The global economy may be headed towards a recession in 2023, but the career outcomes of graduates from the world’s leading Online MBA courses are still strong.
Business schools around the world have launched Online MBAs in larger numbers, following the switch to remote work and study prompted by the Covid pandemic. Graduates of these programs suffered a slowdown in hiring and promotions during the depths of the pandemic, but employment outcomes have rebounded strongly over the past year.
Employment data for Online MBA programs are scarce. Unlike with their full-time MBA programs, business schools do not report career outcomes for graduates of online courses in the same systematic way.
In part, this reflects the different career goals of these two groups of students. Online participants are generally older, and many are seeking to accelerate their careers. On the other hand, full-time students are typically looking for a new job on graduation.
The gap between those two aims is narrowing. More Online MBA candidates are looking to switch careers into a new function, industry or geography (or all three). In turn, schools are looking to ramp up the online employment services that are on offer. These career development and networking sessions can support students and graduates as they advance in their careers.
The alumni network has also traditionally been an invaluable career resource for graduates. Most of them achieve a salary increase or promotion shortly after the program, and they scale their income substantially within three years.
The Warwick MBA by Distance Learning scores highly for career outcomes, with the average alumni salary three years after graduation being $194,864, a 36 percent increase on their pre-MBA pay. Graduates work for some of the world’s largest and most popular employers, including Amazon, JP Morgan, EY and General Electric.
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IE, in Spain, has a strong reputation among employers around the world. The average salary three years out is $175,078, a 28 percent increase on what students were making before embarking on the school’s Global Online MBA. IE also helps people start up their own company, providing the tools, resources and support for entrepreneurs.
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UNC Kenan-Flagler has posted strong employment outcomes, including a 24 percent average salary increase at graduation. Five months after graduating, the alumni are earning nearly $160,000. A STEM-designated degree, the MBA@UNC prepares students to lead in data-driven workplaces.
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The average salary increase at Imperial is 31 percent, within four months of graduation. But the school’s Global Online MBA program also helps participants to move into new directions. Two thirds of graduates changed roles, and 21 percent changed their sector.
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For students on the Kelley Direct Online MBA, the average base salary upon graduation is $122,000. In addition, 64 percent of students reported receiving a promotion while enrolled in the program. To help students explore new career paths or advance in their current role, the program is highly customizable, with seven majors and 50 percent of the MBA made up of electives.
View School ProfileWithin three years, graduates of the International Flex MBA at POLIMI are earning $168,478, a 35 percent increase on what they were making before enrolling at the Italian business school. The program was designed in partnership with blue-chip companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Vodafone, ensuring that curricula remain relevant to employers’ needs.
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Graduates of Durham’s Online MBA achieve solid career outcomes with the three-year salary being $161,214, an 18 percent increase on what they made before the MBA. The school’s fees are relatively low, meaning that most graduates achieve a quick return on their investment.
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Students on the University of Florida’s Online MBA can expect to earn $137,248 within three years of graduating, a near 31 percent increase. Students can also complete the degree in just one year, accelerating the return on investment they can expect from the program. There is also a two-year option.
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The MBA Distance Learning program at Bradford is one of the best in the world when it comes to value for money. Graduates make nearly $140,000 within three years, a near 22 percent increase on what they earned before. The school is also working with Amazon to provide students with the digital skills they need for today’s modern workplace.
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