Though it is a more favorable mode of education in USA and UK it is at a nascent stage in India. Online education is more popular among students, working professionals and even for work from home mums.

Appeal of Online MBA

There are nearly 40000 students pursuing online MBA across 90 institutions. Several recruiters are advising their employees to opt for such courses due to flexibility of such programs. Students of online MBA are generally students who do not wish to quit their jobs while studying. They are able to specialize in their respective fields and thereby they are getting practical and a theoretical knowledge. An online MBA program would provide students with reading materials in electronic form. They can even attend lectures according to their schedule. Students can clear their queries over mails, during live classes or on phone. There would be a virtual campus where teachers and students can interact over the internet.

An online MBA can be done by anyone as it is cost effective. Choosing an MBA program can be based upon your needs rather than the location. It saves mobility, financial resources and time.

B-Schools riding on the Online Wave

Management schools have started offering online MBA programs because they have realized that there are several middle level managers who would not want to leave their jobs to attend full time MBA program. Another reason for such online courses is that management schools also know that there is an acute shortage of managers at entry and middle level in the organizations.

Top B-Schools like IIM-Calcutta, IIM-Lucknow, Indian School of Business, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, XLRI Jamshedpur offer various management programs/ diplomas. IGNOU has got its alliance with NIIT Imperia which will help in delivering various management programs in a more effective manner.

Features of an Online MBA Program

People have started preferring online MBA over the traditional management programs. It is mainly because it is cost effective. There are virtual classrooms where students can interact. One can access through PC, Smart phone or Tablets and it even encourages anywhere-anytime learning. There are pre-recorded/live lectures from renowned management experts. There would be offline and online study materials. It will help in the development of the students as will get an opportunity to interact with students all over the world and exchange ideas and information.

How Can I Choose an Online MBA Program?

Today there are numerous institutes which provide online MBA but how do we choose the best among them. A good MBA program should be accredited. Accreditation ensures that there is quality education. You should never earn an MBA online degree which is not approved by proper authorities. For example National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) is approved by IAO (International Accreditation Organization), Houston (USA). Choosing the right curriculum which interests you is essential. For example if you are working as a Recruiter in an organization a specialization in Human Resource would be ideal. Some other factors to be considered are cost and course delivery. There should be enough interactions with students and professors. It is important to have a support staff as to whom you can ask questions or concerns or problems.

Thereby an online MBA program is designed for convenient access from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and it is enhancing the power of technology.

Trend tracking

If you take a closer look at the break up of students taking up this course, you will find that this is a top choice among female students for a number of reasons. According to statistics more than 6.1 million students in the US had taken up an online course last year. Out of this number 31% of them had enrolled in higher level programs such as Online MBA.

Taking a closer look at the stats, it suggests that there were more female students than male students across the board. Another observation that was made was that parents, married students or professionals were more likely to take up this program, when compared to others. So, it is pretty clear that female students preferred taking up this course more than males.

Gender bender

Women in the workforce have become a force to reckon with. This is largely owed to the fact that more and more women are taking a keen interest in their career rather than staying in the home front. It goes without saying that they have been able to make an unprecedented impact on the current job market and dynamics. There has been a 1.5% increase in the number of businesses started up by women, which means that over the past decade a 20% increase has taken place, which is commendable. In addition to that women pursuing higher studies have also gone up when compared to men.

These days the gender gap is closing in and since women are good at multi-tasking a sizable number of students are enrolling in online MBA classes. In this way, they work towards earning a Master’s degree in management that would certainly help them climb the corporate ladder. Increasingly one will be able to notice the fact that there are several noteworthy female leaders in the business world. For this reason more women are getting inspired to join this program to get ahead and have an equal say in corporate boardrooms.

The next step

Another reason that can be attributed to the growing number of female takers for online MBA is the fact this is the next step. Well, this program will not only give them the know-how but it would also give them the confidence and insight into this program that they will be able to shoulder bravely. This is because only 5% of the start-ups are by women and over 40% of companies don’t have women on their board, which is a disturbing fact. However, the availability of this program would certainly help bring a balance to these dynamics.

For instance, dreaming about becoming the CEO of a company and working towards it are two different things. If there is no pain, there will certainly be no gain. Therefore, what can you do to achieve your personal goals? Taking up an Online MBA would be a perfect start.

Why Online MBA?

For the most part, people are engaged in work or other commitments owing to which they might not be available to take up a full time MBA. However, this course provides an alternate route to them that would certainly help them more in the positive direction. This course would help acquaint students to the world of management at the same time it would be a convenient program to take up. In this way, they would be able to understand the theoretical part and correlate and apply it in practical situations.

Why take it up?

A major reason why a number of working professionals as well as students opt for an Online MBA is largely owed to the fact that they want to get ahead. This means that you would be able to find people who aren’t quite content with their current job or work scenario and they want to move up the ladder. When they take up this program and on its completion they would have acquired a host of new skill sets coupled with better management skills. These are desirable qualities that employers look for in employees.

Once an employee earns this degree they would be in a position to ask for a pay hike, if not a promotion based on their current qualifications. Apart from that there would be an improvement in their work performance as well. This way, the employee won’t just become more efficient they would be looked at as an asset to the company, which is necessary. Besides that this would serve to be a perfect intermediate stage before moving onto the next stage in attaining ones personal goals.

Make it work for you

As mentioned earlier, earning an Online MBA is a definite way in which one can achieve their personal goals. Therefore, this program will definitely help the student advance in their career without losing out on precious time. Apart from that they wouldn’t have to take a break from work as well, which means that all the time, effort and energy spent won’t go in vain. In addition to that it would be an excellent way to move ahead at the same time you can make this work for you. These are a few ways in which this program can prove to be beneficial for you.

Course structure

To begin with, all MBA programs would seem to be alike since they share the same course structure. The first year, would be power packed with general management subjects to acquaint the student to the work of business. This would be followed by a summer internship. Next, the student would have to take up a specialization. In order to receive the maximum benefit of taking up any program, it is essential that one takes up the right specialization.

Choice and Scope

There are a number of specializations that are available these days. Human resource, finance, chain management, digital marketing, publishing as well as media management are a few specializations that are offered by institutions. At least five to six options are offered by each institution at the end of the second year. Therefore, it is essential that the student identifies an area that they would want to work in and accordingly decide on the stream. For instance, if one wants to work as a recruiter, then a specialization in human resources would be ideal.

Important decision

Choosing a specialization is a task, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is largely owed to the fact that this is an important decision since it would have a direct relationship with the student’s career. Say, for instance, if a student interested in marketing ends up taking up a specialization in Information Technology and Systems, the role designated for each these two streams would be different.

The scenario described depicts that a student trained in a particular discipline, would be switching over to another functional area. As a result of this, it could dampen their career prospects with regard to finding their dream job since most businesses want candidates who are industry ready. Apart from that they would be less willing to invest in training new recruits as they would prefer hiring someone who knows the ropes. Therefore, it is essential that a student must think about their long term career goals and take up the specialization accordingly.

Summing it up

To sum it all up, it would be best for a student to take up a specialization that is related to a field of their choice. The course must be related to the career they want to take up in the future as well. Therefore, one needs to think about this before taking up any specialization.

Why take up this course?

Taking up a MBA related to digital marketing will help students understand what works and what doesn’t in this medium. Apart from that would be one way in which students will be able to learn from the business developers and gain a thorough understanding of the market. Apart from that students of Online MBA in digital marketing would be able to learn about customer segmentation, targeting, setting goals coupled with smart positioning techniques that would help out in business development. Therefore, the course will be quite hands on and will give students a clear idea of what the market is all about.

Where? How?

As mentioned earlier on, there are a host of institutes and colleges that are offering this program. In case, a student is interested in this area, then it would be very helpful if they opt for this program. This would be a better choice when compared to a general MBA. It is owed to the fact that this course is tailor made so that students would be able to understand this sector and its workings in the best possible manner. Therefore, it can be said that this course well help students become industry ready by the end of this two year course and join the work force immediately.

Advantages

Another advantage that students of Online MBA in digital marketing would be able to benefit from is the fact they will be able to pick up multiple skill sets. For one, this training which students receive would be multi-disciplinary, which means that they would be in a position where they would be able to excel in a number fields. Students who have completed this course would be in a position where they would certainly be able to take up a position in any established company in their digital marketing section. This is an excellent career prospect for students.

Summing it up

In case, you are wondering whether this program is only related to digital marketing then you have got it all wrong. This is largely owed to the fact that one would be able to gain a deep understanding of the situation at the same time learn a number of concepts and theories that would help them progress in their career. Needless to say, it would help them rise professionally, wherever they go. Therefore, if you are interested in this aspect then it would be best to go in for this specialized program.

Like Harish, several MBA aspirants are taking the world by storm. More and more students are applying to top universities all over the world. Now, the first thing that would cross the mind of most people is the fact that US is the topmost choice. However, even though this does hold good today, there are a number of people who prefer to take up courses in Singapore or on Europe. This is a trend that is quickly catching on and slowly get steadily is becoming a popular trend. However, there are a number of aspects that one needs to look at before taking up any option, more so, anything related to this one.

One of the major reasons why students are changing their loyalties from the US to other countries is owing to the fact that it is too expensive. This coupled with the fact that the economic scenario across the world isn’t too bright adds to this problem more so. In addition, to that one would be in a position where the best return on this investment isn’t the destination but what the place has on offer. Since Europe is an economic hub on its own right, people prefer taking this option up.

According to the statistics released by the Graduate Management Admission Council, which is a non profit that conducts the GMAT exams, there has been an increase in demand for management studies in other countries. Even though the US still retains the number one position, the number of Indian students taking up this option has fallen from 64% to 51% at present. If the numbers are correlated then it can be seen that there is a difference between 2008 and 2012.

Apart from that there has been an increase in interest shown by Indian students in Singapore, where the demand has gone up from 5%-8% in the last four years. Apart from that France’s share has grown from 4%-5% whereas UK’s has grown from 7%-8% over a period of time. Another interesting trend that has been observed is the fact that now an increasing number of Indian universities have begun accepting these scores as well. For this reason, it can be stated that Indian students are slowly yet steadily taking over this aspect. These are a few reasons why there has been a slump in admissions in certain places which has resulted in the spike in admission in other parts of the world.

For this reason, Bangalore has become a front runner when it comes to management education. It can be said that merely staying and navigating through the city, would serve to be a form of training that would help you take over the corporate world and come out on top. Are you interested to know more about this trend? Then continue reading.

When you really come to think of it, India is a country where over half the population is devoted to the game of cricket. Therefore, it would be politically correct to say that most people have more experience watching and learning than doing it themselves. For instance, learning to navigate through the city or negotiating a rent agreement is a management related skill that most people don’t even realise.

So, even before we know it everyone for that matter has these skills and in a big city, one would have to use them to get through day to day life here. This is one of the major reasons why the city has been able to attract several management aspirants. Apart from that as mentioned earlier, there are innumerable opportunities that are available here, since there are several companies.

This is an added advantage since students would be able to take up summer internships, work with organizations and get a feel of what they are going in for. Apart from that they would be in a position where they would be able to see what the industry needs are and accordingly hone their skills. So, it goes without saying that Bangalore offers wide exposure to the corporate world, in fact this is the best anywhere in the country.

Besides that students would be able to understand the needs and requirements of each company before applying for a position in them. This way they would be able to make an informed decision with regard to this. It is vital that they gain an understanding regarding this since industry experts are more likely to take up guest lecturers or for that matter the interaction with the industry would be at close quarters. This is extremely important when it comes to the overall development of a management student.

An intensive two year management program coupled with industry exposure is an excellent way in which one would be able to learn the ways of the world. In this way, you would no longer have to worry about industry exposure. Additionally, you would be in a position where you would no longer have to struggle to find opportunities. According to surveys, Bangalore is the top most choice among management students with regard to the quality of management education, industry exposure and job opportunities.

These are a few aspects that make management education popular in Bangalore.

Don’t waste time

The best part about taking up an Online MBA especially for experienced professionals is the fact that one won’t lose out on time spent at work. All the effort and hard work that you have poured into your work will not go in vein. For this reason, this will be an excellent option to take up. Apart from that you wouldn’t have to waste time unnecessarily as well. Since time is a major issue that most people fact these days, this would serve to be an excellent option to take up.

Learn and earn

Another aspect that you will be able to benefit from is the fact that you will be able to learn while you earn. Having a steady income would help you go about your life in a normal manner. At the same time this would be in a position where you will be able to try out all the theories and concepts. This would facilitate real time learning which is invaluable. Therefore, you needn’t have to worry about this aspect at all since you would have to think about taking up this option.

Update skill sets

There is another major aspect that one needs to take into consideration is the fact that this would be an option that would certainly help update your skill sets. In this way, it would certainly help you perform better at work. This would certainly help you receive better recognition at work at the same time you won’t have to worry about being left behind. Additionally, this would be an opportune option to take up.

Promotion or raise

The best thing about taking up an Online MBA is the fact that this would be in a position where you can ask for a raise. It is important that you do so at this time since it would definitely be something you won’t have to worry about anymore. In case, you are in line for a promotion, this degree would give you an edge in order to grab this opportunity. Besides that you can demand for a raise as well.

These are a few reasons that can be tied to the benefits that an experienced professional will be able to receive. Therefore, all you need to think about is the fact that you don’t have to worry about this anymore. So, this is definitely an option that you must consider taking up.

Increasing interest in Online MBA

As mentioned earlier, there has been an increase in the number of takers for Online MBA these days. Most of the applications received were from foreign students, which constituted nearly 45% of all the applications. Out of this China and India were leading the pack since both countries place an emphasis for the need for quality higher education. About 61% of the top students across all programs belong to the Indian student community. For this reason, Indian students receive a preference when they study abroad.

International appeal

Well, if you really think about would you pass up on an opportunity to receive an MBA degree from a top ranking university overseas. Most people would take up this without a second thought. However, if you have to option to take up the same program by taking up an Online MBA, which option would you go in for? Imagine that you can receive international standard education at the comfort of your home. This is one of the main reasons why this course has become a hot course that everyone wants to take up.

Is the program really worth it?

In the survey conducted by GMAC’s 2012 survey, taking into account the alumni’s perspective of whether or not take this up, most of them said it was worth it. Around 75% of the graduating class of 2011 were of the opinion that they wouldn’t have been able to land the jobs without their Online MBA program.

Around 90% were of the opinion that they got what they were looking for and that their expectations matched up the end results achieved. Additionally, 82% reported that the salary that they were offered met their expectations or even exceeded their expectations. Also, alumni who had passed out of this program more than 10 years back stated that this was an investment worth making.

Unique opportunity

Looking at the statistics, it is quite evident that this program would certainly be a value addition to anyone’s profile. Apart from that the international edge that it would give students as well as the holistic learning process would be invaluable. For this reason, it is vital that one needs to take this course into due consideration since with this course the sky isn’t the limit anymore. You could reach for the stars and achieve everything that you want to achieve.

Now, the first thought that would certainly cross your mind is whether you are too old for this program or not. The good news here is the fact that, you aren’t. Age is not a criterion when you plan to take up a part time MBA course. For one, you will be able to take up this program during your spare time. It means that this won’t eat up your office time nor would you have to quit your job in order to take this up. Besides that you will find yourself in a position where you can earn at the same time acquire new skills. The work experience that you have will certainly help you when you take this up since you will be able to pick up the concepts quickly. So, in this regard your age will be a boon rather than a bane.

Another aspect that a part time course can help you out with is the fact that you won’t have to think about attending a class with people half your age. It is true that you might have to attend a few contact classes, but apart from that you can study independently. This is an issue that older students have since it could be a few years since the time they have been in a classroom. It goes without saying that this course would certainly save you from the embarrassment. Apart from that people who are unable to take out the time to take on a full time course would certainly be benefitted from this program.

As mentioned earlier there are several takers for this program because of the convenience that it provides. For instance, if a fresher is gaining work experience at the same time is pursuing this course side by side, it would be invaluable since they would be able to make the best out of this. Then when it comes to older students they would have the liberty to study at their own pace and not have to worry about catching up with anyone else. For this reason, it could serve to be an excellent option as well. Therefore, it would be safe to say that age doesn’t really matter when you think about taking up a part time MBA. Regardless of whether you or old or young, this is an option which is suitable for everyone.