CEO Mag & AIB: MBA Mythbusters

AIB’s commitment to redefining MBA education continues to gain global recognition. In the 2026 CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings, AIB’s online MBA earned Tier 1 Global Status for the fifth year in a row, alongside ranking #6 in Australia and #24 worldwide. This year, CEO Magazine also shined a spotlight on how AIB is challenging long-held misconceptions about studying an MBA. Explore the reality of modern MBA study by reading the full article below.

MBA Mythbusters

“I need a degree to qualify and excel in an MBA”

Many professionals assume an MBA is out of reach if they didn’t complete university earlier in life. This perception is often reinforced by traditional universities, which require specific academic credentials or standardised testing scores for admission. In reality, many capable professionals build leadership, technical and problem-solving skills through years of hands-on experience without a bachelor’s degree. The Australian Institute of Business (AIB) acknowledges this and structures its MBA to welcome people who followed different career paths. Almost half of AIB’s alumni began their studies without a prior degree, showing that non-traditional candidates can not only qualify, but also excel.

The business school offers several entry pathways into its MBA programme: 

• Relevant managerial or technical work experience  
• An advanced diploma or associate degree plus relevant work experience  
• A bachelor’s degree plus relevant work experience  
• A GMAT score plus relevant work experience 

Once in the programme, students benefit from an assessment approach tailored to working professionals. Instead of exams and group assignments, AIB uses practical assessments based on real business challenges. The programme helps students strengthen and formalise the expertise they have built throughout their careers. Concepts are applied directly to their roles, delivering immediate benefits as new knowledge is integrated into day-to-day work.

This accessibility is matched with comprehensive support. Orientation helps students navigate online study, Academic Skills Advisors refine writing and research skills, and the library team assists with accessing academic sources and industry data. Students also have free access to practical tools such as Grammarly, Scite, Studiosity and LinkedIn Learning to complete assignments with confidence.

AIB’s focus on practical experience and tailored support ensures a lack of university experience is never a barrier to progress, opening doors for ambitious professionals who once felt the MBA world was not built for them.

“It was my career ambition to build upon my technical trade foundation to help businesses reach further success. Once I moved into technical product management, I found myself with a glass ceiling above my head which highlighted I needed new tools and skills if I wanted to grow my career. A trusted advisor encouraged me to explore business schools for working professionals, and AIB’s Course Advisors reinforced that the AIB MBA would be the right path to enhance my career further.

Although I initially worried not having an undergraduate degree would hold me back, AIB recognised the value of my career experience. They also offered flexibility through study breaks and online delivery, which allowed me to balance career commitments while taking full responsibility for my success.

Since undertaking and completing my MBA, my career has progressed significantly. It has opened new doors within a global business environment, but crucially, it has given me the confidence and skillset to operate at a more strategic level.

AIB’s flexibility along with the support of Online Learning Facilitators and classmates from around the world makes the programme manageable and even enjoyable. My advice: have confidence in yourself and remember you are never alone.”

James Slowgrove
2025 AIB MBA Graduate
Offer Manager (Services) at Schneider Electric

“Studying online means studying alone”

The belief that online study is an isolating experience does not align with how modern online MBAs are delivered. At AIB, interaction, collaboration and support are core components of the learning model.

Instead of traditional one-way lectures, AIB’s MBA is delivered through collaborative discussions, case studies and problem-solving activities. This approach deepens comprehension and builds essential soft skills such as communication and strategic thinking. Peer-to-peer engagement is another defining feature of the programme. Students learn alongside professionals from diverse industries and countries. These international cohorts reflect the global nature of modern business, prompting students to consider how strategies succeed across different cultural and economic contexts.

The AIB community extends well beyond the classroom. With more than 20,000 students and alumni across 100 countries, learners gain access to an established global network. Graduates stay connected through social media groups, online webinars and in-person events in Australia and Canada. Beyond lifelong friendships, many graduates say the relationships formed during their MBA led to tangible career outcomes such as promotions, industry changes, mentorships and business partnerships.

Support is another key factor challenging the idea of isolation. Unlike institutions that adapt campus-based support systems to online students, AIB’s support framework was purpose-built for remote learning. In the Australian Government’s 2023-2024 Student Experience Survey, 85.8% of AIB students rated their support positively, well above the 80.4% national average. Students have access to academic, technical and wellbeing assistance throughout their entire program. Practical guidance is available for study planning and navigating course requirements, while confidential counselling supports personal and wellbeing needs. The Alumni Ask Me Anything programme adds another layer of connection, linking students with experienced alumni who provide mentorship and guidance throughout their studies and beyond.

AIB’s MBA delivers more than a qualification. It provides students with a thriving community, ongoing support and career opportunities that extend far beyond graduation.

“The support from both the academic and support staff, which I believe is often underrated, has been exceptional. The amount of time people invested in helping me learn and improve, including the librarians, is noteworthy. When I’ve encountered any issues, the setup at AIB to ensure student success is unparalleled. 

I’ve also made lifelong friends, which has been one of the highlights. One of my favourite moments was at graduation, seeing people who I had never met in person before. It was truly special.

My advice? Just do it. Honestly, it’s sad to think that if it weren’t for the circumstances brought on by COVID and illness in my family, I might not have pursued an MBA, and that would have been a real shame. The courses have significantly improved my professional skills, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained more confidence, received a promotion and a pay rise. I would say my satisfaction rate is 150%.”

Annette Mychael
2023 AIB MBA Graduate
Director of Performance Improvement & Support (EAPAC) at IHG Hotels & Resorts

“I don’t have time to study”

Many professionals hesitate to pursue an MBA due to demanding schedules, but advancing education doesn’t have to come at the expense of work, family or social commitments. The AIB online MBA is designed to be flexible and achievable, while being underpinned by consistent term and assessment schedules.

The Student Learning Portal and the myAIB app allow students to study anytime, anywhere, adapting learning to their energy, availability and routine. Live webinars are scheduled outside work hours, with recordings available later for flexible access. There are many ways that learning can easily be integrated into daily schedules, such as studying during lunch breaks or networking with peers in the evening. Audio versions of course content even make it possible to learn while commuting, working out or running errands – turning everyday moments into learning opportunities. 

Instead of long semesters with multiple courses, students typically focus on one subject at a time. Each runs for seven weeks with a one-week break to reflect and recharge. Students receive learning materials two weeks in advance, allowing them to schedule study around existing commitments within term deadlines. Accelerated options let students take subjects concurrently to complete the MBA in as little as 12 months, and breaks between subjects make it easy to manage unexpected demands without withdrawing.

Studying while working also enhances learning outcomes. Professionals can apply new insights directly to projects, reinforcing understanding and producing practical results. Workplace challenges become opportunities to test theories in real time, while hands-on experience enrich assignments and discussions, creating a continuous loop between study and professional growth.

When learning is built around real schedules and real work, time stops being a barrier and becomes part of the advantage.

“Working in finance, I spend a lot of time partnering with other departments and influencing cross-functional outcomes. I wanted to deepen my understanding of different business functions and learn how to engage with those teams more effectively.

Working while studying the AIB MBA actually became one of my biggest advantages. I was able to use real business problems from my day job as the basis for many assignments. This helped me look at problems from different angles and apply new frameworks straight away. Since graduating, my career has accelerated significantly. I moved from a commercial finance role at Haymes Paint to Head of FP&A at The Collagen Co.

Online flexibility also made a massive difference. I could study when it suited me including early mornings, late evenings or quieter weekends. I travelled to New Zealand and I could do my assignment on the ferry or while in the air. Another advantage of the AIB MBA was the subject structure. Commercial finance is already fast-paced, and at the same time I was leading a major project. Having the programme broken into focused, manageable blocks meant I could give proper attention to each subject without feeling overwhelmed.

The MBA is much more achievable than you think. Break it down into small, consistent chunks, lean on the flexibility of the programme and integrate it with your day job. It will be one of the best things you could do.”

Vincent Fogarty
2024 AIB MBA Graduate
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis at The Collagen Co

This article was originally published in CEO Magazine Volume 49 2026 Global MBA Rankings Edition.

The insights featured in this article were garnered from AIB’s 2024 Alumni Insights Report sent out to 12,040 of AIB’s global alumni who graduated between 2005 and 2024.