Business isn’t just about what you know, but who you know. Here’s how a part-time MBA can help you build a strong network
The value of an MBA extends far beyond technical knowledge. In today’s competitive landscape, the network you build during your MBA can be pivotal for your career, with over half of hires originating from referrals in 2022.Part-time MBA programs, designed for professionals balancing work and studies, offer a unique environment to meet like-minded individuals and form connections that can support your future career progression.
Your business network is an asset to your career—your classmates today could become your business partners, mentors, or investors tomorrow.
So, here are four ways a part-time MBA can elevate your professional network for career growth.
1. Optimized peer-to-peer networking in the classroom
A strong peer-to-peer network is the foundation of all connections you’ll forge as an MBA student.
Luckily, part-time MBA programs are designed to help you maximize opportunities to make these connections through flexible schedules and diverse cohorts, allowing you to collaborate with a wide range of fellow candidates.
Executive MBA students at Warwick Business School, who study in Warwick or London, can change locations and modules as their schedules demand.
“Our Exec MBAs often change location for their elective modules, which leads them to work with people they would never have worked with before,” says Anil Ram, the school’s part-time MBA careers manager.
Broadening your business network is crucial for career advancement. A diverse hub comprised of different nationalities, industries and functions reflects the real world of business, where successful teams are built on cross-functional collaboration and the ability to leverage the skills of a varied workforce.
“The diverse student body helps enhance my global outlook and allows me to build a strong professional network,” says Nkiru Amadi-Emina, Global Online MBA student.
If you’re studying an online part-time MBA, opportunities for in-person relationship-building early in your course can help you make the most of virtual networking later on. These initial face-to-face interactions can lay a strong foundation for developing meaningful connections and effective collaboration throughout your studies.
For Global Online MBA candidates at Warwick Business School, two residential weeks on campus are a great opportunity for forging those initial peer relationships.
“I am proud to be part of a cohort of fantastic and inspiring people from different industries and backgrounds. I am also excited at our ability to network—I am sure alliances will be built over the course of the program and beyond as the foundations are already being laid [three months in],” says Tobi Adeniyi, Global Online MBA student.
2. Strategize with a networking coach
Networking isn’t just about racking up connections, it’s about building relationships that can provide mutual benefit throughout your professional journey. To achieve this, a well-defined networking strategy is crucial.
A networking coach can help you refine your networking goals and tailor your approach, from optimizing your LinkedIn presence to preparing you for impactful conversations with industry professionals.
For this, Warwick provides MBA students with one-on-one and group-level coaching to maximize networking opportunities to the fullest.
“A coach can help you improve your networking. The problem with traditional networking is that people go directly for what they think they know or what they would like, but getting value out of networking is about having an open mind,” says Anil.
3. Network with leading industry professionals
For part-time MBAs who are working full-time alongside their studies, networking is often more about building relationships than landing a job offer.
Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, find mentorship, or keep updated with developments in your field, MBA students benefit from targeted networking events. The careers fairs at Warwick, for instance, feature a separate space for MBA students.
“It’s not your typical careers fair. We section off the event for part-time and full-time MBAs, where they can network with senior individuals, exchange ideas and potentially partner together, rather than offer them a job,” explains Anil.
Networking with industry professionals also extends to the classroom experience. Modules often feature guest speakers who are industry leaders, providing students with valuable insights and connections.
“Guest speakers share their insights on campus or virtually. This could be formulating panels on the future of recruitment, or discussions with C-suite executives on current industry challenges,” says Anil.
4. Join professional networks all over the world
Your business school network is a lifelong resource for career development, no matter where you are.
Geographical networking hubs are a great way for Global Online, Executive, and Accelerator MBA students to make in-person connections with alumni, enabling them to create opportunities for themselves and others.
“Look for a network that resonates with a passion and find ways to contribute to the network’s growth and expansion," advises Cristiana Trigo, Executive MBA student.
"Doing so has provided me the opportunity to take on a leadership role within a network, meet new people, present workshops, and enhance networking skills—all whilst promoting a cause that I’m passionate about!" she adds.
If you’re looking to build industry connections, professional networks also offer sector-specific insights through panel discussions, roundtables, and workshops. Whether you’re founding a startup, seeking partnerships, or staying on top of industry trends, joining networks—such as the Entrepreneurship, Finance, or Women’s Network at Warwick—can significantly expand your connections.
“The chairs of these networks are alumni who are passionate about that particular area of work, so they put on events around once a month or once every six weeks. These events could be anywhere in the world—Warwick, London, Dubai, the US, or elsewhere,” says Anil.
Regardless of whether you’re balancing your MBA alongside full-time work, or aiming to change industry entirely, your business network is a key tool to reaching new heights in your career.
Student Reviews
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
