Maximizing the Benefits of a Weekend MBA Program

“You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.”

It’s a classic dilemma for professionals who want to pursue an MBA while working. The desire to excel in both your career and academic pursuits can sometimes feel like an impossible feat. However, it is possible to have a successful career and earn an MBA simultaneously. 

A flexible weekend MBA program tailored for professionals like you could be the middle ground you seek. These programs offer the convenience of weekend classes and online learning without sacrificing curriculum quality or experiential learning opportunities. 

Understanding the advantages of a flexible program can help you navigate the MBA journey as a working professional. Here is what you need to know about maximizing the benefits of a flexible MBA program. 

What is a Weekend MBA Program?

Weekend MBAs, also known as Hybrid, Flexible or Flex MBAs, allow you to attend in-person classes on weekends while completing a portion of the coursework online. You get the benefits of in-person discussion and collaboration with other professionals in your program while maintaining the flexibility to work full-time with synchronous or asynchronous online coursework. 

Advantages of a Weekend MBA

Beyond the built-in flexibility that allows you to balance your competing commitments, a weekend MBA program has much to offer.

Most MBA programs, whether full-time, part-time or hybrid, aim to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the business world. While the delivery format and pace of learning may differ between weekend and full-time programs, the fundamental concepts and learning outcomes remain the same.

By choosing a program that fits your lifestyle, you unlock opportunities tailored to your goals and advantages that help you succeed without sacrificing what matters.

1. Apply what you learn in real-time 
   As a working professional, you’ll gain actionable skills in class that you can immediately apply to real-world projects in your career, making you a competitive, indispensable employee.
   
   
2. Learn with and from other industry professionals 
   In a weekend MBA program, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded, working professionals who all share a common goal. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate and network with industry professionals who can broaden your worldview and challenge you to improve your business acumen.
   
   
3. Maintain your career momentum 
   A “resume gap” doesn’t have to be the answer. Enrolling in a weekend MBA program allows you to continue working in your current role and enrich your career now and after graduation.
   
   
4. Offset the cost of your degree
   Keeping your job means you keep your income and financial stability while you study. Some employers may even offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs if it will help you succeed in your role. 

How to Get the Most out of Flexible MBA Programs

If a flexible weekend MBA program sounds right for you, there are several things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

Set clear goals
Before starting the program, take some time to consider what you hope to achieve by earning your MBA. Be specific and clear in your goals, and share them with your classmates and professors. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the program.

Prioritize time management
Because you'll have to balance your coursework with other commitments, becoming an expert in time management is essential. This means creating a schedule that works for you, ensuring that you have plenty of time for your studies and sticking to that schedule consistently.

Communicate with your employer
Keep your employer informed about your progress in the program and the knowledge you’re gaining. Open communication demonstrates your dedication to both your job and your personal growth. It may lead to new opportunities or promotions as your employer sees the value you bring to the table with your new skills.

Participate in class 
Take advantage of the opportunities to engage with other students and professors during in-person sessions by asking questions, contributing to discussions,and collaborating with peers. This will help you build a strong network of business connections and enhance your learning experience.

Stay engaged outside of class 
While your coursework is critical, staying engaged with the business world outside of class is also important. Attend industry events, read relevant publications and network with professionals in your field to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your industry.

Take advantage of resources 
Finally, don't forget to take advantage of all the resources available through your program. This includes career services, academic support, and networking opportunities. The more you invest in your program, the more you will get out of it.

Overcoming Challenges in a Weekend MBA Program

Earning a Flexible MBA requires balancing coursework, professional responsibilities and personal life. Juggling these competing priorities can be challenging, and it may take time to find the right balance.

To overcome these challenges, think about a few things:

• Ensure you understand the resources and tools available to you — including virtual office hours with your professors, the career center or supplemental instruction. Some programs may even offer on-campus childcare or free therapy to help you solve problems relating to your success in school.

• Invest time in studying time management as a part of your studies. Many different techniques for managing moving parts include the Pomodoro technique, time blocking or more personal project management tools such as Trello and Notion.

Explore the Benefits of the Flexible MBA Program at USD's Knauss School of Business

Are you interested in pursuing an MBA degree? Are you also navigating the demands of work, family or both?

With the Flex MBA at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business, you'll receive the same course content, value and prestige as our highly ranked MBA but in a format built for busy professionals. The Flex MBA program allows you to complete your studies in less than two years in a hybrid format. You’ll meet on our beautiful San Diego campus just one weekend per month and complete the remaining coursework online.

Like our full-time MBA, you can choose from one of six concentration options: business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, organizational leadership or supply chain management.

At USD’s Knauss School of Business, we designed our Flex MBA program to teach you sought-after business skills related to social responsibility, ethical leadership and forward-thinking acumen that will make you a relevant and competitive candidate for diverse roles in dynamic business spaces.

Find out if our Flex MBA Program is right with our MBA Fit Quiz.