The flexibility and convenience of online MBA programs make them appealing, especially for working professionals. But one question a lot of candidates have is: how can they build the networks and leadership experience that make them stand out to employers?
One answer: business-related student clubs.
Even in online MBA programs, participating in student clubs focused on different industries or business functions can have a huge impact on your job prospects. These clubs offer opportunities for networking, leadership and real-world experience that are essential in today’s job market.
A Tool for Making Connections
Business is all about connections, and student clubs are a great way to build those relationships while you’re still in school. Networking might seem tricky in an online MBA program since students are spread out geographically, but these clubs often host virtual events, panel discussions and networking sessions that let you connect with peers and industry professionals from all over the world.
“Events hosted by clubs build personal and professional networks,” says Rebecca Loades, director of MBA programs at ESMT Berlin.
“Working with companies, students can learn about trends, explore the challenges facing specific industries, and work on solutions to address real-world issues. For career changers, this engagement can be of particular benefit and help pave the way to post-study employment.”
Gaining Leadership Experience
Employers love candidates who have leadership experience, and student clubs are a perfect place to develop those skills. Whether you’re organizing events, leading a team, or managing club operations, these roles give you hands-on experience in leadership and project management.
In the ESMT Investment and Fintech club, for example, students explore investment strategies and manage an investment portfolio. In the Consulting club, they complete projects for companies and host workshops on interview prep and case preparation.
Plus, if you’re taking on a leadership role in a virtual setting, you’re showing that you can lead remote teams—an increasingly important skill in today’s work environment. Since these are real responsibilities with tangible outcomes, you can talk about your experiences in job interviews and highlight them on your resume.
“It is certainly worth adding club membership and key achievements to a CV,” says Loades. “This can help bridge the experience gap felt by some career changers, as they acquire direct experience of an industry through the club.”
Building Expertise in a Field
Indeed, most business-related student clubs are focused on specific industries or areas of business, like finance, consulting or entrepreneurship. Getting involved in a club that aligns with your career goals is a great way to explore new industries or deepen your knowledge in your current field.
For example, if you’re looking to switch from marketing to finance, joining a finance club can expose you to industry trends, introduce you to experts, and provide opportunities to work on real-world projects or case competitions. You can also attend workshops or webinars that can give you a boost when applying for jobs in that field.
Another major perk of student clubs is the exclusive access to job opportunities and resources. Many clubs have direct relationships with recruiters and offer members the chance to attend career fairs, job postings and recruiting events that aren’t available to the general student body.
“In addition to being a great place to develop leadership and project management skills, student clubs are a powerful place for networking,” says Kerry Kidwell-Slak, senior director of graduate career coaching at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
“Students can not only interact with current classmates who share similar interests, but also with alumni who have been in their same shoes and gone on to successful careers,” she adds. “By actively engaging and leveraging these connections, students can identify new opportunities and pathways.”
She says that, just like with their work experience, students should think about their contributions to their student bodies in terms of impact. “This could look like facilitating mentoring connections between students and alumni, executing a meaningful event or program, or developing a new resource for the community,” Kidwell-Slak says.
“If a student can tell a story about the mark they left on the program, that’s going to be a powerful testament to their abilities as a prospective employee.”
So while online MBA programs are flexible and convenient, they don’t have to mean missing out on the networking and hands-on leadership opportunities that traditional MBAs offer.
Business-related student clubs are a great way to fill that gap, allowing you to build valuable connections, gain leadership experience and showcase your passion for your industry.
