The pandemic years completely changed the space of learning. From primary school to post-graduation, all levels of education shifted online. This shift was well accepted by stakeholders across the board. It also brought learners closer to the concept of online learning and helped them realise the learning flexibility and accessibility it brought to the table.As we operate today, learners are more keen than ever to pursue online degrees over courses that still offer dated curriculum and aren’t the best fit to address the rising demand for niche skills for driving business results. Today, within the MBA segment, there are more professionals enrolled for online learning than in on-campus programs!
What’s driving the steep demand for online MBA programs?
Between 2016 and 2021, there has been an 85% increase in the number of accredited online MBA programs in the US. Demand has also shot up significantly in India and other parts of the world.One of the reasons why online MBA has taken off is because even the most reputed programs cost significantly less than traditional counterparts. This means improved ROI for a degree that employers value.Learning flexibility is also a key influencer. Online programs let you learn at your own pace without compromising on pedagogy. This works great for working professionals who may not always be able to attend scheduled lectures and want to move at their own pace.Until recently, one critical area where an offline MBA had an edge was in-person learning experiences, with both peers and faculty. Even though technology is a great enabler, the ‘physical’ element was missing from online MBA programs.With upGrad’s unprecedented and innovative ‘offline placement drive’ for online MBA learners, that’s changed.
What does upGrad’s offline placement drive look like?
An offline placement drive is essentially an opportunity for online MBA learners to appear for hiring processes physically at b-schools, just like a conventional on-campus placement process.upGrad’s offline placement drive, which it seamlessly executed independent of assistance from university partners, was an industry-first initiative that has become a game-changer for online MBA and higher education.Here’s what the 2-day recruitment and networking event facilitated:
Learners, academics, and recruiters under one roof!
With upGrad’s offline hiring drive, online MBA learners are now getting a chance to participate in placement opportunities at actual b-school campuses. Initially, learners from upGrad’s PGDM programs appeared for placements at IMT Ghaziabad and ATLAS SkillTech University, Mumbai.But that’s not all. upGrad has also launched Basecamp—a physical event that brings together learners, faculty, coaches and recruiters together on one platform to further facilitate networking and learning opportunities, which is unheard of within such online learning formats.
Why wait for MBA to finish before getting placed?
Such offline placement drives are scheduled once a quarter. This means students can appear for placements four times throughout the year, virtually quadrupling their chances of getting hired.upGrad’s curriculum offers the flexibility for every learner to participate in offline job fairs just three months into their online MBA. This means instead of hunting for jobs after graduating, you can get placed with a leading company or brand well before you complete your MBA!
Real-time feedback from recruiters and career coaches
With Basecamp, upGrad learners can get valuable feedback from both recruiters and coaches, in real-time. This means that even if you don’t get hired by your dream company the first time around, you’re armed with actionable insight into improving your profile and getting noticed by employers. You’re no longer just playing the odds and hoping for the best. You’re completely prepared to beat them.
Offline hiring sounds great. But does it work?
The idea of offline placements for online MBAs is innovative and promising. But does it really work in terms of actual placements?When upGrad launched its offline hiring drive, it answered this critical question with a resounding “yes.”More than 25 graduates of upGrad’s online PGDM programs were selected for coveted positions. Who hired them? Marquee brands like Kotak Mahindra, HDFC Life, Tech Mahindra, and many others.But this isn’t the first time big brands have hired upGrad learners. upGrad alumni are already working at companies like Amazon, JP Morgan, Accenture, HSBC, Myntra, Reliance Jio, Mindtree, Ola, Kotak Mahindra, and others.In terms of compensation, upGrad’s MBA programs have had a stellar record—a 567% increase in the highest salary, a 50% average hike in salaries across programs.The upGrad Basecamp also brought 150+ learners together on a physical platform, extending networking and bonding opportunities you’d find in any offline MBA campus.With this one-of-a-kind initiative, upGrad has virtually blurred the lines between offline and online MBA programs, thereby dispelling certain stereotypes within the online education segment.
Key questions answered
Given that this is an out-of-the-ordinary initiative, there’s bound to be questions around the mechanics of such a placement drive. Here are some answers to key questions that can help.
If learners get placed in one hiring drive, can they attend the next hiring events? Yes! The hiring event is open to all learners, even if they’ve received offers in a previous recruitment event.
Are these events open only to active learners enrolled in an online PGDM program? These hiring and networking events are open to learners in the Program phase and Career Services phase of the online MBA.
What if I get hired by a company but don’t complete the online MBA program? Will this affect my job offer? Though this is rare and not recommended, your job offer won’t be affected, unless the employer has rules around this.