Is getting an MBA worth it for working professionals? 

Are you a working professional aiming to take your career to new heights? The question on everyone’s mind is, “Is an MBA worth it for working professionals?” Well, let’s cut to the chase and dive right in! 

You’re on a fast-paced career journey, but you know there’s more to conquer. You crave those leadership roles, the strategic decision-making power, and the chance to shine in the corporate spotlight. That’s where an MBA comes into play – a game-changer that can redefine your professional trajectory! 

“But I already have a job, how can I possibly make time for an MBA course.” Online MBA for working professionals is the answer. With prestigious institutions offering world-class education at your fingertips, you can pursue your MBA dreams without hitting pause on your current responsibilities.  

You might wonder, “Can an online MBA truly match up to the on-campus experience?” From top-notch curriculum to unwavering mentorship, and from engaging learning material to dedicated student support – it’s all there, just a few clicks away! 

Also read: Top reasons to consider an online MBA

Why should a working professional pursue an MBA? 

An MBA is a good career option because if you want to grow as a working individual. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is in higher demand than ever, and more people opt for it because of the real-world skills students can acquire.  

Many recruiters consider an MBA degree holder a great asset to the company due to the knowledge and skills they possess. MBA is highly important and useful to advance your career or for better job prospects. 

You can pursue an MBA right after you finish your undergraduate degree or a full-time job. An MBA degree helps improve certain important skill sets that recruiters are looking for in their employees. An MBA degree in your resume will easily help you stand out from your competitors and gain a complete advantage over them.  

Check out: Top MBA programs for working professionals 

How will an MBA help in the career of a working professional? 

Pursuing an MBA helps the most in the career of a working professional as it accelerates the career path of the working individual. Many companies require the individual to hold an MBA degree to hire you in a mid-management role. MBAs can completely change the direction of your career path for good, and it comes with several advantages as well, especially if it is from a recognized business school. Here are a few key benefits of an MBA for working professionals: 

• Skill enhancement: An MBA program equips working professionals with a diverse set of skills, including leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making. These skills are essential for career advancement and personal growth. 
• Career advancement: An MBA can significantly boost career prospects and open up opportunities for higher-level management positions. The knowledge gained in areas such as finance, marketing, and operations management can make professionals more competitive in the job market. 
• Networking opportunities: MBA programs often provide ample networking opportunities with fellow students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals. Building a strong network can lead to valuable connections and potential job offers. 
• Entrepreneurial endeavors: For those interested in starting their own business or venture, an MBA can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as an entrepreneur. 
• Higher earning potential: On average, MBA graduates tend to earn higher salaries compared to those without an MBA, especially as they progress in their careers. 
• Global exposure: Many MBA programs offer international study trips, exchange programs, or global business projects, which provide exposure to different markets and cultures, enhancing a professional’s global perspective. 
• Career switching: An MBA can facilitate a smooth transition to a different industry or function, allowing professionals to pivot their careers effectively. 
• Credibility and prestige: Holding an MBA from a reputable institution can enhance an individual’s credibility and prestige in the eyes of employers, clients, and colleagues. 

Is work experience necessary for an MBA? 

No, most business schools in India don’t require work experience to start your MBA program. However, a few years of work experience gives you an added advantage over freshers.  

But if you have a fixed career goal and are ambitious enough to pursue further knowledge in your field of interest, then you should opt for the MBA program right after your undergraduate degree. By the end of your two-year MBA course, you will have a clearer idea of your career goals and quickly find jobs.  

Read more – What kind of work experience is required for an MBA 

Is it a good idea to pursue an MBA after gaining some work experience? 

It is a good idea to pursue an MBA after gaining work experience as there are numerous advantages. Concerning your career, your experience in the field holds much more importance than a degree. So, by gaining work experience, you are already a few steps ahead of your peers. 

Below are some of the advantages of pursuing an MBA with work experience – 

• Better clarity 

You will have clearer goals regarding where you are heading and your career path with some years of work experience in hand. Once you have a better and solid career plan ready, you can move on to pursue an MBA to strengthen your chances of excelling in your field. 

• Improved skill set 

After working in a corporate environment, you will develop certain soft skills that will prove to be highly valuable for you in the future. You will be acquainted with some real-world skills such as communication and interpersonal skills that, along with an MBA course, will easily land you your dream job in the future. 

• Practical experience 

An individual with work experience will understand the practicality of the concepts taught in the MBA programs, which will help them better understand the problems and offer sensible solutions. Having a practical viewpoint is important to grasp the teachings better and to understand the real-world applications of the same.  

• Fast-tracked career 

After you have gained a few years of work experience, it will be easier for you to land jobs of your interest right after you have finished your MBA, and there is no doubt that you will have a better hold in getting a job with the MBA certification and the previous work experience. 

Also read: How to get an MBA while working full-time 

Is MBA a good career option for you?

An MBA can significantly impact the careers of working professionals. It opens doors to higher-level management positions, enhances leadership abilities, and increases earning potential. The program provides a versatile skill set, global exposure, and networking opportunities, enabling professionals to pivot industries or launch entrepreneurial ventures. With its credibility and problem-solving focus, an MBA empowers individuals for long-term career success.

Best careers after an MBA for working professionals 

• Senior Product Manager 
• Investment Banker 
• Management Consultant 
• Director of Operations 
• Business Development Manager 
• Data Scientist 
• Supply Chain Manager 
• Marketing Director 
• IT Manager 
• Human Resources Director 
• Financial Manager 
• Financial Analyst 
• Healthcare Administrator 
• Sales Director 

Also read: How working professionals are upskilling with Online Manipal 

Why is an online MBA a great choice for working professionals? 

As for pursuing an MBA while working a full-time job, an online MBA is an ideal solution. Reputed institutions today offer online MBA courses that are equivalent in quality to on-campus programs, ensuring that working professionals can access the same level of education, curriculum, and support. Here’s how online MBA programs cater to the needs of working professionals: 

• Flexibility: Online MBA programs offer flexibility in terms of class timings, allowing professionals to attend live classes during evenings or weekends when they are available. 
• Live and recorded classes: One can benefit from the live online classes that are usually held in evenings and weekends. If someone misses a live session due to work commitments, they can access recorded classes later, ensuring they don’t fall behind in their studies. 
• Work-life balance: Online MBA programs enable working professionals to manage their job and studies effectively, striking a better work-life balance. 
• Learning material: The learning material provided in online MBA programs is comprehensive and on par with on-campus programs, ensuring the same level of academic quality. 
• Mentorship and support: Online MBA students receive mentorship and support from experienced faculty members, just like their on-campus counterparts. 
• Interaction and collaboration: Virtual classrooms facilitate interaction and collaboration among students, providing a dynamic learning experience. 
• Placement assistance: Reputed online MBA programs often offer placement assistance and support, helping graduates secure career opportunities. 
• No geographical constraints: Online MBA programs allow professionals to enroll in top institutions worldwide without the need to relocate, broadening their options for education. 

Overall, an online MBA offers working professionals a convenient and effective pathway to acquire valuable skills, enhance their career prospects, and achieve their professional goals without compromising their current job commitments. 

Check out: Common doubts about online MBA 

Do an online MBA without quitting your job 

Now you don’t have to quit your job to pursue an MBA online. You can easily juggle work and MBA studies with time management and planning. Moreover, the online MBA courses are designed to keep in mind the stresses of managing the work environment with studies. So the road is straight and clear. If you are passionate about building a strong career, don’t think twice and sign up for the online MBA course to advance your career and reach greater heights. 

Choose Manipal Academy of Higher Education for a recognized online MBA 

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers an online MBA course that is at par with other on-campus MBAs. It is the right choice if you are a working professional. The online MBA program from MAHE lets you choose from a wide range of specializations and offers high-quality business education.  

As a working individual, you can focus on your job fully and study at your own pace, and the course is designed to allow flexibility in choosing when to study. This will ensure no interruptions with your busy work schedule. 

Upon completing the online MBA program, you will receive a certificate from one of India’s leading educational institutes, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). This will be a great addition to your list of qualifications in your resume. The curriculum of the online MBA program is designed in such a way that it benefits the pressure-filled lives of working individuals.  

Moreover, you will get the opportunity to interact with, learn from and gain insights from the top experts in Business Management directly, which will enhance your skills and give clarity to your career goals ensuring growth in your career after your MBA.  

MAHE Goes Online! 

Bottom line  

You might ask yourself, is MBA required for career growth? The answer is Yes. Today nearly every undergraduate degree holder is looking to complete an MBA, and it is a major requirement for almost all high-level positions in the corporate world. MBA enhances your career and offers numerous opportunities that will help you improve your job prospects and grow in your career.  

MAHE’s online MBA program will prepare you for the ever-changing business world and improve your skill sets. See how an online MBA will add value to your career by learning from the top experts, gaining insights and applying the knowledge for your career growth. 

Key takeaways: 

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is a postgraduate degree that provides theoretical and practical knowledge of business management. 
• MBA is a great career option for students and working individuals to advance their careers and have better job prospects. 
• You do not have to quit your current job to pursue an MBA. You can easily manage both work and MBA if you enroll for an online MBA