Regular MBA or Online MBA?

Whether to do a regular MBA or an online MBA is a question faced by many of aspirants planning to? do this post graduation management degree..

Let us have a look at the advantages of an Online MBA:

1. Study anytime anywhere - You need to have access to the internet and using the learning management system offered by the online MBA degree provider will have the facility to complete the course modules. The recorded live sessions are also available in case a student cannot attend a live lecture when it is conducted.

2. Flexibility to choose the online exam schedule - There is flexibility to choose your exam schedule/time slot provided by many online education providers.

3.Online MBA at par with regular MBA - As per the latest UGC notification it says that an online degree will be provided an equal status with respect to the same course done in regular /in-campus mode.?

4. Cost Benefit - An online MBA is less costly as compared to the regular MBA.

5.?Degree along your Job - As you keep working in your job you add two years of work experience and also you get an online MBA degree in 2 years.

6. Sponsorship- Many employers may sponsor you for an online MBA as your contribution to the organization does not stop plus you acquire an MBA degree in 2 years which the organization can put you into a upgraded role once you complete your online MBA?

7.Alumni Base- Being an online degree your Alumni base is going to be larger in short span of time as large no of students do online versus as limit on the capacity of regular mode MBA programs.

Limitations of an online MBA- Regarding Job offers and placements - The way companies visit campus for providing job offers the experienced professional/fresher may have challenges in getting the placement offers as compared to that of regular MBA program. The experienced professional may face challenge in case look at a role switch/change of stream.

Advantages of regular MBA programs:

1. Learning on campus - Your interaction with your peer group is very high in campus environment.

2. The Alumni Connect - Being on campus and in person interaction with your fellow mates the bonding and?connect that you make with your batch mates is much stronger as compared to the connect over online MBA program.

3. Job opportunities/Placements - Companies over the years have used the in campus hiring as management trainees for 2 year MBA program.

4. Career Transition - In case a MBA student has been in sales for 2 years prior to joining MBA program he/she can change a stream by way of choosing a specialization for which he/she wants to change. As a student chooses MBA in Human Resource Management will be eligible to apply for and get a job in field of Human Resource Management.

5. Tougher entrance process for MBA - Regular MBA programs have a tougher process of selecting students to join the regular MBA program vs MBA Online programs. (MBA Entrance test scores (CAT/GMAT etc.)/Group Discussion/Personal Interview). This gives you the edge to be the best of the best and learn from the best in a regular MBA.

6. Regular MBA cost is much higher than an online MBA

As we can see that each of the MBA be it online or regular have their own advantages and limitations.

Depending upon the need and requirement a student should carefully weigh the pros and cons and then decide for the MBA he/she would like to go for. Short listing a college or a university can be based on the National and International Ranking, Alumni Engagement, Alumni itself, word of mouth publicity. Social media offers varied sources for a student to understand the culture and type of educational institution. (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) offers lot of information. Apart from the information available through online sources one should try to connect?few of the Alumni and speak to them. Wherever possible meet the students and faculty in campus to get an in depth view of the course and its offerings.Would love to hear from you , your thoughts on the same !

Your comments/suggestions/feedback are welcome - please email at [email protected] -Dr. Subodh @ Manav Rachna University

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