Thinking About an MBA?

Thinking About an MBA?

FAQs Answered

Dr Julie Hodges, Associate Dean for MBA Programmes at Durham University Business School, has provided a lot of guidance in the media about MBA programmes recently. We have pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions to help anyone currently considering an MBA programme.

Dr Julie Hodges

How would you suggest choosing between the different modes of study? Who is the right fit for each?

The traditional study format of an MBA – an on-campus programme such as The Durham Full-time MBA is a great way for an individual to step away from their day-today professional careers and immerse themselves totally in a business learning environment. Such programmes enable students to learn at a quicker pace than a part-time programme, explore new industries and test their newfound skills in a relatively risk-free environment before returning to the workplace. People who are at an early stage in their careers (three to five years’ experience) and looking to either change direction, or move up a level in their current industry, may find a greater benefit from studying full-time, than through more flexible options.

The Durham Online MBA, on the other hand, is a programme typically chosen by managers from a wider variety of sectors and global locations, who want to improve their business knowledge and capabilities to enhance their career prospects but either cannot, or do not wish to study on a physical campus. The flexibility of the format enables students to study at home or anywhere in the world and better fit their studies around their personal and professional lives. As students they can continue in full-time employment whilst they study. Their learning can also be applied directly to their daily work providing an instant return on investment. Whilst online programmes might appear to be isolating experiences on the surface, an additional learning opportunity is provided by working with a more diverse cohort, whom students can learn from as much as from lectures and the possibility of engaging in in-person learning opportunities such as international study trips.

Part-time options are also available, but whilst these are often considered to be a convenient study option, such programmes take much more dedication than a traditional MBA format. Though part-time MBAs enable students to apply their learning directly to their work in real time, these programmes do not necessarily provide an easier path for students, as they require a solid time commitment and the discipline to fit their studies in with the rest of their life.

The format works exceptionally well for Executive Education programmes, where applicants may not be able to take lengthy breaks from senior roles in order to study. An MBA that can be studied part-time, such as the Durham-EBS Executive MBA, provides greater flexibility to fit studies around careers. Such programmes can be a good fit for someone who feels ready to either move up to the next level or take on another role, but needs an EMBA to provide them with the capabilities to do so and, for their own reasons, prefer not to take a career break.

Will an MBA allow faster career advancement?

Whilst the MBA sends a big signal that someone is ready to take the next step in their career, and provides a firm foundation for continued career growth, an individual’s career advancement will depend on far more than the qualification alone. Their willingness to be geographically mobile, their level of experience and skills prior to the MBA, their career aspirations and attitudes will all be important factors to consider.

If you are looking to utilise your MBA to gain a promotion within your current workplace, then prior to applying to any programme speak to your line manager,

HR department, senior colleagues and other people within the type of role you would like to be promoted to, so you can find out what skills, learning and practice are essential for you to have.

From this research, you can then see which programme is right for you and liaise with your company and line manager about any support they can offer you going forward. If you are considering a programme which you could complete alongside your current role, explain to the company how you would be able to apply what you have learned from your MBA straight into practice, so they will benefit from your learning and experiences immediately. There may even be opportunities for professional or financial support whilst you study.

Is this career advancement reflected in graduate’s salaries?

In many cases, yes. The Durham University Business School MBA was ranked by the Financial Times, in their Global MBA Ranking 2019, as 2nd in the UK and 47th globally, for salary increase.

Can you still have a life and do an MBA?

There is no getting away from the fact that studying an MBA is a large commitment, but if you know it is the right choice for you, then there are things you can do to ensure your personal life can continue whilst you study. Time and project management are key skills to use throughout your programme.

If your schedule is already very full, you will need to work out when you are going to complete the reading and assignments and take care to manage your time effectively. The Online MBA programme offers the opportunity to study flexibly alongside your employment, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning as you go through.

Students embarking on the Durham Full-time MBA have the advantage of being able to give the programme their full focus and complete it in a shorter space of time. If you decide to study full-time, then be prepared to immerse yourself fully in being a student 24/7 but maintain time/ project management techniques to get you through. This balance means you can attend social and sports activities which means that, as well as taking a break from studies, you are spending time with the people you want to. Exercising will also motivate and energise you into reaching your targets and your career aspirations.

To find out more about Durham MBAs visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/business/programmes/mba/