An online MBA program is your door to numerous opportunities – across the entire business landscape.
However, one of the questions most students who are nearing the end or
are at the end of their online MBA course face is what to do next! While they have
many opportunities at hand, the decision of whether to go for a traditional
role or look for something non traditional still remains to be taken. If you
find yourself at such a juncture, this article is just for you.
Let’s see if you should follow the well-trodden path of traditional
roles or venture into the dynamic world of non-traditional careers?
The Appeal of Traditional Careers: A Path of Prestige and Progression
The conventional career paths have become widely known for prominence,
prestige, and a distinct path to progress. Such roles are commonly seen in
areas such as banking, consultancy, management, and corporate governance, which
for a long time have been the preferred destinations for MBAs graduates. Let’s
look at what exactly makes these paths so attractive.
Structured Growth and Advancement:
In a traditional setting, the career path you
follow is often quite deterministic from the moment you enter the workplace.
You have the road map to guide you, from a junior post to a middle management
and eventually a senior leadership. It resonates with those who need security,
an anchor to hold onto and goals to achieve.
Prestige and Recognition:
Top consulting jobs and management positions in
multinational companies have the aura of exclusivity about them. Those
positions come along with social recognition, which will be observed both
within the society of professionals and outside. They signify success, high
expertise and a strong professional stature.
Competitive Compensation:
Since traditional roles are well established and
properly planned out, they by default offer competitive salaries, plus
additional bonuses both tied to and not tied to performance. Further, there are
chances of yearly increment which is also generally competitive in nature.
Professional Development:
Companies in traditional sectors invest heavily in
training and development, understanding that sharpening their employees' skills
is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. This continuous learning
environment is invaluable for personal and professional growth.
Venturing into Non-Traditional Careers: Innovation and Flexibility
Non-traditional careers stand out for their dynamism, innovation, and
the flexibility they offer. These roles are found in start-ups, technology
firms, non-profit organizations, and creative industries. They appeal to those
looking to make a direct impact, innovate, and work in agile environments.
Innovation at the Forefront:
In non-traditional roles, you’re often at the
cutting edge of technology, social change, or creative processes. You have the
chance to work on projects that could redefine an industry or create new
paradigms for how we live and work.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance:
Many non-traditional job roles offer flexibility
in terms of the number and type of hours you choose to work daily – as long as
you keep getting the work done, ofcourse. Chances of getting remote work
opportunities are also higher in non-traditional job roles which further
increases the flexibility aspect. Ofcourse, this should be kept in mind that
this flexibility comes at the cost of dedicated, honest work that is expected
if you’re really pursuing a non-traditional path!
Creative Freedom and Autonomy:
Non-traditional roles frequently offer more room
for creativity and personal input. Whether you’re developing a new app in a
tech start-up or leading a campaign for a non-profit, you have the autonomy to
propose and implement your ideas. This level of responsibility can be
incredibly rewarding, offering a sense of ownership and pride in your work.
Purpose-Driven Work:
Many who choose non-traditional careers are driven
by a desire to make a difference. Whether it’s through social entrepreneurship,
environmental advocacy, or innovative healthcare solutions, these roles offer
the chance to contribute to something larger than oneself.
Which Path to Choose?
The choice between the traditional and non-traditional career paths
becomes the topic of discussion after an Online MBA. You can pursue either of
them depending upon what you want to achieve eventually as well as how much
risk you are willing to take and where you place the value of innovation over
stability. A career path of such an order may be safe and have a clear
sequence, but it may also cobweb with rigid hierarchies. Unusual ones, although
riskier, afford an artist’s palate of imagination, quick scaling-up, and a
pride of going first in your specific domain.
Given this choice, bear in mind that your Online MBA has furnished you
with a rather portable and transferable toolkit. Whether you decide to choose
order and status with traditional career options or rather dedicate yourself to
the constantly changing and innovative world outside of the usual boxes, your
course is to use your strengths and passions to create a professional life that
is satisfying.