How to survive your MBA

Starting an MBA is an exciting yet humbling experience for many new students. You may not have studied before or are new to online learning. Whatever the reason, you may find yourself wondering how you’re going to survive your MBA.

You’re not alone – feeling overwhelmed about your studying journey, no matter how much previous study experience you have, is completely normal. That’s why we’ve created a complete guide on how to survive an MBA.

What’s the difference between a traditional and online MBA?

Regardless if you decide to complete your MBA in-person or online, a credible MBA will give you the understanding, skills and connections you need to amplify your career. You’ll still study the same ideas and assignments and still have access to the most qualified experts in the field. The main difference is the flexibility that an online MBA offers.

Working professionals already have enough to consider with work, family and social commitments – without adding the pressure and inconvenience of physical classes. An online MBA, such as our Fast-Track MBA, suits the needs of full-time business people – so you can still achieve your career goals while you study.

Check your eligibility for our Fast-Track MBA.

What to expect from an online MBA program

While still very similar to earning a degree on campus, an online MBA program has several differences. For example, rather than attending lectures, tutorials or seminars, you’ll watch lecture recordings, live webinars or PowerPoint presentations to learn the material.

After you’ve completed your work, you’ll either upload your projects online or e-mail them to your Online Learning Facilitator.

At AIB, you’ll have access to our industry-leading Student Learning Portal, a complete digital system that gives you all the resources you need at your fingertips – whenever you need them. Many of our MBA students are busy with families and full-time jobs, but our portal allows you to study in your own time – such as listening to textbook audio while you cook dinner or watching course videos on your commute. The portal also provides:

• Subject learning material
• Resources such as study guides, journal articles, videos and podcasts
• Our orientation program
• Online library access
• Textbook information and recommended reading lists
• Assessment templates and style guides
• Planners and schedules
• Assessment tips and guides
• Free membership to LinkedIn Learning and associated business, creative, and technology skills courses
• Free subscription to Microsoft Office 365

Read Online MBA Australia: What to Consider When Choosing an Online MBA

How to survive an MBA

Choose an affordable MBA

AIB offers one of the most affordable MBAs in the country. Why? Because we don’t need to pay for any campuses or lecture theatres – instead, we pass the reduced costs onto our students. That way, you can be sure that your MBA fees are invested in quality education, academic teams, student support services and modern technology.

But even better news? AIB is an approved FEE-HELP provider which assists eligible Australian students in paying part or all of their tuition fees. Our customised MBA FEE-HELP Calculator will help you determine how FEE-HELP might impact your finances – including your total fee debt, your weekly take-home pay and how long your repayments will last.

For students outside of Australia, AIB offers a number of other payment and financing options depending on where you are based – including study loans and monthly payment plans.

Request a call to discuss MBA pricing.

Take advantage of being an MBA student

Being an MBA student has its advantages. For example, it’s easier to approach people in your industry. Being an MBA student allows you to ask for interviews, obtain data, attend conferences and gain access to new networks.

Being an MBA student opens more doors than if you are a working professional. Some may view you as having ulterior motives based on your job role and company. But as an MBA student, you can explore new opportunities, meet industry leaders and gain valuable knowledge.

Use our support resources

Just because our MBA is delivered online doesn’t mean you’re alone. At AIB, we have student support teams supporting you through all your needs – from application to graduation. You will get just as much academic and well-being support studying online as you would if you studied in a physical classroom.

Every subject has a dedicated Online Learning Facilitator you can contact anytime for help and guidance. And all our facilitators are qualified academics and experienced leaders in their industry. Plus, an Academic Skills Advisor can help refine your referencing, research and writing skills if it has been a while since you’ve studied.

We also offer well-being support through Converge International – an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Completely free of charge, our EAP is available for both AIB staff and students. It provides help with study, work and personal problems, giving you access to qualified professionals – such as psychologists, social workers and management support counsellors.

Learn more about our well-being resources.

Don’t compare yourself to others

MBA programs differ from other undergrad degrees in that you are constantly surrounded by people like you – ambitious, brilliant and career driven. So comparing yourself and your progress to your peers isn’t helpful to your studies and well-being.

Keep in mind that every student comes from a different professional, academic and cultural background. Some people may have families, and some may not. Others may be full-time while you’re part-time. This means that the baseline varies drastically for everyone, making it impossible to compare your progress with others.

Avoid falling into this trap by setting your own benchmarks and targets. Set your goals and the timeframe in which you hope you achieve them. And remember, an MBA isn’t a competition. It’s to help you achieve your career aspirations – and all that matters is that you reach them.

So how will you survive an MBA? By choosing the right MBA program. Delivered online with continual updates, innovations and new releases, the Fast-Track MBA offers genuine flexibility, industry insights, practical skills and the support you need to achieve your goals in our fast-changing world. It’s created for people just like you. Learn more about it.