5 Key Skills You Develop in an Online MBA

Written by Mariëlle Daemen & Hermina Kooyman, Maastricht School of Management

When you consider studying an MBA degree online, you compare the advantages and disadvantages of studying it online versus studying it on-campus. One of the concerns often mentioned by potential students is about the perception of an online MBA degree by future employers. Indeed, until recently, some employers might have questioned the value of online MBA.

However, the growing popularity of online education has moved many well-respected business schools and universities to offer accredited online MBA programs next to their on-campus programs. Employers are also increasingly realizing the value of online MBAs, which not only provide students with the same value as an on-campus MBA but also prepares them for the digital workforce by equipping them with important skills that are highly emphasized with an online program.

Successfully completing your MBA is in itself already an asset for employers. While studying for an online MBA degree, you will strongly develop some key skills that are also highly valued in the workplace. Skills like time management, self-motivation and self-discipline, but also the capability of working with virtual teams spread over the world will help future-proof your career.

Is an online MBA worth it? The following are five skills you'll be able to learn from an online MBA program, which employers believe are crucial in today's constantly changing workplace. 

1. Time management

If you google ‘online MBA and time management’, you will find a vast array of articles on tips for time management while studying your MBA degree online. The value of an online MBA lies in its high demand for time management. 

The fact of the matter is that when you enroll in an online MBA program, procrastination is not an option. Although you have the flexibility of doing the learning according to your own schedule, you do not have the luxury of falling behind. Time is valuable, and you soon realize how precious time actually is when you start combining work, family and social life with your online MBA program.

One of the greatest skills you will learn while studying for an online MBA degree is how to manage your time carefully and productively to be able to juggle the daily challenges of life with studies – a great asset not only for completing your online MBA program, but also to manage the daily workload in your job.

2. Self-discipline

Self-discipline and time management go hand in hand when it comes to the value of an online MBA.

The fact that you can stay focused and motivated on your studies, even while working, is highly valued by an employer. For an employer, self-discipline is an extremely valued skill since it is paired with responsibility, hardworking and driven attributes – all skills that will be extremely important in the changing digitized workforce. An online MBA is worth it because you can gain these skills through it. 

3. Finding your internal motivators

People are externally and internally motivated. Extrinsic motivators include competition and society, money, fame, recognition, while internal motivators focus on self-satisfaction, personal achievement and passion. Another value of an online MBA is the self-sustaining and long-lasting intrinsic motivation gained through the process.

In order to succeed in an online MBA program, self-discipline and time management become much more obvious, and feel less like punishment when the student is motivated.

Finding this motivation also results in being happier and more motivated at work. Studies have shown that people working with internal motivators are more successful because they have more energy, concentration and have a lower chance of burn-out.

4. Virtual teamwork

Several Harvard Business Reviews, The World Economic Forum’ “the Future of Jobs” report, Deloitte’s Digital Workplace report and many others have confirmed that virtual teamwork is already starting but will become an even greater reality in the very near future. The World Economic Forum recently reported that working remotely (also called telecommuting, telework or working from home) is "one of the biggest drivers of transformation in the workplace."

Technology is making it possible for group work and team assignments to be incorporated into a virtual environment, greatly increasing the value of online MBA programs. For example, at Maastricht School of Management (MSM), the Online MBA program will develop the skills of virtual teamwork since students have to constantly share opinions and interact on the online platform. Having an online MBA degree will be extremely valuable for employers in the future, as they will have the assurance that you know how to work in a virtual environment with people from all around the world.

5. Multicultural diversity

Studying an MBA degree online breaks down barriers of time, distance and financial constraints, allowing highly skilled people from all backgrounds and nationalities to enter the online classroom.

In the past, online studies were associated with solitary confinement, without ever knowing your fellow classmates. Today, with the rise of technology, studying an MBA degree online can be a highly multicultural and connected experience where you network online and discuss opinions with people from all over the world.

This combination of virtual and multicultural teamwork is extremely important. According to the Financial Times article, the ability to work in a team, the ability to work with a wide variety of people, and the ability to build, sustain and expand a network of people, are three of the most important skills for employers. All of these skills are developed through the multicultural experience of an online MBA program.

About the Author

Maastricht School of Management (MSM) is one of the most international business schools in the Netherlands, with a large network of students, alumni and partners across the globe. MSM offers internationally accredited MBA and Master in Management degrees. MSM’s Online MBA program is ranked the 4th best Online MBA in the world according the 2018 CEO Magazine Global MBA ranking.