For many years, it has been believed that it is necessary to follow the yellow-brick road of the traditional MBA degree to get a quality career in business. However, with an evolving education system, MBA alternative programs have presented aspirants with the opportunity to turn away from the yellow-brick road.
What Is An MBA Alternative Program?
MBA alternative programs aim to provide the fundamental concepts of a standard MBA combined with some of the important non-academic activities (personality development, networking, etc.) at a cost that is significantly less than that of a traditional MBA and in a shorter amount of time.
These programs are delivered in various ways, including bite-sized, online, and cohort-based learning.
Who Is An Alternative MBA Program For?
Most individuals can benefit from a typical MBA, but it is not necessarily the only option for everyone to pursue. MBA Alternative courses are the way to go if you’re seeking MBA degrees that are less generic and rather lead you into a specific industry.
There may be MBA options more suited to your requirements and interests. For instance, if your purpose in earning an MBA is primarily focused on developing your business abilities rather than the degree itself.
Alternative MBA courses might help you determine your plan of action if your objective is to narrow your focus to a particular field. Such MBA Alternatives attempt to push you farther, making the field more intriguing, relevant, simple, and successful for you. You get to uncover your area of interest and, consequently, gain knowledge in that particular subject.
Moreover, if you are a working professional looking to get a degree in Business, it cannot be easy to qualify with an MBA because it requires abundant time and money. MBA alternative programs are much shorter, from mini-courses that last up to 24 weeks to programs that require one year but have flexible schedules.
An alternative MBA can also increase exposure to the many sides of the business and offer job flexibility to individuals who want an additional degree or have previously majored in other subjects like the liberal arts or engineering. This works especially well for adult learners looking to attain a degree as a head start but is yet learning to manage their time, work, and academics.
How Are MBA Alternative Programs Relevant In India?
India’s economic and work structure has been evolving. At a certain time in the past, alternatives to an MBA course were a phenomenon unheard of. However, today with the education system also changing, these alternatives are embraced. These courses also grow more relevant with India’s growing startup culture, making advanced MBA degrees popular.
Alternatives to MBA not only shed light on the possibility of attaining a business degree much after completing your educational journey but also align with the notion as more people begin work at an earlier age. The balancing of academics, family, and work is reinforced with these alternatives apart from developing leadership, management, marketing, finance, etc. skills. You also learn and develop skills like report writing and the appropriate and right body language.
Alternative MBA courses in India include Business Analytics, Sustainable Development Management, MBA in Family Business Management, etc.
What Is The Purpose?
When speaking to a career counselor, they often ask you specific questions that will help you narrow your focus into choosing the right path for your vision.
This is the purpose of MBA alternative programs; they offer greater clarity to learners who do not want to spend as much on their business degree.
Placements from these programs are also at hiking rates. With changing work structures, more employers shift their focus from solely degrees and qualifications to experience, time management, and other skills that can be portrayed using MBA alternatives.
What Are The Benefits Of MBA Alternative Programs?
While each MBA alternative program is unique, they have a few advantages in common.
Lower Costs:
Most people who explore alternative MBA programs are typically drawn to them by their affordability. However, the “expense factor” forces most students who opt for alternatives to search for other MBA Alternatives. In India, for an average MBA course, you would be required to pay tuition fees ranging from 20 to 40 lacs, excluding the price of additional academic texts, housing expenses, and other basic utilities.
Shorter Duration Of Course:
The pursuit of an MBA requires purposeful constancy, tenacity, and sincerity. You must be more attentive about effectively managing your time if you intend to work and study simultaneously. Most MBA programs call for a two-year switch from the office cabin to the study desk. Some people would be better off researching alternatives to an MBA due to the costs in terms of time and money.
Online Programs Offer Greater Flexibility:
Several alternative MBA programs use online distribution methods. Online options provide more flexibility for individuals wishing to further their education and develop their talents while juggling other commitments. While some online courses and lectures are scheduled, online programs generally offer a more flexible schedule, and the educational materials are typically accessible at any time. You have the freedom to select your study method and time frame. For example, let’s say you don’t want to exhaust yourself by physically traveling to your study location. In that situation, depending on your comfort level, sometimes you might even get the chance to choose an online mode or offline course.
Many students merely want the competencies and comprehensive education that will help them in their business and management professions, rather than the formal degree, established teaching techniques, and curriculum that an MBA offers. There are several excellent fast-tracked alternative programs, like the Harappa School of Leadership offers, that you may use to learn most of the abilities that an MBA grants at a far lower price.
