What is it like to pursue an MBA while working full-time? Premium

Balancing work and MBA studies offers real-world application, networking opportunities, and personal growth for career advancement.

Pursuing an MBA is often seen as a full-time commitment; a step into a world of case studies, group projects, and networking events. However, a 2023 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) report shows that nearly 60% of MBA students globally are working professionals, balancing their careers alongside academic pursuits; a test of resilience, time management, and the ability to integrate theory and practice in real time.

As someone navigating this dual role, I have come to see the hidden curriculum of working while studying as an invaluable, albeit challenging, component of my education.

One of the greatest benefits of working while studying is that the theory you learn in class can be applied immediately. Ideas such as data-driven decision-making, stakeholder analysis, and strategic communication aren’t mere academic constructs. They are devices I employ in my daily job. For example, by learning about predictive analytics, I am now able to predict media trends and customise campaigns accordingly. Additionally, participating in thoughtfully curated volunteering events bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering invaluable personal experiences that no classroom environment can replicate.

Next comes balancing work, study, and your personal life. Deadlines may collide when an urgent campaign overlaps with an important assignment. It can be an overwhelming mental juggling act. Still, these moments provide invaluable lessons in prioritising and managing ideals. I have had to learn to manage time to take care of work, studies, family and self-care.

Traditional MBA programmes allow for cohort networking but, for working professionals, they offer the opportunity to build networks within their industries. At work, I meet an array of professionals, from media executives to corporate leaders. The dual exposure enhances my perspective on industry dynamics and gives a competitive advantage in the market.

Flexible MBA programmes with weekend or online lectures appreciate the strength of pairing professional experience with academic knowledge. Institutions are recognising this demand and tweaking their offerings with more courses tailored for working professionals, asynchronous learning modules, virtual networking events, dedicated mentorship programmes and so on.

Studying and working is not merely a means of survival; it’s about harnessing a two-fold role for faster career development. What I learnt from my MBA has had a direct influence on how I view PR strategy, while the demands of managing both have forced me to develop my leadership and organisational skills. Therefore, this becomes a unique selling point, as more rank adaptability and resilience as top priorities in a prospective worker.