I think that it has less to do with the content and more to do with what kind of career support resources are provided.
Since the online programs tend to attract older individuals whose career support needs aren't as great, schools don't provide as many resources as they do for their full-time cohorts.
For large career shifts, networking in particular is important, and being on campus makes it easier for the b-school to provide you with as many opportunities as possible. Some of it comes down to logistics: if you're on campus 24/7 it's easier to attend networking events, company presentations, on-campus interviews, etc. -- all of which are important to make a career shift.
Another large part is that full-time MBAs often provide a practical component - an internship or project, for instance, where you can get hands-on experience in the industry or functional area that you want to switch into. This is also important, and something that most online programs don't provide.
That's not to say that those who graduate from online programs can't make large career transitions - I'm sure it happens - it's just rarer than for full-time students.
I think that it has less to do with the content and more to do with what kind of career support resources are provided.
Since the online programs tend to attract older individuals whose career support needs aren't as great, schools don't provide as many resources as they do for their full-time cohorts.
For large career shifts, networking in particular is important, and being on campus makes it easier for the b-school to provide you with as many opportunities as possible. Some of it comes down to logistics: if you're on campus 24/7 it's easier to attend networking events, company presentations, on-campus interviews, etc. -- all of which are important to make a career shift.
Another large part is that full-time MBAs often provide a practical component - an internship or project, for instance, where you can get hands-on experience in the industry or functional area that you want to switch into. This is also important, and something that most online programs don't provide.
That's not to say that those who graduate from online programs can't make large career transitions - I'm sure it happens - it's just rarer than for full-time students.