30,000 more per year than those with bachelor's degrees, according to a comparison graph of salaries on Indeed.com.
Earning potential aside, pursuing your MBA online presents an opportunity to get out of your day-the-day work responsibilities and expose yourself to emerging trends. University of Miami business faculty regularly publishes in journals from prestigious universities such as Harvard and Columbia, and many own businesses themselves. These professors know that MBA students seek out-of-the-box challenges, too.
The School of Life
Your life is most likely already in full swing as a postgraduate, whether you're balancing a full-time career or family obligations. In contrast to the limiting structure of on-campus programs, online MBAs cater to busy, adult lives. UOnline's MBA makes flexibility its focus. There are a variety of class start times and options for participation and assignment completion. They empower you to create your own schedule rather than adhere to someone else's.
“Our online MBA program is specifically designed to provide the flexibility that busy working professionals need," says UM Professor and Vice Dean of Management Science, Dr. Anuj Mehrotra.
"While the content taught is similar to the on-campus program, we have designed a customized learning platform that allows students to effectively learn, discuss and track their progress on any device and at any time of day."
It's this sort of openness that has helped online programs carve out their own unique place in the educational landscape. And as these programs continue to gain a more positive reputation for balancing business competency and flexibility, you're more likely to earn your current company's blessings to further your education.
Residency Equals Immersion
UM has a reputation as a research institution, a place where even undergrads can engage in graduate-like intensive programs. Online learning encourages accessible, free form research, but residency learning helps bridge the gap between online and face-to-face education. Although UM gives you the option to take an online class, visiting the Coral Gables campus for an accelerated residency, either a one-day Orientation Weekend or a week-long Miami Residency immersion program, adds an invaluable human element to your MBA experience. You'll network in-person, hone practical team-building, leadership and deadline management skills and explore real-life challenges no classroom or online forum can entirely replicate. Some employers even provide time off to support their employee's investment in their careers.
Present and the Future
Future-proof your MBA and make sure it's attractive to employers by selecting a program with an AACSB accreditation. An Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation lets employers know that you've done your research and invested in a strictly-vetted program.
Even after graduation, your future network extends far beyond your Wi-Fi connection. UM's 180,000-strong network of alumni spans the globe. Alums are quick to offer their expertise and connections in fields spanning from finance to sports administration. Being part of a diverse group of peers means you can explore the global economy, not just the hometown landscape —connecting you with industry-leading professionals to help you take your career to the next level. As Dr. Mehrotra says, “[students] are seeing immediate results in their careers as they apply what they've learned in our customized online learning platform.”
References
Forbes: The 10 Most Under-Rated Reasons Why You Should Get an MBA
University of Miami: School of Business Administration: Faculty and Staff: Patricia S. Abril
University of Miami: School of Business Administration: Faculty and Staff: Amy Agramonte
Linkedin: Ten Essential Questions to Ask Before Doing an Online MBA Program
University of Miami: Online Professional MBA
U.S. News and World Report: Consider an Online MBA Program with a Residency Component
Harvard Business Review: Should You Get an MBA?
CBS News: What's an Online MBA Worth?
Indeed: Bachelors, Masters, PhD, MBA Salary
Employers Forecast Growth in MBA Demand for 2015
