Your Guide to

Online Learning
Success
Contents Online certificate programs are effective ways to build and develop vital business skills.
Whether preparing for a master of business administration (MBA) program, advancing to a
3 What Is Online Learning? new role, or changing careers, online learning can be a flexible, cost-effective path to reach
your goals.
7 Pros and Cons of Online As online education’s popularity has skyrocketed, so have its number of options—making
Learning choosing the right course both critical and challenging. From foundational basics to
advanced deep dives, you can build and hone your skills to become a stronger business
professional, wherever you are in your career.
13 Choosing the Right Online
Course: Questions to Ask If you’re interested in exploring online education but aren’t sure where to start, this guide
will help you understand the different course types, compare their pros and cons, and
select one that meets your needs and enables you to achieve your career goals.
20 Selecting Your Perfect
Course

22 Is an HBS Online Course

Right for You?
What Is Online
Learning?
Start with the basics. Here’s an overview online learning and course options.

3
What Is Online Learning?
Online learning is the delivery of educational content through digital channels.
Beyond replacing in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s gained
significant traction as a way to build knowledge and skills with added flexibility.

The online learning experience can vary based on a course’s:

• Class size
• Cost
• Length
• Instructor credibility
• Peer interaction opportunities
• Content

Upon successful completion, you could earn:

• A certificate
• A credential
• A degree
• Academic credit

What each means varies depending on program length and

content, so prioritize courses that speak to their credentials’
value—regardless of what you receive.

What Is Online Learning?

What Formats Are Offered?
Not all online courses are delivered the same. One consideration is whether you
want to learn in real time or on a flexible schedule. Online learning formats include:

• Synchronous learning: Real-time • Asynchronous learning: Access to • Hybrid or blended learning: A mix
interaction between you and your course materials and assignments of synchronous and asynchronous,
instructors—either in-person or at your own pace, typically with with flexible and real-time learning
remote. assignment deadlines. experiences.

Additionally, the number of fellow learners can impact your experience. For instance, massive open online courses (MOOCs)
are free and host a virtually unlimited number of learners, whereas cohort-based courses often feature smaller groups. While
MOOCs are appealing in terms of cost and accessibility, they may have less interactivity and lack cohort-based courses’
personalization and social aspects.

What Is Online Learning? 5

Who Should Take an
Online Course?
Online courses boast flexibility and provide educational
opportunities to those who typically can’t access them.
Online courses are an effective option for:
• Working professionals: Level up your skills while working
full time.
• Global audiences: Gain world-class education without
traveling to campus.
• Entrepreneurs: Give your venture the greatest chance
of success by learning business essentials and startup
skills.
• Aspiring leaders: Prepare for future leadership roles and
bolster your resume for your career’s next phase.

Whether balancing a full-time job, undergraduate

studies, or caretaking responsibilities, online
education provides the flexibility to learn
wherever and whenever you can.

What Is Online Learning?

Pros and Cons of
Online Learning
While online education has many benefits, it’s not right for
everyone. Here are the pros and cons to consider when deciding
what’s best for you.
Pros: Why Take an Online Course
1. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Balancing work, home responsibilities, professional development, social activities, and
rest is difficult but critical. A demanding job coupled with caretaking responsibilities
and appointments can make it nearly impossible to take classes with set schedules.
“My manager recommended I
Many online courses are self-paced with deadlines, enabling you to fit them into your sign up for Leadership Principles.
schedule. You could complete lessons in the morning before work or finish them after Knowing that I would be soon
your children have gone to bed. managing a team, I thought
it sounded like an amazing
2. Learn at Your Speed opportunity. I found the content
While in-person courses provide set structures and timelines for learning, online of the course to be extremely
courses boast flexibility. Do you need to re-review the last module? You can. Do you informative and applicable to the
have more time on some nights to complete coursework? You can pace it in a way that’s real challenges of being a leader.
I loved the frameworks and case
best for your schedule.
study model, and I thought the
course was very manageable on top
3. Save Money
of a full-time job.”
Online courses are often more affordable than in-person ones. Not only are their price
tags typically less expensive, but you forgo transportation and lodging costs. Abby Katz
Leadership Principles
Additionally, working full-time while taking an online course provides income to offset Participant
the expense. Your employer may even pay for it if you demonstrate how it can improve
your work performance.

Pros and Cons of Online Learning 8

4. Bolster Your Skills and Resume 6. Break Down Geographic Barriers
Online education’s flexibility doesn’t come at the cost of When choosing an online program, you’re not limited by
quality. Taking a course can prepare you to advance your location. You can register from abroad without needing to
career—within your organization or elsewhere. board a plane.
According to a 2022 survey of Harvard Business School The lack of geographical constraints extends to your peers,
Online learners by City Square Associates, 31 percent too. Online courses offer the opportunity to engage with
reported earning a promotion after taking a course. fellow learners from around the world. Through those
interactions, you can gain a global perspective and work
Online courses can also lead to increased responsibility at
collaboratively with people from different backgrounds and
work, as 53 percent of HBS Online learners reported in a
cultures.
2021 survey, also conducted by City Square Associates.
Investing in your business skills can show your manager
you’re serious about leveling up your career and ready to
take on new responsibilities.

5. Increase Your Salary or Bonus

In addition to providing new skills and career opportunities, ASPIRATIONAL ADVICE
taking an online course can increase your earning potential.
“The programs are rigorous; plan your time well. Some
In the 2022 survey, 42 percent of HBS Online learners of the questions posed as the course progresses are
said their course helped boost their salary, with an average thought-provoking and require time. Also, read what
$17,000 increase. Additionally, 16 percent received a bonus, others have shared and participate. Discussing others’
with an average increase of $14,000. points of view helps sharpen yours, and you all learn
together.”
Taking an online course on a topic you want to grow in can
demonstrate you’re committed to professional development Swaminathan Aiyer
and gaining the skills to take on more responsibility. Alternative Investments Participant

Pros and Cons of Online Learning 9

7. Connect with Driven Professionals
An often overlooked benefit of online education is that it
connects you to other professionals committed to lifelong
learning.
Building those relationships can provide support, motivation,
and inspiration throughout your course. It also offers a
network you can use to get advice on business problems, job
opportunities, and friendship. COMMUNITY ORGANIZER SPOTLIGHT
Patrick Sabineza, who took Entrepreneurship Essentials, is
the Community Organizer for the HBS Online Community’s
New York City Chapter.
“By organizing events, workshops, and other activities,
I aim to facilitate connections, inspire innovation, and
empower individuals to achieve their goals,” Sabineza
says. “Being a Community Organizer is not only fulfilling
for me personally, but it also enables me to make a positive
impact on the professional lives of others in the New York
City area and beyond.”
While he’s an Organizer, he also reaps the benefits of the
close-knit online network.
“The support and encouragement I’ve received from fellow
Community members has been invaluable in my personal
and professional development,” Sabineza says. “It’s truly
a dynamic and inclusive space where lifelong connections
are formed. I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant
Community.”

Pros and Cons of Online Learning 10

Cons: Common Concerns BUSINESS INSIGHT
of Online Learning 6 Networking Tips for Online Learners

1. Introduce yourself: If your course provides a way to chat

1. Limited Faculty Interaction with other learners, take advantage of it and introduce yourself.
Depending on the online program type, you could Try to also connect with them via LinkedIn or email and
have limited, if any, interaction with your instructors. regularly engage in conversation.
Your peers may fill that void and answer questions, 2. Use technology: Leverage meeting tools like Zoom, Google
but consider what level of faculty engagement you Meet, or Skype to facilitate conversations with peers and share
need to make progress. real-time feedback.

2. It Requires Strong Organizational and Time 3. Create value: Share your knowledge with others, and ask
Management Skills how you can support them. This can help establish you as a
Completing an online course requires time subject matter expert.
management and self-discipline. Because you’re 4. Establish and maintain an online presence: Create a
not required to be in class on certain days, it’s LinkedIn profile or website and consistently maintain it.
your responsibility to set aside time to study and
complete assignments. If you’re highly organized 5. Join relevant online communities: Networking doesn’t
and committed to a schedule, you can succeed. only have to happen during your course. For instance, the HBS
Online Community has more than 30 Chapters worldwide you
3. Potentially Fewer Networking Opportunities can join at any time to connect with like-minded professionals.
Networking opportunities vary across courses.
6. Follow up with your connections: Connecting is just the first
If the social element is crucial to you, choose a
step in the process. Continue interacting with your classmates
course with a platform built around peer interaction
and instructors after your course ends.to achieve their goals,”
and active participation. Explore affiliated online
Sabineza says. “Being a Community Organizer is not only
learning communities and events, too.
fulfilling for me personally, but it also enables me to make a
positive impact on the professional lives of others in the New
York City area and beyond.”

Pros and Cons of Online Learning 11

4. You Might Need to Fight Against Misconceptions
Although online learning’s popularity is growing, lingering
skepticism still exists. However, that’s changing. In a survey
of executives, 83 percent said an online degree is just as
credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based
program. According to employers, if it was from a reputable
institution with high-quality learners, it was more credible.
You must advocate for the skills and expertise you’ve gained
from your online course and how they’ve impacted your work.

It’s up to you to weigh online learning’s pros and

cons. If you’re interested in taking an online course,
continue to the next section to find the right fit for you.

Pros and Cons of Online Learning 12

Choosing the Right
Online Course:
Questions to Ask
If you’ve decided to pursue online learning, the next step is
choosing a course. Follow along by writing your answers to the
following questions.
1. What Are My Professional Goals?
Start by listing your professional goals. It helps to craft
statements about where you are in your career and what you Professional Goals
hope to gain.

For instance:
• I’m an entry-level engineer and aspire to manage a team.

• I’m a seasoned manager and want to improve my ability

to execute strategy.

• I have an innovative idea and want to build a viable,

valuable startup.

• I’m a new leader and want to understand how to use

financial information.

• I’m a prospective MBA student and want to position

myself to succeed.

• I’m an organizational leader and want my business to

positively impact society.

You can list as many goal statements as you like, but choose
one to focus on for this exercise.

Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask 14

2. What Skills Do I Need to Reach My Goal?
Next, consider your skills. Which do you already possess that will help you achieve your goal? Which do you lack or need
to strengthen? For instance, if your goal statement is “I’m a new leader and want to understand how to leverage financial
information,” you may list the following:
Existing skills: Skills to gain or strengthen:
• I have some knowledge of financial statements. • I don’t have a strong understanding of how capital
markets work and impact my organization.
• I occasionally create budgets for my team.
• I want to learn how to apply financial concepts to my
• I’m familiar with how to pitch a project based on the value daily work.
it could bring to my organization.
• I’m not sure how to use financial statements to inform
leadership decisions.

Through this process, you might discover that you aren’t sure what skills you need to reach your goals—that’s OK. If you want a
promotion, have a conversation with your manager about what skills would benefit you. You can also review the competencies
listed in postings for jobs like your desired role. Keep this in mind when searching for courses.

Existing Skills Skills to Gain or Strengthen

Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask 15

3. What’s My Schedule?
After determining the skills to gain or develop, gauge your
ASPIRATIONAL ADVICE
availability. With online programs, you have the flexibility to “Managing the workload depends on your lifestyle.
fit coursework into your schedule whenever is best. I suggest blocking time in your schedule to work
through the modules. It’s active learning, so you
For this step, visualize a typical week. On the following must be alert and ready to think and contribute.
page, block off time for standing commitments, such as For me, this meant shorter, more frequent study
work, school, and appointments. Consider any caretaking sessions as opposed to longer, less frequent sessions.
responsibilities, daily necessities like preparing meals, and I thoroughly enjoyed working through the modules
time for rest and sleep. and felt a little dopamine kick every time I completed
Once you’ve blocked off those times, you’re left with your one.”
availability for an online course. Tally how many hours per Jemma Martin
week you can dedicate, and ensure it’s a commitment you Strategy Execution Participant
want to make.

Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask 16

 Weekly Calendar
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5 a.m.

6 a.m.

7 a.m.

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

12 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

10 p.m.

11 p.m.

12 a.m.

Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask 17

4. What Do I Need and Value in an Online Course?
The next step is identifying what you
want in an online course. Many are on Must-Haves Nice-to-Haves
the market, so it’s beneficial to know
your preferences when searching for
relevant offerings.
Begin with an open brainstorm: What
do you need or value in an educational
experience?

You may list:

• Engaging course content
• Credible instructors
• Real-world examples
• Opportunities to engage with peers
• Diagrams and graphics
• Closed captioning or alternative text

Use the above as a starting point. Note

which factors are “must-haves” and
“nice-to-haves” so you can reference
them when researching options.

Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask 18

5. What’s My Budget?
Finally, determine your budget. Prices for online certificate BUSINESS INSIGHT
courses vary—along with their quality. Be wary that not all Asking Your Employer to Pay for Your Course
programs are created equal.
Think of this step as considering what price you’re willing 1. Do your homework: Does your company have
to pay for your perfect course—one that provides the skills an education assistance program? If so, follow the
to reach your goals, aligns with your availability, and has all procedures in place. If not, explore the options below.
the factors you value most. 2. State career development as your priority: Let
If your budget is keeping you from pursuing your your manager know career growth is important to you
ideal course, investigate scholarship and financial and discuss the skills you need to develop.
aid opportunities. If your employer has a budget for 3. Research programs: Identify educational
professional development assistance, craft your case opportunities that will help you build business skills,
for how the course would help you succeed in your such as an MBA or online certificate program.
role, acquire the skills to advance, and benefit your
organization. 4. Create a pitch: Pitch to your manager why
the program you selected is the best fit, how your
education will positively impact the company, and
Budget why tuition assistance will enable you to reach
personal and organizational goals.

Once you’ve answered the questions in this section,

it’s time to select a course that fits your needs.

Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask 19

Selecting Your
Perfect Course
Using your goals, priorities, and needs from the previous section,
search for your ideal course.
Start by searching online for courses that match your desired subject area and format. You have an abundance of options and
may immediately notice that some don’t align with your criteria. Curate a short list of options and analyze each against your
goals, needs, and preferences.
Consider visualizing your research in a table to compare options. Get started using the table below to note whether the course
option in each column meets the corresponding requirements. If you need more columns or rows, copy the table onto a
separate sheet of paper.

Course Option 1 Course Option 2 Course Option 3

Will it teach me the skills needed to reach my goal?

Is it held in my perferred format?

Does it fit into my schedule?

Does it fit my budget?

Does it have [attribute I value in an online course]?

Does it have [another attribute I value in an online course]?

By taking the time to ensure a course aligns with your goals, availability, and values, you set yourself up to make the
most of the experience.

Selecting Your Perfect Course 21

Is an HBS
Online Course
Right for You?
To jumpstart your research, here’s a breakdown of HBS Online courses.
 Here are the benefits of HBS Online’s certificate and credential programs:

Fully online
Taught by HBS faculty
Active

Complete course content on
Learn world-class concepts,
Apply your knowledge through
your own time with weekly frameworks, and tools from interactive elements every
deadlines. experts in their fields. three to five minutes.

Feature

Social
Join a global network
real-world cases

Engage and collaborate with peers
xperience HBS’s signature
E
Network with peers worldwide
before, during, and after your case method and learn from through the HBS Online
course to challenge your business leaders who faced Community and our annual
thinking and broaden your real-world problems. hybrid conference,
perspective. Connext.

Is an HBS Online Course Right for You? 23

 If these attributes align with your goals, download our free
flowcharts to select your ideal HBS Online course from the
following subject areas:

• Business Essentials ASPIRATIONAL ADVICE

“My advice is to enjoy it! Take it a week at a time. Pay
• Leadership & Management attention, and the course will take you along the path
to learning. I can’t think of any other course that offers
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation knowledge in such a playful manner.”
• Strategy Shalini Agarwal
Disruptive Strategy and Strategy Execution
• Finance & Accounting Participant
• Business in Society
• Marketing

Congratulations! You’ve set your goals, determined the skills needed to reach them, and conducted thorough
research to find your ideal online course. This process required time and care, but your investment will pay off when
you’re in your ideal learning environment gaining the skills to advance your career.

Is an HBS Online Course Right for You? 24

To learn more about what HBS Online
can do for you, visit online.hbs.edu.