Is Online MBA really worth it?

Have you ever considered an online MBA? Or do you think an online MBA can get a package of 29 Lakh CTC?

Recently, a lot of players have come up in the ed-tech industry. They provide online MBA to young professionals.

In this career insight, we will do a 3 point analysis to conclude whether an online MBA is worth it or not.

1. Network

So, you must be wondering how your peers and network help your growth.

I did my undergraduation at St. Stephens College and my MBA at ISB Hyderabad. I have time and again, taken and provided help to those who come from the same institutions. It has helped me advance my career and work for organisations such as BCG and Tony Blaire Institute.

This means that the quality and diversity of your peers is going to be an extremely important deciding factor on whether you should do an online MBA or not.

2. Learnings

2.1 Synchronous Learning

So online MBA can be in the form of active or passive (like Coursera) teachings.

It is typically said that you learn better in an active and interactive mode. This is specifically in the case of acquiring business acumen and soft skills.

2.2 Asynchronous Learning

Then there are certain things that you may want to do at your own pace, which is asynchronous learning. This form of passive style learning is also important.

Thus, the best education systems operate at an intersection of both these types of learning.

At my own education venture, Global Governance Initiative, we have built an Artificial Intelligence-based learning and practising case interview preparation tool. This form of hybrid learning ensures that you are not entirely dependent on the institution for your growth.

If you are curious to know what are the necessary skills to excel in an MBA program, then check out my article here.

3. Return on Investments

I always maintain that paper degrees by themselves are futile.

Coming from a middle-class family in India, I can not justify paying a bomb for just a degree and no practical learning. Gone are the days when a simple degree could satisfy your ego or get you employment.

It is becoming very hard for MBA graduates to get promising employment. Thus, you should always connect with alumni on LinkedIn and ask if they gained employment after the program. Checking with the community is always the best method to understand the true value of what is marketed by these institutions.

You can check out my article on the reality of MBA packages here.

If you need more help getting into management consulting and product management, feel free to check out my education venture- Global Governance Initiative. We invite industry leaders to host Masterclasses and teach our students the hard and soft skills required to excel in their careers.

Author: Shatakshi Sharma, Co-CEO Global Governance Initiative, Ex-BCG Management Consultant, Former Policy Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

If you are interested in learning about GGI's MBA Scholar program, you can learn here.