In the 21st century’s job market, professionals are required to reinvent and update themselves according to the changes in the industry. With the systematic integration of technology and significant re-mixing of interdisciplinary fields, it is important professionals are informed and aware and able to understand and interpret the new wave of changes coming in the industry. The MBA for Working Professionals program is a highly admired industry-linked MBA program that helps those already with some industry exposure to gain much-needed expertise which aids in career advancement in top executive and management roles.
MBA for Working Professionals: Features
- MBA for working professionals comes in various forms, Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA, Online MBA, Distance MBA, etc. All of these courses cater to different need of candidates and have slight changes as to the curriculum, objectives and career scope.
- According to a recent survey, the Graduate Management Admission Council [GMAC] which administers the GMAT exam, notes that shorter MBA programs such as Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA have experienced growth in recent years and will continue to do so in the near future.
- Higher Flexibility: More suited to those engaged in a full-time job, MBA in working professionals provides greater flexibility in terms of balancing the job with educational needs. Classes are held online or on weekends or evenings and allow more flexibility as per the needs of candidates. Many programs offer accelerated MBA programs in which you can complete the course requirements before the fixed term as well.
- Budget-Friendly: The cost of an MBA for Working Professionals, all things considered, is comparatively reduced when considered alongside a Regular Full Time MBA program. Many a time, employers themselves sponsor an MBA program for a candidate.
- Ladder to Higher Echelons of Management: A significant advantage of having an MBA is that it propels you towards roles in the upper echelons of management. Roles at the top executive or decision-making level require candidates to possess an MBA degree along with a certain amount of industry experience. With this, candidates report a substantial increment in salary packages as well.
- Host of Networking Opportunities: Programs offering MBA for working professionals provide candidates with a conducive atmosphere to engage in networking and peer learning as well. This helps in building a stronger network which helps in career advancement.
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MBA for Working Professionals: Syllabus [Executive MBA in Operations]
Here is a sample syllabus of the Executive MBA program in Operations [2 years]. However, this can change if the course is 1 year or 18 months or the course has different objectives.
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
3rd Semester |
4th Semester |
Management Principles |
Strategic Management |
Financial Risk Management |
Quality, Health and Safety Management |
Quantitative Methods |
Business Marketing |
Professional Writing |
Project Execution & Control |
Business Communication |
Probability and Statistics |
Project Performance Measuring & Evaluation |
Case Studies in Operations Management |
Managerial Economics |
Human Resources Management |
Management of International Business |
Business and Industry Ethics |
Information Technology |
Quality and Inventory Management |
Advertising & Sales Management |
Consumer Behaviour |
Electives/Projects/ Internships |
Electives/Project/ Internships |
Electives/Projects/ Internships |
Electives/Projects/ Internships |
Electives Offered: International Financial Management, Corporate Taxation, Material Management, Logistics Management, Computer-Aided Design, etc. |
MBA for Working Professionals Online
- MBA for working professionals online is slowly emerging as one of the top MBA courses, especially in the post-pandemic world.
- In an MBA for working professionals online course, classes are usually held online through Google Meet, Zoom, etc.,
- Online programs give the essential advantage of continuing your job profession along with pursuing your course.
- The cost of an MBA for working professionals online is also comparatively in comparison with regular full-time MBA programs.
MBA for Working Professionals: Top Universities Abroad
The following table presents some of the top universities that offer MBA for working professionals online, 1-year executive MBA for working professionals, Distance MBA, and other programs.
Course |
University |
Location |
Executive MBA |
Singapore | |
Executive MBA |
USA | |
Evening/Weekend MBA |
USA | |
Executive MBA |
UK | |
Executive MBA [Distance] |
UK | |
Executive MBA Part-Time MBA |
Australia | |
Executive MBA |
York University Schulich School (with Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management) |
Canada |
Morning/Evening MBA |
Canada | |
Professional Part-Time MBA |
Canada | |
Executive MBA |
USA |
MBA for Working Professionals Abroad: Eligibility & Admission
Candidates exploring options to apply for an MBA for working professionals course in the above institutions or others must follow the steps of the admission process closely. The admission rounds in the USA and Canada run from September/October to March/April for admissions in the subsequent year. The Winter admission cycle is also conducted from January to May. Check university websites for more information.
Given below are some essential MBA in abroad eligibility conditions.
- Check for admission deadlines [Early/Regular/Late] and submit your application within those deadlines. Further, for scholarships, you must apply during the Early deadline.
- Fulfil the minimum Executive MBA eligibility requirements [bachelor’s qualification, industry experience minimum marks in relevant qualification, etc. as required]. Typically, MBA for working professionals programs requires 2-5 years of industry experience.
- English Proficiency IELTS/TOEFL/PTE and Aptitude Test GMAT Scores [as required]. Many colleges may accept GRE in place of GMAT as well.
- Submit carefully filled complete Application Package [Passport, Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement, Resume/CV, Two/Three letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, Financial Support Statement/Funding Essay (if applying for funding), etc.]
- Application Fee Payment [mandatory].
- Personal Interview/Group Discussion [if required].
- Usually, your results will be declared within the 2-3 months of submission of the application.
- Deposit the requisite Tuition Fees.
- Submit your Student Visa Application of the respective country [may vary as per Embassy regulations].
MBA for Working Professionals in India
Given below are some top options of MBA for Working Professionals in India. The duration of each of the programs varies according to the course objectives and nature of the program.
Course |
University |
Post Graduate Programme Management for Working Professionals |
Indian School of Business |
Post Graduate Program for Executives |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Post Graduate Program for Executives |
IIM Calcutta |
Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management |
IIM Indore |
Executive Post Graduate Diploma |
IIFT, Delhi |
Executive Fellow Programme in Management |
XLRI |
Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management |
IIM Bangalore |
MBA Executive Programme |
FMS Delhi |
MBA for Working Professionals Fees
- The fees structure of programs of MBA for working professionals varies according to the duration and course objectives of the university.
- For instance, the MBA for working professionals fees at top end colleges like Columbia Business School is about $160,000 for the whole of two years and at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania is $180,000. These are quite elite colleges.
- As a range, you must expect your MBA for working professionals fees to be anywhere between $25,000 to $45,000 per year for courses at mid-range colleges.
Career Prospects after MBA for Working Professionals
After an Executive MBA, roles in upper levels of management become available. Further, you can shift to different fields as well in case you wish to shift.
- Finance Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Senior Accountant
- Accounts Receivable Manager
- Research Analyst
- Senior Associate – Investment Banking
- Senior Finance Manager
- Human Resources (HR) Manager
- Human Resources (HR) Business Partner
- Senior Human Resources (HR) Generalist
- Project Manager, Information Technology (IT)
- Business Analyst, IT
- Information Technology (IT) Manager
- Business Analyst, Software
- Business development manager
- Brand manager
- Media planner
- Product Development Manager
- Head of Digital marketing
MBA for Working Professionals: FAQs
- Which MBA is more suited for working professionals?
Ans. This depends on your interests and career objectives, solely. If your current engagement requires you to be on the job for most hours of the day, then Online MBA or Distance MBA is better. However, otherwise, go for an Executive MBA or Part-Time MBA.
- Is 1 year executive MBA for working professionals worth it?
Ans. A 1-year executive MBA for working professionals is absolutely worth it if all its pros and cons are considered. It is relatively short, focused and industry-oriented.
- Whether I should go for MBA for working professionals in India or abroad?
Ans. We would suggest that if you wish to work and settle abroad, opt for an abroad MBA program. However, if your long-term aims are here in India, an MBA program in India is more suited.
- Is an Executive MBA better than a Regular MBA?
Ans. An Executive MBA has other objectives and is designed to meet different needs than a traditional MBA program. If you have certain years of experience, an Executive MBA is well-suited for you. If you are a young professional or fresh out of graduate school, a regular and traditional MBA would be more advantageous.
The more research you do, the more clear you will be able to analyse your options with respect to your career interests and aspirations. Ultimately, whatever program you choose, be dedicated to, try to integrate classroom courses with real-world situations and analyse case studies as much as you can. Best of Luck.