Table of Contents

• How to Network in an Online MBA
• Which MBA is best for Networking?
• Does an online MBA help with Networking?
• What Percentage of Jobs Are Found Through Networking?

In today’s highly interconnected and competitive business landscape, networking is pivotal in career advancement and professional growth. This is especially true for online MBA students, who may face unique challenges in building meaningful connections due to the virtual nature of their program.

Going for an MBA is likely the most rational lap towards career advancement for any ambitious aspiring individual and young working professionals. However, those rewards are acknowledged by those who have secured managerial positions and entrepreneurial opportunities post their MBA. A reputed B-school distinctively contributes to your professional and leadership skills to serve the ever-evolving needs of your chosen domains.

Somehow, many candidates learn that mere getting an MBA will not suffice their purpose of career advancement. The expected heights in one’s post-MBA career can be achieved by building a strong base for their future by following some basic practices

These practices will help you with the knowledge and tools to make the most of your MBA networking opportunities and unlock the potential for personal and professional growth. These days the long-term rewards of an online MBA degree have been observed irrespective of the nature of a given industry or domain within a large organization.

How to Network at an Online MBA Program

Networking at an online MBA program requires a proactive and strategic approach to leverage the available resources and connect with fellow students, faculty members, and industry professionals. Here are some key steps to enhance your networking experience and make the most of your online MBA program:

Knowing how to network online is essential in today’s digital age.

Utilize program-specific networking resources:

Online MBA programs often provide dedicated platforms or resources for networking purposes. Use these platforms, such as online directories, discussion boards, or virtual meet-up events, to connect with your peers and faculty members. Familiarize yourself with the features and functionalities of these resources and actively participate in discussions and activities.

Networking for MBA students is vital for establishing meaningful connections and advancing career prospects.

Engage with fellow online MBA students:

Students can build meaningful relationships with their peers through discussion boards, group projects, and virtual study sessions to facilitate deeper learning and collaboration.

Build relationships with faculty and staff members:

MBA programs can provide valuable insights, guidance, and mentorship opportunities for faculty and staff members beyond regular coursework, such as virtual office hours, one-on-one meetings, webinars, and guest lectures. Building rapport with faculty facilitates mentorship and job opportunities.

Professional networking is a powerful tool for forging connections, gaining industry insights, and unlocking many career opportunities.

Participate in virtual networking events:

Online MBA programs host virtual networking events, webinars, and conferences to provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, alums, and guest speakers. These events should be attended, discussed, and followed up with each other. Additionally, virtual clubs or interest groups can be formed to expand the network further.

According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, approximately 85% of all jobs are filled through networking.

Learn from industry leaders

After MBA you get to work with the industry leaders in your chosen area of specialization. And, in the next 10 years you might end up in their position as the leading minds of your organization. You must observe and follow your leaders by practicing their ideas and advice in your MBA completion journey at B-school.

Leverage social media platforms:

The MBA program and relevant experiences can be managed through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Create a professional and engaging LinkedIn profile, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and connect with alums and industry professionals. Engage with their posts, share relevant articles, and reach out for virtual coffee chats or informational interviews.

MBA networking events provide invaluable opportunities for students to expand their professional networks and connect with industry leaders and peers in their fields.

Hone your communication skills

Effective communication skills is one of those understated skills expected from a management professional. An MBA student should work regularly on improving his communication skills as it allows them to convey their ideas to the various levels of an organization to achieve pervasive business goals without missing the common objective and context.

Attend industry webinars and conferences:

Expand your networking horizons beyond your online MBA program by attending virtual webinars and conferences specific to your industry. Research and identify relevant events and register to participate. Actively engage during sessions, connect with speakers and panelists via chat or email, and follow up with personalized messages after the event. These external networking opportunities can broaden your industry connections and open doors to new opportunities.

Which MBA Is Best for Networking?

When considering an MBA program, evaluating its networking opportunities is crucial, as the strength of your professional network can significantly impact your career trajectory.

Reputation and Alumni Network:

MBA programs should have a strong reputation and extensive alum network, providing access to more connections in various industries and locations. Research alum activities and engagement to gain insights into the program and its involvement in networking events or mentorship programs.

To maximize networking effectiveness, it is essential to actively utilize in-person opportunities such as industry conferences, workshops, and networking events. They provide valuable face-to-face interactions and the potential for building stronger connections. Every institution has a wide base of alumni, and you must leverage the exclusive access to the network of experienced professionals, which otherwise is not easier. Participate as an active part of that community and enlarge your professional network to build relationships and avail yourself the hard-to-find industry opportunities.

Career Services Support:

Evaluate the career services support offered by the MBA program. Robust career services departments can facilitate networking opportunities through organized events, alum panels, and networking workshops. They can also provide access to internship and job opportunities, connecting you with potential employers or industry contacts.

Industry Connections and Partnerships:

Investigate the MBA program’s industry connections and partnerships. Programs collaborating closely with industry leaders or having strong ties to specific sectors can offer networking advantages. For example, they may organize industry-specific events, facilitate internships or consulting projects, and provide direct access to professionals working in your target industries.

Industry Internships and Projects

The best way for a fresher to gain an idea about the ongoing practices is to undergo rigorous industry training and summer projects during their MBA. It gives a picture of how the industry works in the real scenario.

Networking-focused Curriculum and Activities:

Some MBA programs offer networking-focused curricula or activities as part of their coursework. For example, these programs may incorporate networking skill development, industry guest speakers, or networking events into their curriculum. Assess whether the program emphasizes the importance of networking and provides structured opportunities to practice and enhance your networking abilities.

Industry Reports

There are various consulting agencies of international and national repute which periodically publishes reports concerning the various industry trends, patterns and the road ahead. MBA students should go through these reports and try to understand their observations and comments on the industry scenarios and have an open ended discussion on these reports.

Manage your time

Doing an MBA needs active participation in co-curricular activities along with academics. Time management plays an effective role in sharing the load between the ongoing personal and professional engagement along with involvement in other key activities.

Does an MBA Help with Networking?

The misconception that Pursuing an online MBA does not help with networking and expanding your professional is not true at all. Here are several ways in which an MBA can enhance your networking efforts and connections:

Alumni Networks and Associations:

Many MBA programs have extensive alum networks and associations. These networks often provide ongoing support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to current students and fellow alums. Leveraging these networks allows you to connect with professionals who have graduated from the same program and have established careers across various industries. In addition, alum networks can offer valuable advice, job leads, and opportunities for collaboration.

Networking Events and Conferences:

MBA programs frequently organize networking events, conferences, and speaker series where you can interact with industry leaders, alums, and guest speakers. These events provide a platform to expand your network, gain industry insights, and foster connections with professionals who can offer guidance and support.

Career Services Support:

Many MBA programs offer dedicated career services departments that provide resources and support for networking. These departments organize networking workshops, facilitate alum connections, and provide guidance on networking strategies.

Peer Learning and Collaborative Projects:

By leveraging these opportunities, you can build strong relationships with your peers, who will go on to become part of your professional network. In addition, these connections can be valuable resources for future career opportunities, advice, and support.

Brand and Credibility:

Holding an MBA degree from a reputable program can enhance your professional credibility and open doors to networking opportunities. In addition, employers and professionals often recognize the value of an MBA and view it as a mark of competence and dedication.

What Percentage of Jobs Are Found Through Networking?

Here are some key insights regarding the percentage of jobs found through networking:

Statistical Studies:

One U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that approximately 70% of all jobs are found through networking. Another survey conducted by LinkedIn revealed that 85% of job seekers found their current job through networking to some degree.

Hidden Job Market:

These hidden opportunities are often filled through personal connections and referrals rather than traditional job postings. By actively networking and building relationships, you gain access to this hidden job market and increase your chances of hearing about unadvertised positions.

Employee Referrals:

According to a study by Jobvite, employee referrals result in the highest applicant-to-hire conversion rate. This emphasizes the importance of networking and leveraging your connections to gain referrals, as they can provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Influence on Hiring Decisions:

This personal connection often carries more weight than a traditional application submitted through online platforms. Employers value recommendations and introductions from trusted sources, increasing the likelihood of being considered for a job opportunity.

Building Professional Relationships:

Networking is not just about job hunting but about building long-term professional relationships. By engaging with professionals in your industry and maintaining connections, you create a network of individuals who can provide valuable insights, guidance, and future career opportunities.

Conclusion

Remember to embrace different types of business networking, including online networking through virtual platforms and in-person opportunities such as conferences and events. You can forge meaningful connections, gain industry insights, and unlock many career opportunities by engaging with fellow students, faculty, alums, and industry professionals. Building a solid professional network is an ongoing process that requires dedication, authenticity, and consistent effort.