The Value of an Online MBA

November 18, 2015

There's a lot of speculation about the value of an online MBA. Some say it gives you a competitive advantage in one of the fastest moving fields on the planet. Others say forget it; you don't need an MBA to succeed. But the real answer is this: you don't just need any MBA – you need the right one.

Your Search for the right MBA

Why get an MBA? Because if you're taught by faculty members who are in touch with what's going on in today's business world (which changes by the second), you will have a clear advantage over other candidates who are going for the same jobs.

There are plenty of MBA career opportunities out there, but companies are looking for business leaders with a very specific skill set, not just book-smart businesspeople. An MBA can help you with big-picture thinking, business ethics, and decision-making – all of which are essential as you try to take your career to the next level. It's not just about learning business; it's about learning how to be flexible so you can adapt to the business world as it evolves.

How to Prepare for the Right MBA Career Opportunities

Here's what you should look for in an online MBA program to make sure you are heading down the right path:

1. Real, Accessible Professors

Most online MBA programs have two separate sets of faculty – one that teaches online and one that teaches on campus (if they even have a campus). Look for programs that have the same professors teaching in both places, and preferably those with real, current experience in the business world.

2. Focus on Your Career

Some MBA programs teach you how to read. Some teach you how to lead. As a working professional, you already know that what you need to succeed in corporate America doesn't come from books – it comes from learning the right things from the right people (see #1). A good MBA program gives you skills that you can actually use in the workforce, not just theories.

3. Niche Programs

Earning a general MBA is smart. Earning one with a specific focus is even smarter. Specialized MBAs are ideal if you want to build in-depth expertise in a specific area of business like finance or supply chain management. This kind of background can make you stand out in a sea of standard business degrees.

4. A Global Perspective

It is essential to acquire the skills necessary to deal with all types of people and the cross-cultural business challenges they bring to the table. Make sure the program you choose prepares you for this.

5. Accolades

There is a reason why top universities celebrate high rankings and accreditation from organizations like the AACSB and U.S. News & World Report. When you find this kind of endorsement of an online program, it serves as confirmation that you're making the right decision.

The question you need to ask yourself isn't "Why get an MBA?" It's "Which MBA should I get?" The value of an online MBA program is only equal to the school you earn it from. Learn more about the Online MBA program offered by the Quinnipiac University School of Business.