Your Guide to
Online Learning
Success
Contents
3 What Is Online Learning?
7 Pros and Cons of Online
Learning
13 Choosing the Right Online
Course: Questions to Ask
20 Selecting Your Perfect
Course
22 Is an HBS Online Course
Right for You?
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
new role, or changing careers, online learning can be a flexible, cost-effective path to reach
your goals.
As online education’s popularity has skyrocketed, so have its number of options—making
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.
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.
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
interaction between you and your
instructors—either in-person or
remote.
• Asynchronous learning: Access to
course materials and assignments
at your own pace, typically with
assignment deadlines.
• Hybrid or blended learning: A mix
of synchronous and asynchronous,
with flexible and real-time learning
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.
Many online courses are self-paced with deadlines, enabling you to fit them into your
schedule. You could complete lessons in the morning before work or finish them after
your children have gone to bed.
2. Learn at Your Speed
While in-person courses provide set structures and timelines for learning, online
courses boast flexibility. Do you need to re-review the last module? You can. Do you
have more time on some nights to complete coursework? You can pace it in a way that’s
best for your schedule.
3. Save Money
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.
Additionally, working full-time while taking an online course provides income to offset
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
“My manager recommended I
sign up for Leadership Principles.
Knowing that I would be soon
managing a team, I thought
it sounded like an amazing
opportunity. I found the content
of the course to be extremely
informative and applicable to the
real challenges of being a leader.
I loved the frameworks and case
study model, and I thought the
course was very manageable on top
of a full-time job.”
Abby Katz
Leadership Principles
Participant
8
4. Bolster Your Skills and Resume
Online education’s flexibility doesn’t come at the cost of
quality. Taking a course can prepare you to advance your
career—within your organization or elsewhere.
6. Break Down Geographic Barriers
When choosing an online program, you’re not limited by
location. You can register from abroad without needing to
board a plane.
According to a 2022 survey of Harvard Business School
Online learners by City Square Associates, 31 percent
reported earning a promotion after taking a course.
The lack of geographical constraints extends to your peers,
too. Online courses offer the opportunity to engage with
fellow learners from around the world. Through those
interactions, you can gain a global perspective and work
collaboratively with people from different backgrounds and
cultures.
Online courses can also lead to increased responsibility at
work, as 53 percent of HBS Online learners reported in a
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,
taking an online course can increase your earning potential.
In the 2022 survey, 42 percent of HBS Online learners
said their course helped boost their salary, with an average
$17,000 increase. Additionally, 16 percent received a bonus,
with an average increase of $14,000.
Taking an online course on a topic you want to grow in can
demonstrate you’re committed to professional development
and gaining the skills to take on more responsibility.
Pros and Cons of Online Learning
ASPIRATIONAL ADVICE
“The programs are rigorous; plan your time well. Some
of the questions posed as the course progresses are
thought-provoking and require time. Also, read what
others have shared and participate. Discussing others’
points of view helps sharpen yours, and you all learn
together.”
Swaminathan Aiyer
Alternative Investments Participant
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
of Online Learning
1. Limited Faculty Interaction
Depending on the online program type, you could
have limited, if any, interaction with your instructors.
Your peers may fill that void and answer questions,
but consider what level of faculty engagement you
need to make progress.
2. It Requires Strong Organizational and Time
Management Skills
Completing an online course requires time
management and self-discipline. Because you’re
not required to be in class on certain days, it’s
your responsibility to set aside time to study and
complete assignments. If you’re highly organized
and committed to a schedule, you can succeed.
3. Potentially Fewer Networking Opportunities
Networking opportunities vary across courses.
If the social element is crucial to you, choose a
course with a platform built around peer interaction
and active participation. Explore affiliated online
learning communities and events, too.
Pros and Cons of Online Learning
BUSINESS INSIGHT
6 Networking Tips for Online Learners
1. Introduce yourself: If your course provides a way to chat
with other learners, take advantage of it and introduce yourself.
Try to also connect with them via LinkedIn or email and
regularly engage in conversation.
2. Use technology: Leverage meeting tools like Zoom, Google
Meet, or Skype to facilitate conversations with peers and share
real-time feedback.
3. Create value: Share your knowledge with others, and ask
how you can support them. This can help establish you as a
subject matter expert.
4. Establish and maintain an online presence: Create a
LinkedIn profile or website and consistently maintain it.
5. Join relevant online communities: Networking doesn’t
only have to happen during your course. For instance, the HBS
Online Community has more than 30 Chapters worldwide you
can join at any time to connect with like-minded professionals.
6. Follow up with your connections: Connecting is just the first
step in the process. Continue interacting with your classmates
and instructors after your course ends.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.”
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
hope to gain.
Professional Goals
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’m familiar with how to pitch a project based on the value
it could bring to my organization.
• I want to learn how to apply financial concepts to my
daily work.
• 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
Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask
Skills to Gain or Strengthen
15
3. What’s My Schedule?
After determining the skills to gain or develop, gauge your
availability. With online programs, you have the flexibility to
fit coursework into your schedule whenever is best.
For this step, visualize a typical week. On the following
page, block off time for standing commitments, such as
work, school, and appointments. Consider any caretaking
responsibilities, daily necessities like preparing meals, and
time for rest and sleep.
Once you’ve blocked off those times, you’re left with your
availability for an online course. Tally how many hours per
week you can dedicate, and ensure it’s a commitment you
want to make.
Choosing the Right Online Course: Questions to Ask
ASPIRATIONAL ADVICE
“Managing the workload depends on your lifestyle.
I suggest blocking time in your schedule to work
through the modules. It’s active learning, so you
must be alert and ready to think and contribute.
For me, this meant shorter, more frequent study
sessions as opposed to longer, less frequent sessions.
I thoroughly enjoyed working through the modules
and felt a little dopamine kick every time I completed
one.”
Jemma Martin
Strategy Execution Participant
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
the market, so it’s beneficial to know
your preferences when searching for
relevant offerings.
Must-Haves
Nice-to-Haves
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
courses vary—along with their quality. Be wary that not all
programs are created equal.
Think of this step as considering what price you’re willing
to pay for your perfect course—one that provides the skills
to reach your goals, aligns with your availability, and has all
the factors you value most.
If your budget is keeping you from pursuing your
ideal course, investigate scholarship and financial
aid opportunities. If your employer has a budget for
professional development assistance, craft your case
for how the course would help you succeed in your
role, acquire the skills to advance, and benefit your
organization.
Budget
BUSINESS INSIGHT
Asking Your Employer to Pay for Your Course
1. Do your homework: Does your company have
an education assistance program? If so, follow the
procedures in place. If not, explore the options below.
2. State career development as your priority: Let
your manager know career growth is important to you
and discuss the skills you need to develop.
3. Research programs: Identify educational
opportunities that will help you build business skills,
such as an MBA or online certificate program.
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
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
your own time with weekly
deadlines.
Learn world-class concepts,
frameworks, and tools from
experts in their fields.
Apply your knowledge through
interactive elements every
three to five minutes.
Social
Feature
real-world cases
Join a global network
xperience HBS’s signature
E
case method and learn from
business leaders who faced
real-world problems.
Network with peers worldwide
through the HBS Online
Community and our annual
hybrid conference,
Connext.
Engage and collaborate with peers
before, during, and after your
course to challenge your
thinking and broaden your
perspective.
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
•
Leadership & Management
•
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
•
Strategy
•
Finance & Accounting
•
Business in Society
•
Marketing
ASPIRATIONAL ADVICE
“My advice is to enjoy it! Take it a week at a time. Pay
attention, and the course will take you along the path
to learning. I can’t think of any other course that offers
knowledge in such a playful manner.”
Shalini Agarwal
Disruptive Strategy and Strategy Execution
Participant
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.