What is it like to pursue an MBA while working full-time?

Pursuing an MBA is often seen as a full-time commitment; a step into a world of case studies, group projects, and networking events. However, a 2023 Graduate Management Admission Council report shows that nearly 60% of MBA students globally are working professionals, balancing their careers alongside academic pursuits; a test of resilience, time management, and the ability to integrate theory and practice in real time. Traditional MBA programmes allow for cohort networking but, for working professionals, they offer the opportunity to build networks within their industries. Institutions are recognising this demand and tweaking their offerings with more courses tailored for working professionals, asynchronous learning modules, virtual networking events, dedicated mentorship programmes and so on. I have learnt to understand that the real MBA — one that readies you for real life — typically starts past midnight and really takes off in those quiet moments of introspection, study, and grit.