Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time

Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time

#MBA
Lankalapalli HarshaUpdated on 04 Sep 2025, 03:30 PM IST

Earning a degree while working full-time is demanding but entirely possible. Balancing a full-time job and continuing education may seem challenging, but online degree courses have made it increasingly achievable. This approach allows learners to upskill, gain advanced qualifications, and stay competitive in their fields.

This Story also Contains

  1. Why Choose An Online Degree While Working Full-Time?
  2. Career Paths for Working Professionals Seeking a Transition
  3. Challenges and Solutions While Balancing Work And Studying
Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time
Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time

Online programmes are designed to accommodate busy schedules, offering online classes, and self-paced assignments. By integrating learning into daily routines, professionals can apply new knowledge to their work, enhancing both performance and career growth. This article showcases how working professionals can pursue an online degree while working full-time.

Why Choose An Online Degree While Working Full-Time?

Pursuing online degrees while working full-time has become increasingly popular. Online degrees offer flexibility, allowing professionals to study at their own pace without compromising work responsibilities. This flexibility is especially valuable for those in demanding jobs or irregular shifts.

Additionally, online degrees are often more affordable than traditional on-campus programmes, reducing financial stress while earning a higher qualification. Online degree programmes are UGC-recognised and accredited, ensuring credibility in the job market. Furthermore, they enable professionals to immediately apply newly acquired skills to their current roles, bridging theory with practical workplace experience.

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Career Paths for Working Professionals Seeking a Transition

Working professionals often reach a point where they transition in their careers, either to explore a new field or to climb the corporate ladder. Online degrees act as a catalyst for such transitions by equipping learners with updated skills recognised by employers.

The table below showcases career opportunities with higher earning potential for working professionals after completing an online degree:

Job Role

Average Salary

Data Scientist

Rs 15 LPA

Software Engineer

Rs 11 LPA

Brand Manager

Rs 16.7 LPA

Finance Executive

Rs 17 LPA

AI Engineer

Rs 11.4 LPA

Chartered Accountant

Rs 11.2 LPA

Investment Bankers

Rs 29.5 LPA


Also Read: Best Online Degrees for Job Seekers in India [2025]

Challenges and Solutions While Balancing Work And Studying

Pursuing an online degree while managing a full-time job can be highly rewarding, but it also presents unique challenges. Recognising these challenges and addressing them is key to maintaining both academic performance and professional efficiency. Here is a detailed breakdown of common challenges and effective solutions:

ChallengesSolutions

Time Management

Create a weekly study schedule and use reminders.

Workload Overlap

Prioritise tasks and communicate deadlines with supervisors.

Motivation & Focus

Set small goals, and join peer groups.

Technical Difficulties

Ensure stable internet, backup devices, and updated software.

Stress & Burnout

Take breaks, exercise, and practice mindfulness.

Pursuing an online degree while working full-time helps professionals advance careers and access to high-paying opportunities. Online education empowers learners to balance work, study, and personal growth, making career transitions smoother and more achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is blending employer duties with coursework effective?
A:

Aligning assignments to real work projects boosts learning and minimises repetition, with many professionals reporting improved performance and better academic results.

Q: How to avoid burnout during this journey?
A:

Ensure sleep, nutrition and short breaks. Delegate tasks, keep study sessions manageable and reward accomplishments to stay motivated.

Q: Are online degrees recognised by employers?
A:

Yes, accredited online degrees from reputable institutions are widely recognized, with employers valuing the combination of work experience and formal education.

Q: How can one manage time effectively with full‑time work and study?
A:

Start with a time audit, use planning tools, and set clear priorities. Saying no to non‑essential commitments helps maintain balance.

Q: Can a working person complete a degree without quitting their job?
A:

Yes, it is possible for professionals to complete a degree alongside their full-time work.

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Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree offers a wide range of specialized fields, allowing professionals to focus their expertise on specific industries or business functions. Choosing the best specialization depends heavily on your prior work experience, career goals, and the industry you wish to target. You can explore a detailed list of all MBA types and specializations here: Choosing the best specialization depends heavily on your prior work experience, career goals, and the industry you wish to target. You can explore a detailed list of all MBA types and specializations here: Types of MBA Courses and Specializations .

Hello,

Here are Types of MBA Scholarships in India:

  • Merit based scholarships
  • Need based scholarships
  • Corporate sponsored scholarships
  • Institute specific scholarships

Now, here Popular MBA Scholarships:

  • Aditya Birla Scholarship

  • OP Jindal Management Scholarship

  • IIM Scholarships

  • Government Scholarships

For more details access below mentioned link:

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/scholarship-for-mba-students-in-india

Hope it helps.

Hello,

There are many options that you can pursue. The list is below.

1. management consultant

2. Business Analyst

3. investment banker

4. Financial Manager

5. Marketing Manager

6. Human Resources

7. The It manager

8. entrepreneurship

9. data analyst

Thank You. Feel free to ask for more information.




Good Afternoon,

MBA eligibility criteria require

1. a bachelor's degree

2. must clear national exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT

3. Students must clear the group discussion and personal interview.

4. Placements depend on colleges and universities.

Best colleges for placements are

1. IIMs and IITs of any city

placement needs proper communication skills, leadership skills, PPT and projects or other skills that a company mentions.

Thank You.


Good Morning,

NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.

Thank You.