Beyond the Bachelor's - Advantages of Pursuing an Online MBA

With a sigh of relief, many new graduates finally think they can rest easy after completing their bachelor's degrees. Unfortunately, in today's competitive market, having only a four year degree limits many professional careers to entry-level positions. Due to competition and increased responsibilities within many industries, employers are looking for cost-saving measures; which usually means having employees who can perform more than one position or who are flexible workers or supervisors and can get the job done in both areas when needed. If looking to advance into middle or senior management, completing an online MBA and gaining valuable industry experience prepares future graduates to have an impressive resume and allows for greater chances to move into management positions.

While there are many general online MBA degree options available, these should be considered by individuals uncertain of which industry they would like to eventually settle in or by those who cannot find a specialized MBA tailored to their particular industry. If, however, you are able to find an industry-specific MBA that would translate into your present or intended career path, by all means pursue it. The degree will provide real-world case scenarios taught by industry professionals. Additionally, by undertaking education in a specific area, a student will have the ability to network with professors and students presently working in the industry; which can help advance a person's career.

Professionals working in the healthcare industry may be interested in pursuing an online MBA with a healthcare specialization. This opens the door for professionals looking to advance in positions relating to hospital or clinic administration. Likewise, nurse managers interested in working for an insurance company performing utilization management may wish to supplement their nursing degrees with healthcare MBA's. This helps them understand both the clinical and business sides of healthcare delivery systems.

Chefs looking to own restaurants already have the necessary culinary training but may be lacking business skills. Operating a business involves managing every aspect of a business from financial management, to customer service and managing employees. In order to boost a chef's chance of being a successful business owner, earning an online MBA with a specialization in Food Business enables future restaurateurs to use their previous practical experiences in the food industry and combine educational training in the areas of management, accounting, human resources and other skills necessary for successful business operations.

Even those people who never thought graduating with an online MBA is possible, thanks to the flexibility of classes and the variety of subject specializations. One of the best examples of going from a blue collar worker to a while collar executive all within the same company is the manufacturing industry. Here, workers can start off as production associates and as they progress with their education, advance in the company. MBA's with specializations in Oil and Gas Management, Operations Management and Logistics and Supply Chain Technology Management are great examples of degrees relevant to manufacturing careers.

As more and more companies look to cross train workers, having hands-on training reinforced with an online MBA shows employers that its employees not only have a diverse skill set but are serious about advancing their careers within the company. While many people believe an MBA may be unobtainable due to family or work commitments, taking time and completing a degree shows determination, perseverance and task completion; all qualities senior management looks for in the next generation of managers.

By investing just a few semesters of study, the opportunities open to online MBA graduates are limitless. Consider investing in your future and explore the benefits of obtaining either a general or specialized MBA. You will not only be bettering yourself but with your newly learned management techniques; you will be a more well-rounded and valuable employee.

Andy West is a writer on a variety of topics, including online education. For those who must work and go to school, distance learning is an excellent way to earn an online MBA.