Career Prospects after Distance MBA

Distance MBA, as we all know, is an MBA programme imparted in distance mode through correspondence. In such a programme, the candidates are not required to attend classes and the lectures, tutorials and assignments are distributed/submitted by post or at the designated study centre.

Although there’s no difference between the syllabi of a full-time MBA programme and distance MBA, their quality of education differ. Unlike a full-time residential MBA programme, distance MBA programme lacks infrastructural assistance and industry exposure and internship and placement opportunities. Student-teacher interaction is also minimal. So, do these things affect career prospects of a candidate?

Like everything, distance MBA too has its pros and cons. Firstly, it is not considered as valuable as a full time MBA in the job market. Secondly, not all top B-schools of India offer distance MBA. Thirdly, distance MBA lacks opportunities of overall personality development of the candidate. At the same time it is extremely beneficial for those who wish to learn while they earn.

Let us look at various aspects of distance MBA viz career prospects in this article.

Career prospects

After completing distance MBA programme a candidate can find various opportunities in sectors like Finance, Marketing, Insurance, Human Resources, Accounting, Risk Management, etc. Jobs for such graduates range from the typical finance and marketing executive roles to manager, corporate associate, portfolio manager, finance analyst, credit risk manager, HR manager, employee relation manager, brand managers, sales manager, digital media manager; also various roles in advertising and market research.

A distance MBA degree in International Business can fetch overseas jobs in import and export, shipping, consultancy, logistics and international placement. IT management through distance mode is another specialization which offers promising prospects. Media & Communications is another field where an MBA degree will put you ahead of the rest.

Distance MBA graduates can also find suitable opportunities for themselves in government sectors. They are as much eligible to apply for government jobs as full time MBA graduates. Banks, Railways, Airport, PSUs, etc. seek MBA graduates for multiple high level posts.

Aspiring candidates must keep in mind that MBA in Operations through distance mode however, is not a good idea. The course includes certain programmes that require physical presence in the class. In the absence of experience of practical application, job prospects in the market decrease. MBA in distance mode is beneficial in case of specialization that don’t require practical applications.

Return on Investment

While return on investment (ROI) of a full time MBA degree from a recognized and popular B-school is generally satisfactory, ROI of distance MBA is not that encouraging. Since distance MBA, in India is mostly offered by Tier-II and Tier-III management institutes, there’s lack of good placement assistance. Although, with increasing demand of MBA graduates across all industries, many distance MBA schools have set up placement cells while top grade institutes have begun to offer distance MBA courses; it’s a long road ahead.

Moreover, with the cut throat competition in the market, only a distance MBA degree is not enough. The candidates must back it up with a Diploma, Certificate or Fellow programme or other courses related to their area of expertise.

Distance MBA programmes are more suitable for working professionals and entrepreneurs who wish to sharpen business skills and managerial practices without taking a career break. Flexibility in tutorial timings, submitting assignments, semester exams etc. help them sail through work smoothly while learning latest skills-set to move ahead in the rapidly changing job market. 

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