Connecting With Working Professionals

Overview

The purpose of this research brief is to identify the preferences, motivations, and career goals of candidates who want to pursue a graduate business degree while working full-time. Because these individuals are predominantly drawn to more flexible GME formats, the brief is focused on an analysis by program delivery type—inclusive of both MBA and other business master’s degrees—including part-time, hybrid, online, and flexible modalities.

Quick Facts

• Alternative program delivery methods are most preferred among candidates in Canada and Africa—especially online programs. Full-time, in-person programs are still especially popular in Asia and Western Europe.
• Regardless of a candidate’s preferred delivery method, they are most likely to be motivated to pursue GME to enrich their life and develop their potential. Though all candidates are deterred by cost, candidates who prefer non-full-time/in-person delivery are more likely to find demands on time to be a barrier.
• Candidates who prefer non-full-time/in-person program delivery are more likely to seek higher level senior and executive positions post-GME. They typically are also less interested in careers that facilitate international opportunities.