7 Key Resources To Help You Choose the Right Business Degree, Certificate or Short Course

Whether it's the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) or the global shift toward a greener economy, ongoing changes in the workplace mean professionals are increasingly looking to lifelong learning to future-proof their careers. Gaining new skills and adapting to new tools and systems can make a big difference when it comes to career longevity. 

"Business is constantly evolving," says Eli J. Lesser, senior executive director of Innovation and Global Initiatives at The Wharton School. "Recent Wharton research shows that entry-level jobs are no longer for novices. Whether it's understanding generative AI or the ability to create a valuation of a company, having hard business skills is a competitive advantage in the job market."

So, if you’re looking to upskill, should a business management degree be the next step in your professional journey? Or would a certificate or short course be a better fit for your career goals? 

From podcasts to university open days, there’s a wide variety of support options available to you. Let's look at some key resources you can lean into to build a roadmap that's right for you, with helpful advice from sector experts.

Business Management Degree, Certificate or Short Course: Online or In-person?

When deciding what professional development option is right for you, it’s important to consider what will work best at the current stage you find yourself in your career. 

Conrad Chua, executive director of the Cambridge MBA program at Cambridge Judge Business School says: "There are short online courses if you want a deep dive into a particular area that is troubling you at work, or longer, hybrid courses that give you the flexibility of online learning and the opportunity to build in-person connections with others. And there are the more traditional full-time programs for those who might want a change in their careers."

If you can’t afford the time or financial commitment to study a full-time degree, consider short courses; likewise, if studying a part-time online degree alongside your work sounds like a practical solution that would work for you, then perhaps you’ve found your answer. 

With such a range of opportunities to enhance your career, it's important to embrace this variety and not be put off or overwhelmed by the options. 

"In a world that is changing by the week, it is important for all professionals to upskill themselves. It is tempting to think you are learning when going through your news feed but there is deep value in business education,” adds Conrad. 

7 Resources To Choose Your Business Degree, Certificate or Short Course

Establishing your priorities, parameters, and motivations for study will help you narrow the field and create a vision for your next career move. Using these resources can help you gain clarity and personal momentum. 

1. Self assessment

Conrad from Cambridge Judge suggests evaluating your personal support network, including financial resources and family responsibilities, to determine which option is best for you. 

"Some people might not be in a position to leave their employment, and hence a part-time option might be better. Others might be dissatisfied to some degree with their career and want a switch. If their family and financial circumstances allow, they might consider full-time business education.”

Asking yourself probing self-assessment questions can help you come up with a career plan that is both aspirational and realistic, allowing you to achieve your goals. 

"If your plan is to stay with an employer and you just need some focused skills to top up, then a part-time degree might be suitable,” adds Conrad. “If you are thinking of a bigger career switch, especially switching countries, then a full-time option would be a better option because they typically offer more career support."

2. Business Education Planner

With parameters and priorities in place, you can start to make practical comparisons to figure out the right skill development option for you.

Our Business Education Planner, GMAC Advancery, allows you to compare and contrast course fundamentals such as location, cost, mode of delivery, and time commitment. 

For example, you can evaluate online business degrees and online business certificate programs side by side. You can gather your research in a personalised dashboard with a to-do list that takes you from course curiosity to preparing your application.

Use our Business Education Planner to find the best program to meet your personal needs and goals.

3. Websites, Blogs and Publications

You're already reading this article, so business education websites and related blogs and publications are likely on your radar. But how can you extract value from reading them beyond monitoring rankings and hearing about hiring trends? 

As a prospective student, business school class profiles and case studies of successful alumni can offer you relatable insights. Discovering other people's experiences, personal journeys, and challenges could prompt new considerations for your selection process.

Digging into business or entrepreneurship publications, or the trade press if you have an industry in mind, can provide a wider field of awareness. Look out for indications of in-demand skills, roles, and valued qualifications. Research like this can provide waypoints for plotting your career path. 

4. Podcasts

Want to ‘get to know’ the faculty at a particular business school or go deeper into research specialisms at different institutions? Many top b-schools and experts have their own podcasts. These resources, or college and university podcasts, can give you an insight into an institution’s culture, priorities and leading voices. 

Similarly, p[rominent business and entrepreneurship podcasts frequently profile successful business community members to inspire your own journey. Take notes on their educational experiences, challenges, and skills they wish they'd learned. You can also monitor emerging fields of interest and in-demand skills. 

5. Open Days and Events

Stepping onto campus, or at the very least meeting faculty and current students, will help you evaluate whether a course or establishment is a good fit for you. 

Visiting an in-person open day or event isn't always practical but it can give you a real sense of how you might feel while studying. Virtual campus tours can also allow you to explore facilities or chat online with student ambassadors and faculty. 

Whether you get the chance to meet them face to face or online, be sure to prepare questions for those you meet, and make sure you cover the key points that are aligned with your priorities. 

6. Taster or Bridge Programs

If you could spend some time in the business school classroom before applying, would you? If yes, bridge or taster programs could be a great option to aid your decision-making process. 

As Eli from Wharton explains: "Bridge programs, like Wharton Academy, are a learning opportunity for students who are not pursuing a business degree or major as undergraduates. Courses are an ideal way to ‘test-drive’ the business school classroom. These skills-based programs are designed to provide a credential that can be a gateway to a career.

"Academy short courses are on-campus experiences that offer training in specific business skills and provide a Wharton credential to document that learning to future employers. From there, students can advance further, whether through an MBA program for additional training or by bringing that skill and Wharton credentials to the marketplace."

7. Speaking with Others

Make speaking to someone who has completed a business management degree, certificate, or short course you are interested in top of your to-do list. Pose questions that will garner insights beyond the polished adverts and testimonials you see in course brochures.

Here are some suggestions: 

• Would they change anything about the degree program, certificate study or course?

• What do they wish they'd known first? 

• What prompted them to choose this qualification over others?

• Where are they now? How has the qualification impacted them? What is their life like? 

Talking with a workplace mentor may also highlight potential qualifications held in high esteem. Depending on your circumstances, this could help you clarify if any financial assistance or flexibility for study might be available to you.

A Final Word of Advice  

Additional resources you could draw on during your research phase include: business and entrepreneurship books, b-school newsletters, and student user-generated content on social media platforms

Whatever you choose, prepare for a rigorous experience, advises Conrad: “Bear in mind that any option, whether part-time or full-time, is going to be much more intense and time-consuming than you expect.

“If you are going for a part-time option, employer support—even if non-financial—is critical to ensure you have enough time to balance your work with studies. If you are on a full-time program, then devote time to build your own network within the class who can help you with academics, your career search, and be a source of support when things don't go well. Whatever option you choose, you will emerge better for it if you commit to reskilling yourself.

Not sure if it's time for a career change? Take our short quiz to find out if now is the right moment to make your next move.