How an online MBA fueled a student's confidence
07/17/2024
The Unexpected Benefits of Studying in the Global Online MBA
Like many other business schools, WHU launched its online MBA during the COVID-19 lockdowns, offering a flexible way for students worldwide to access an MBA from the safety of their homes. With a top-ranked MBA education in an interactive digital format, Di Wang was one of those people who saw the lockdown as an opportunity for professional development and to progress rather than rest on her laurels.
“I was living in Sweden and ready to expand my theoretical knowledge in business. I also wanted to gain some personal confidence through an MBA so that I could take the next step in my career. I found WHU by chance while looking at potential locations in Sweden or Germany for a part-time MBA, as I was happy to commute then. Since I move around a lot, not just city to city, but also country to country, the online format seemed a better fit for my often-changing situation.”
Having previously lived in China, Korea, Sweden, and now Singapore, diverse perspectives were critical for Di. “I was lucky to have a career coach very early on in my working life, and she had such a lasting impact on me. She encouraged me to experience different cultures and appreciate the value of connecting with different people. That it would enrich my life experience. She was right, and it’s a journey I’m still on – who knows where I’ll go next after Singapore!”
That diversity was a vital aspect of the WHU Global Online MBA that Di was keen to see represented in the student body and experience. “The online format is great as you can still meet people from around the world. The course focuses on an international business environment, which is especially useful for me. I work on a country and global level, so I must understand business in different environments.”
It is these connections that Di is hugely grateful for and were a surprising benefit she did not expect. “The program allows you to expand your network despite not being a physical format. I have connections to WHU alums and have met many here in Singapore. We meet every month, and these contacts are valuable to me; you never know who will reach out to give advice or perhaps even recommend you for a role. We share our working frustrations and coach each other. Knowing I have this network wherever I go, I feel proud to be a part of it.”
Studying online while working, however flexible, is still challenging as it demands some intense time-management skills from its students. Di reflects on this, describing how, during COVID, it was much easier to manage the workload while in lockdown in Sweden. However, things were slightly different when she moved to Singapore and returned to her full-time life. “Back in a fast-paced working environment, the balance between studying, life, and work became trickier. I reserve two or three hours solely to study each day. Group work can also be challenging when dealing with different time zones. But it works out fine if you are transparent with those in your life that you need to balance your time and energy levels.”
“It’s been great to implement what I learned in class: almost everything you learn during the online MBA can be fully utilized in a working environment. But it’s not just the knowledge; it’s also a mindset change. The learning experience helps me to approach situations differently now.”
Having just completed the online MBA within two years and received her diploma, “It’s like a marathon where you keep running until you reach the end!” Di is now looking to the future. “I am now looking to work towards a senior or director position over the next five years,” she says. “During the program, there are lots of career coaching sessions. They ask you powerful questions about what you want to do in life, your values, etc. It’s allowed me to evaluate if I’m on track for my goals. But whatever happens, the program has given me the confidence to feel that I can tackle anything, whatever life throws at me.”