Is an Online MBA a good option for a mid-career professional? 

While many suggest pursuing an MBA degree in the early 20s, as one has lesser responsibilities and is yet to enter the work environment, some beg to differ. As per the Graduate Management, Admission Council reports, the proportion of candidates for the two-year full-time MBA program having work experience of more than six years rose from 24% to 51%. The bi-fold increase in the percentage indicates the preference for an MBA degree while individuals are in the mid-stage of their professional careers. 

MBA isn’t for everybody but can add tremendous value for those willing to pursue it. While the statistics have their say, the real question that arises is, ‘Is a mid-career MBA worth it?’. Here are a few checkpoints that will help you decide and conclude.

What is your motive for pursuing a mid-career MBA?

Being crystal clear about your motive will save you a lot of time and headaches as an MBA degree requires proper commitment and is time-consuming. Why do you want to do this MBA at this point? Is your aim to expand your portfolio, build your professional network, or help you progress in your career? A clear idea about these questions will give you a proper understanding if you have to go ahead with a mid-career MBA.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years post the mid-career MBA?

If career progression is why you want to do an MBA, ask yourself where you see yourself 5 to 6 years from now. Unless and until you have a clear career path that you want to follow, never jump to conclusions. 

If you have already decided as to where you want to be 5 years down the line, and that an MBA is required to accelerate your career, ‘Do It’. An MBA would provide you with a proper understanding of bridging the gap between the skills you possess and the skills which are required, and helps to align your skills towards the managerial styles expected by specific organizations.

Placing bets on your mid-career MBA to pay high dividends right away?

Are you expecting to reap the benefits of an MBA program right after you graduate? If the answer is yes, you might be disappointed. An MBA would serve as a career boost but does not guarantee a long-term dividend. The expected rewards of pursuing an MBA depend on the job market, economy, and luck. 

 a professional career is a long run, and one cannot expect the results immediately. It takes time and patience to reap the rewards out of your MBA degree, and your accomplishments and contributions over the years will help you reach where you want to be.

Are you doing this mid-career MBA to get into the managerial or leadership level of your company?

If you’re doing this mid-career MBA solely to get into your company’s managerial/ leadership position, there are some factors you need to consider before diving in. 

Initially, you have to understand the qualifications of the people who are already at the managerial level of your company. In some cases, employees in the managerial and leadership team of organizations would not have an MBA, and very few possess one. The mentioned information is in particular cases and might not apply to all the companies. Hence, it is advisable to check with your company’s leadership and managerial level and plan accordingly.

If your company or the company you wish to move across requires an MBA to secure your dream job position, go ahead with your MBA plans. Otherwise, if the organization’s progress depends only on your skills and experience, and an MBA is not required to climb up the ladder, try for alternatives that help you upskill and climb the ladder.

Is the mid-career MBA you’re going to pursue only for networking?

If networking is the only key reason to pursue this mid-career MBA, you should reconsider your plan as an MBA consumes a significant amount from your pocket. Various other cost-effective alternatives can help you in professional networking, including community events, local professional networks, trade shows, alumni meets, or conferences.

My thoughts on mid-career MBA:-

As far as the job market and professional growth are concerned, a mid-career MBA degree will give you an edge over your peers. It also helps a professional to enhance their career opportunities, receive job promotions, and increased compensation, as certain employers and organizations require an MBA degree for specific leadership and management positions. 

An individual can also lookout for an MBA degree if he/ she wants to reposition from a non-business or non-traditional background to a business-oriented one. If the above statements align with your career motives, go ahead with the mid-career MBA program.

Concluding Thoughts:-

Now that we have emphasized the factors that need to be considered before racing ahead to pursue a mid-career MBA, sit down and think about these factors, how you will align yourself in your professional career, and what needs to be done.

If you feel an MBA is what you need to reach your career goals, we are here to steer you on the right path. An online MBA program might be the perfect fit for professionals looking forward to pursuing an MBA in the middle of their professional careers. And when it comes to looking for the right program, there’s nothing better than Online MBA Degree Program in Digital Marketing and E-commerce or Data Science and Analytics by UGC Approved and NAAC ‘A’ Graded, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University).