With today’s technological advancements, it is popular to attend school online and earn various degrees. Besides basic four-year programs, many individuals are receiving MBAs over the Internet. This type of learning provides flexibility. However, it is important to understand how employers feel about these programs.
Why People are Interested in Continuing Education
A master’s degree in business administration opens many career doors for students. A survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council found 86 percent of MBA graduates gained employment following graduation. Approximately 93 percent of these students received jobs not available before completing an MBA program.
What Employers Think
As a larger number of individuals face time restrictions that limit their abilities to complete conventional master’s degree programs, a high number of people are turning to online learning. Employers are beginning to view online degrees as legitimate replacements for on-campus learning. One of the largest management counseling firms, The Parthenon Group, explains most HR departments do not look negatively upon online MBAs. In fact, a study in the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration uncovered most employers would consider anyone holding an online MBA for a new position or promotion. No emphasis would be placed on where a candidate earned his or her master’s degree. Since most companies are accepting online MBA certificates, employers are seeing first-hand how well these professionals have been prepared and trained.
Choosing the Right School
Despite the high employer approval rates of people with online MBAs, it is important for a student to select a program from a reputable institution. An online degree may still bring skepticism, especially when it is earned from a questionable institution or at a school that touts easy lessons.
When employers are searching for workers, recruiters often look at the school where the online MBA was earned. A college or university with a strong reputation and national recognition is essential. It is a positive sign that schools like Harvard and Yale are now introducing online degree options. Duke University’s executive MBA program is largely Internet-based as well.
Consider Your Current Firm
Before enrolling in an online MBA program, it is wise to consult with your current firm or business. Management should be willing to discuss how your particular workplace views this type of degree. Your boss may be the deciding factor between enrolling online or choosing another avenue for education. However, most employers are extremely understanding. For over a decade, famous companies have encouraged employees to follow the route of extended education. Intel, one of the largest and most well-known technology companies, pays employees to earn MBAs from different Internet programs.
Over the last few years, online education has seen a decrease in negative stigma. As more and more reputable schools begin to offer four-year degrees and MBA programs, most employers will view online certificates in the same light as degrees earned through conventional classroom learning. The Internet has taken the world by storm and dominates most of today’s communication. There is no reason why employers would disrespect an online MBA program that supplies adequate knowledge and training.
