How to Earn an MBA Degree Online Without Quitting Your Job

Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree continues to be one of the most highly respected and sought-after credentials for individuals aspiring to advance into leadership roles, significantly boost their earning potential, and broaden their professional horizons in today’s increasingly competitive and dynamic business world.

Obtaining an MBA degree can significantly open doors to a wide range of exciting opportunities and provide a diverse set of valuable skills that are essential for achieving success in various competitive industries. This advanced educational qualification equips individuals with strategic knowledge, leadership abilities, and practical expertise, all of which are crucial for thriving in today’s dynamic business environment.

However, mid-career professionals frequently encounter the significant challenge of juggling their demanding work responsibilities while also nurturing the desire to further advance their education and career prospects. The encouraging news is that obtaining an MBA degree online without the need to quit or take a break from your current job has become an increasingly feasible and highly practical option.

This is largely due to the availability of flexible and thoughtfully designed online MBA programs that cater specifically to working professionals, allowing them to efficiently manage both their professional and academic commitments simultaneously.

This comprehensive and detailed guide thoroughly addresses how ambitious, busy professionals can effectively achieve this important goal. It highlights essential key concepts, explores the latest current trends in the field, discusses common concerns that often arise, and provides practical, actionable strategies to help readers succeed.

Why Earn an MBA Degree Online?

An online MBA degree provides the significant advantage of flexibility — a key and essential feature for busy professionals who cannot afford to leave their current jobs or interrupt the momentum they have built in their careers.

Unlike traditional full-time MBA programs, which often require students to relocate to a new city and take an extended leave of absence from work, online MBA programs allow working professionals to study and complete their coursework at their own pace, from virtually any location in the world.

Additionally, online programs frequently come with the benefit of being more affordable, making them an attractive option for those looking to advance their education without incurring the higher costs associated with on-campus attendance.

Mid-career professionals, particularly those who are aiming to move into managerial or executive positions within their organizations, gain significant advantages from pursuing an online MBA program. By enrolling in such a program, they are able to develop crucial skills and knowledge in key areas such as leadership, finance, marketing, and operations management.

Importantly, they can achieve this educational advancement while continuing to earn their regular income and maintaining the stability of their current job roles. Furthermore, the increasing availability and popularity of reputable, accredited online MBA programs have greatly improved the level of acceptance and recognition these degrees receive from employers across various industries.

Key Concepts and Frameworks for Earning an MBA Degree Online

Earning an online MBA goes far beyond simply obtaining a degree; it’s about deeply mastering the essential concepts and practical frameworks that fundamentally shape and drive today’s constantly evolving business world.

From thoroughly analyzing complex financial statements to creatively developing winning market strategies that set companies apart, we will clearly outline the wide range of foundational skills and knowledge you’ll acquire. These skills will empower you to become a confident, well-rounded leader capable of successfully navigating diverse business challenges across industries.

Types of Online MBA Degree Programs

To successfully find the perfect fit for both your career aspirations and your lifestyle needs, it is essential to gain a thorough understanding of the different types of online MBA programs that are currently available.

This section is designed to carefully walk you through the various formats and specializations offered by these programs, providing detailed insights. By doing so, it will help you clearly identify which specific program aligns most closely with your unique professional goals as well as your personal schedule and commitments.

Part-time Online MBA

Specifically designed for working professionals who wish to maintain their current employment while pursuing their studies simultaneously. This program allows individuals to balance their career commitments alongside their educational goals effectively.

• Classes and assignments are distributed over an extended period of time, usually spanning about 2 to 3 years in total. This longer duration allows for a more gradual and comprehensive learning experience.
• Provides the highest level of flexibility through asynchronous components, enabling students to engage with their coursework and study material entirely on their own schedule and at their preferred pace.

Example: Kelley Direct MBA program offered by Indiana University, designed to be completed over a period of 24 months, featuring a part-time structure that provides flexibility for working professionals and busy individuals.

Accelerated Online MBA

Intensive and fast-paced in nature, these programs are designed to be completed within significantly shorter timeframes, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months. This accelerated schedule allows students to immerse themselves fully and progress quickly through the coursework.

• Require a significantly greater time commitment every week and frequently demand well-developed, strong time management skills to successfully balance all responsibilities.
• Ideal for professionals who can dedicate significantly more time temporarily while still managing to maintain their regular work responsibilities and commitments. This option is perfect for those who can increase their availability for a limited period without compromising the quality of their ongoing professional duties.

Example: Digital Scholar’s comprehensive 1-year online MBA program places a strong emphasis on an AI-powered curriculum designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills, alongside hands-on experience through real business projects and practical applications.

Executive Online MBA (EMBA)

Specifically designed and carefully tailored for senior managers or high-level executives who possess substantial work experience, typically ranging from 8 to 10 years or even more in their respective fields.

• This program places a strong emphasis on developing strategic leadership abilities, enhancing advanced management skills, and refining executive decision-making processes. It is designed to equip leaders with the necessary tools to navigate complex organizational challenges and make high-level decisions that drive success. Participants will gain deeper insights into strategic planning, leadership dynamics, and effective management practices essential for executive roles.
• Usually allows for the seamless integration of real-time workplace challenges and practical scenarios directly into the coursework, enhancing the learning experience by making it more relevant and applicable to actual professional situations.

Includes several in-person residencies carefully designed to offer valuable and meaningful opportunities for extensive networking as well as comprehensive and immersive leadership training experiences that enhance professional growth and development.

Specialized Online MBA

Concentrations are available in specialized areas such as digital marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, healthcare management, or supply chain management, allowing students to deepen their expertise and develop targeted skills in these high-demand fields. These focused study options enable learners to tailor their education to specific career goals and industry needs.

• This program has been carefully designed to help individuals develop deep and comprehensive expertise that is closely aligned with their specific career goals and the ever-evolving demands of the industry. It aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen professional paths by addressing both current trends and future opportunities in the marketplace.

Many educational programs nowadays offer specialized online MBA degrees that carefully incorporate the latest and most relevant trends, including advanced topics such as artificial intelligence and innovative digital strategies.

These specialized courses are designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills that align with the rapidly evolving business landscape. By integrating these contemporary subjects, these programs provide a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to management education, preparing graduates to effectively lead in a technology-driven world.

Admission Requirements for Online MBA Programs

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized and accredited institution of higher education is typically considered a fundamental prerequisite and is generally required for entry into the program or position.

• Many programs require applicants to have substantial professional work experience, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years in a relevant field. Executive MBA (EMBA) programs, in particular, often expect candidates to possess even more extensive work experience, reflecting their advanced and leadership-focused curriculum.

• Submission of GMAT or GRE scores is sometimes required as part of the application process, although waivers for these standardized tests are becoming increasingly common, especially for candidates with significant professional experience or advanced qualifications. Many programs now recognize that extensive work history or other academic achievements can serve as a strong indicator of a candidate’s potential, reducing the necessity for these test scores.

• Letters of recommendation, along with a well-crafted personal statement or essay that clearly demonstrates your motivation, passion, and career goals, are typically required as part of the application process. These documents provide important insight into your qualifications and aspirations.

Some of the most competitive and highly regarded programs may also require applicants to submit a detailed resume highlighting their relevant experiences and accomplishments, as well as participate in a brief but important interview session, as essential components of the overall admissions process.

Coursework and Time Commitment

Online MBA coursework extensively covers a wide range of essential business topics that are crucial for developing a strong foundation in the field. These subjects include, but are not limited to:

• Finance and Financial Management
• Marketing
• Leadership and Organizational Behavior
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management

The typical weekly time commitment generally ranges from 15 to 20 hours. This includes not only attending live sessions but also dedicating time to completing detailed case studies, writing various assignments, and actively participating in collaborative group work activities.

Courses are delivered through a carefully designed blend of asynchronous lectures, which consist of recorded video content that students can watch at their own pace and convenience, and synchronous live classes, which include interactive webinars or virtual classrooms where students can engage in real-time discussions and activities with instructors and peers.

Programs place a strong emphasis on practical application by incorporating case studies, hands-on projects, and interactive discussion forums. These elements frequently integrate real-world business challenges, allowing participants to engage deeply with authentic scenarios and develop relevant skills.

The combination of flexible deadlines and recorded materials greatly assists working professionals in effectively managing their learning schedules alongside their demanding job responsibilities. This approach allows them to balance their professional commitments while still making consistent progress in their educational pursuits.

Networking and Interaction in Online MBA Programs

Online MBAs provide exceptionally robust networking opportunities, effectively challenging the common misconception that virtual learning environments restrict meaningful connections and interaction.

These programs are designed to facilitate extensive professional networking through various digital platforms, interactive sessions, and collaborative projects, allowing students to build valuable relationships with peers, faculty, and industry professionals from around the world.

• Virtual group projects greatly encourage teamwork and foster peer learning among participants. These projects provide an excellent platform for individuals to collaborate effectively, share ideas, and support each other’s learning processes in a virtual environment. By engaging in group tasks online, students or team members can develop strong communication skills and learn to work cohesively despite physical distances, enhancing their overall collaborative experience.

• Real-time webinars and interactive discussion forums provide valuable opportunities for meaningful engagement and direct communication with both classmates and faculty members. These platforms enable participants to actively exchange ideas, ask questions, and collaborate in a dynamic learning environment, fostering deeper understanding and stronger connections within the academic community.

• Alumni networks and professional communities serve as valuable career networking platforms, offering individuals numerous opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow within their industries. These networks facilitate meaningful interactions among professionals, enabling them to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and support each other’s career advancement. By participating actively in such communities, members can access a wealth of resources and build relationships that often lead to new job opportunities, mentorship, and professional development.

• Many programs often include optional in-person residencies or exclusive networking events designed specifically to help participants build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their peers and industry professionals. These opportunities provide valuable face-to-face interactions that enhance learning and collaboration beyond the virtual environment.

The rapid rise and continuous advancement of sophisticated technology platforms greatly facilitate the development of dynamic and interactive collaborative learning environments. These environments play a crucial role in supporting the seamless exchange of knowledge, fostering meaningful mentorship opportunities, and encouraging active peer interaction among learners.

Comparison of Types of Online MBA Programs

Program Type	Duration	Target Audience	Commitment Level	Key Features	Example Program
Part-time Online MBA	2-3 years	Working professionals	Moderate	Flexible pacing, asynchronous	Kelley Direct (Indiana Univ.)
Accelerated Online MBA	12-18 months	Professionals with time	High	Intensive, fast-paced	Digital Scholar 1 Year MBA
Executive Online MBA	1-2 years	Senior managers/executives	Moderate to high	Strategic leadership, residencies	EMBA Programs at top business schools
Specialized Online MBA	Varies	Industry-specific learners	Moderate	Deep expertise in a niche	Digital Marketing, Finance MBAs

This detailed and structured explanation is designed to assist mid-career, ambitious professionals in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the various online MBA program options available. It thoroughly covers important aspects such as admissions criteria, expected workload, and the numerous networking opportunities that these programs offer.

By providing this clear guidance, professionals can make well-informed decisions about which online MBA program best aligns with their career goals and personal commitments in the competitive landscape of online graduate education.

Current Trends and Developments in Online MBA Programs

The world of online business education is evolving at an exceptionally rapid pace. This section delves deeply into the latest trends and significant developments that are currently shaping the landscape of online MBA programs.

It covers a wide range of topics, including the integration of cutting-edge technologies, the emergence of highly specialized and tailored curricula, as well as the adoption of innovative and interactive learning methods.

All these advancements are carefully designed to make the online MBA degree more relevant, practical, and impactful for today’s busy working professionals who seek to advance their careers while balancing other responsibilities.

Enhanced Flexibility

Online MBA programs in 2025 prioritize flexibility above all. Students can now take asynchronous courses with recorded lectures, allowing them to study at times that best fit their professional and personal schedules. This model supports working professionals by eliminating rigid class timings and geographical restrictions.

Many programs also offer modular course formats and flexible deadlines, enabling students to balance work, family, and study effectively. Optional live sessions and occasional in-person residencies are designed to suit diverse learner preferences without compromising convenience.

Technology-Driven Learning

Technological innovation is at the heart of modern online MBA education. Virtual classrooms, AI-powered learning management systems (LMS), simulation tools, and collaborative platforms create immersive and interactive learning experiences. AI tutoring personalizes learning journeys by adapting content and pacing to individual needs.

Global virtual classrooms facilitate real-time engagement across continents, fostering rich discussions and cross-cultural collaboration. This integration of technology enhances engagement, knowledge retention, and practical application.

Career Services and Support

Recognizing the needs of online learners, many MBA programs offer robust career services tailored specifically for remote students. These include personalized career counseling, resume and LinkedIn profile optimization, interview coaching, and virtual career fairs.

Industry partnerships and virtual internships bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world business challenges. Such services boost career advancement for online MBA graduates, helping them leverage their new credentials effectively while continuing to work.

Specialization Growth

Specialized MBA tracks reflect evolving business demands and technologies. Digital marketing with a strong focus on SEO and data analytics, fintech, artificial intelligence applications in business, healthcare management, supply chain, and entrepreneurship are among the most popular concentrations.

These specializations prepare students for cutting-edge roles in rapidly growing industries. Stackable credentials and micro-credentials in these domains allow learners to build expertise progressively, layering certifications into a full MBA degree.

Increased Employer Recognition

Accredited online MBAs from reputable universities enjoy growing acceptance among employers. High-quality online programs feature curricula identical to on-campus offerings, taught by the same faculty, ensuring parity in academic rigor.

Studies reveal that many employers value the skills and knowledge gained from online MBAs equally to those earned traditionally, especially given the demonstrated self-discipline and time management skills of online students. The global nature of online cohorts also enriches graduates’ perspectives, making them valuable assets in diverse workplaces.

Global Reach and Diverse Cohorts

Online MBA classrooms foster vibrant communities of learners from dozens of countries, creating diverse perspectives that enhance collaboration and innovation. Such global exposure prepares students for leadership roles in multinational environments.

Educational institutions increasingly utilize advanced virtual platforms to seamlessly integrate a diverse range of international case studies, immersive global business simulations, and collaborative cross-cultural projects. This innovative approach significantly enriches the overall educational experience for students by exposing them to varied global perspectives and real-world scenarios.

As a result, learners gain a significantly deeper and more nuanced understanding of international business dynamics, allowing them to grasp the complexities and subtleties of global markets. This enriched knowledge helps them develop a more comprehensive and well-rounded global outlook, equipping them with the critical insights and skills necessary to navigate diverse cultural, economic, and regulatory environments effectively.

Ultimately, this thorough preparation equips them in a highly effective manner, ensuring they are fully ready and well-prepared to achieve success in today’s increasingly interconnected, deeply interdependent, and rapidly evolving global world economy that continues to change at an unprecedented pace.

Balancing Work and an Online MBA: Strategies for Success

Balancing a full-time job while pursuing an online MBA is undoubtedly challenging, but it can be successfully managed with effective time management techniques and well-thought-out strategic planning. By implementing these approaches, you can navigate the demands of both work and study more efficiently.

Here are several key strategies for achieving success, supported by the latest expert insights and practical tools designed to help you stay organized and focused throughout your educational journey:

• Effective Time Management: Creating a detailed weekly schedule is foundational. Blocking study times during low-workload hours—early mornings, evenings, or weekends—helps carve out dedicated focus periods. Treat these study blocks like important meetings in your calendar to uphold discipline. Utilizing tools such as Google Calendar or Trello can help visualize and adhere to this plan.

• Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: The Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool that helps individuals effectively prioritize their tasks by sorting them into four distinct categories based on urgency and importance. This method allows people to clearly distinguish which activities require immediate attention and which can be scheduled for later, delegated, or even eliminated. By categorizing tasks into urgent and important groups, the matrix provides a structured approach to managing time and increasing productivity in both personal and professional settings.
  • Urgent & important (do immediately)
  • Important, not urgent (schedule for later)
  • Urgent, not important (delegate if possible)
  • Neither urgent nor important (eliminate)

This method significantly reduces feelings of overwhelm, helping to ensure that your attention remains focused on the most important, high-impact coursework and work-related duties that truly matter.

• Set Goals and Deadlines: Breaking coursework into manageable milestones with clear deadlines boosts motivation and progress tracking. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—ensures clarity and focus. For example, “Complete case study analysis by Friday 7 PM” is more actionable than a vague “Study more”.

• Leverage Program Flexibility: Take advantage of recorded lectures, asynchronous content, and flexible deadlines to study when most alert and productive. Use micro-learning techniques by dividing lessons into focused chunks (e.g., 25-minute Pomodoro study sessions followed by short breaks). This improves retention and prevents burnout.

• Create a Study-Friendly Environment: Minimize distractions by setting up an uninterrupted, dedicated study space. Turn off non-essential notifications during study blocks and inform family/colleagues of your schedule to respect your learning time. Consistency in location and environment aids concentration.

• Maintain Well-being: Balancing work and study demands, sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation to sustain motivation and mental clarity. Regular physical activity, healthy sleep routines, and social downtime reduce the risk of burnout, which is notably high among MBA students. Scheduling “me time” is essential to long-term success.

• Communicate with Employer: Where possible, share your educational goals with supervisors. Employers often support tuition assistance, flexible work hours, or leaves for study, especially if the MBA adds value to your role. Transparent communication fosters understanding and may ease workplace pressures during peak academic times.

Summary of the Strategies for Balancing Work and an Online MBA

Strategy	Description	Practical Tips
Time Management	Schedule study blocks, treat like meetings	Use calendar apps; study during low-work times
Task Prioritization	Use the Eisenhower Matrix to differentiate task urgency	Focus on urgent/important tasks first
Goal Setting	Break coursework into SMART goals	Set clear, measurable deadlines
Program Flexibility Usage	Watch 25 minsof content, take breaks	Watch 25 minutes of content, take breaks
Environment Setup	Dedicated, distraction-free study space	Silence notifications, inform others
Well-being Maintenance	Exercise, rest, social time	Schedule regular breaks and self-care
Employer Communication	Discuss study plans for support	Explore tuition/leave policies

By thoughtfully integrating these proven and effective time management methods into their daily routines, professionals can successfully juggle the demanding responsibilities of full-time work alongside the rigorous requirements of an MBA program. This balanced approach not only enhances overall productivity but also significantly reduces stress levels, leading to a healthier work-life-study balance.

Importantly, many students discover that their coursework actively strengthens essential workplace skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities well before they even graduate, providing immediate benefits in their professional roles.

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Overcoming Common Objections About Online MBAs

When considering enrolling in an online MBA program, it is completely natural to have a variety of questions and concerns that come to mind. This section is designed specifically to directly address the most common objections and widespread misconceptions about online MBA degrees, offering practical solutions and clear, straightforward answers.

Our goal is to help you feel fully confident and well-informed as you make the important decision to pursue an online business degree and advance your career.

Is an Online MBA as Valuable as a Traditional MBA?

Accredited online MBA programs from reputable institutions are widely recognized as equally valuable compared to traditional MBAs. The curriculum rigor, faculty expertise, and accreditation standards are generally identical to on-campus programs, ensuring parity in academic quality.

Employers increasingly view online MBA graduates as disciplined, self-motivated professionals capable of balancing complex tasks, which is often seen as an asset. According to industry reports, more than 60% of employers consider online MBA credentials as valid and respected when earned from accredited schools.

Furthermore, online MBAs often offer a range of unique advantages, including the ability to apply newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-time within your current workplace. This immediate practical application significantly enhances the overall value and relevance of the degree, making the learning experience not only theoretical but also highly practical and directly beneficial to your professional development.

How Can I Balance Work, School, and Personal Life?

Balancing a full-time job, MBA studies, and personal obligations requires effective time management, goal setting, and leveraging program flexibility. Structured schedules with dedicated study blocks during off-hours, combined with prioritization tools (such as the Eisenhower Matrix), help efficiently juggle these demands.

Online MBA programs are designed for working professionals and offer asynchronous course content, flexible deadlines, and recorded lectures, enabling students to learn according to their own rhythms. With disciplined planning and supportive employer communication, professionals can sustain academic progress without sacrificing work performance or personal well-being.

Will My Employer Recognize This Degree?

Degrees from accredited online MBA programs are widely respected by employers, especially when students demonstrate how the newly acquired knowledge directly benefits their roles. Sharing learning outcomes, undertaking workplace projects aligned with coursework, and applying leadership skills in professional settings reinforce the degree’s value in the eyes of supervisors.

Many companies offer tuition assistance or recognize online MBAs for promotions, acknowledging the commitment required for simultaneous study and work. Transparent conversations with management about educational goals often unlock additional support or flexibility.

Is Networking Possible Online?

Contrary to traditional beliefs, online MBAs provide multiple avenues for meaningful networking. Virtual classrooms, group projects, webinars, discussion forums, and alumni networks facilitate interactions among diverse cohorts across locations and industries.

Modern technology replicates and often enhances networking opportunities via global connections, more diverse perspectives, and lifelong digital communities. Some programs also organize optional in-person residencies or networking events to deepen these connections. Effective participation in these networks can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and career opportunities comparable to on-campus experiences.

How Heavy is the MBA Workload?

The workload in an online MBA program varies depending on the school’s structure and program type, but typically requires dedicating about 15 to 20 hours per week to coursework, assignments, and live sessions. Although demanding, this workload is manageable with disciplined scheduling, especially given the program’s flexibility in pacing and deadlines.

Students report that MBA coursework challenges critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills without overwhelming them if balanced well with work commitments. The immediate applicability of concepts learned also reinforces motivation and real-world value.

These valuable insights play a crucial role in alleviating common doubts and concerns regarding the legitimacy, manageability, and overall career value of pursuing an online MBA while simultaneously working full-time.

Choosing an accredited and technology-enhanced online MBA program can significantly empower busy professionals, enabling them to effectively advance their education and skills without having to pause or interrupt their ongoing career progression.

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FAQs

Can I pursue an MBA online with no prior work experience?

Many online MBA programs prefer candidates with some professional experience (typically 1-5 years) to enrich peer learning and discussions. However, some programs admit recent graduates or early-career professionals, especially entry-level MBAs that focus more on foundational business knowledge. For example, the Nile University online MBA accepts entry-level applicants, while executive MBAs usually require 5+ years. Some institutions may ask inexperienced candidates to complete internships or other preparatory steps.

How much does an online MBA cost?

Tuition varies widely by institution and program but typically ranges from $15,000 to $60,000 (or equivalent currency). Online MBAs often cost less than traditional full-time MBAs due to lower on-campus overheads. Financial aid, scholarships, employer sponsorships, and payment plans are frequently available to help manage costs.

Are online MBA exams proctored?

Accredited online MBA programs use online proctoring software or designated in-person exam centers to maintain academic integrity. This ensures exams are conducted under monitored conditions similar to traditional programs.

How long does an online MBA take to complete?

Completion times can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a part-time schedule or an accelerated program, with each path offering different pacing and duration options to fit your individual needs and goals.

• Part-time online MBAs commonly take 2-3 years.
• Accelerated programs may be finished in 12-18 months.
• Executive MBAs typically last about 1-2 years.

Can I apply online MBA credits toward a doctoral degree?

Many programs allow earned MBA credits to transfer toward doctoral degrees (e.g., DBA or PhD in business), but policies vary. Candidates should verify with both the MBA and doctoral institutions before enrollment to ensure credit transferability.

In Conclusion

Earning an MBA degree online without quitting your job is not only possible but increasingly popular among mid-career professionals seeking advancement. Online MBA programs provide flexibility, accredited education, and networking opportunities tailored for busy schedules.

With disciplined time management, clear goals, and leveraging program features, professionals can successfully balance work and study. Undertaking an online MBA can significantly enhance business acumen, leadership capabilities, and career prospects—all while maintaining financial stability and professional momentum.

For those who are prepared and eager to take the crucial next step in their professional journey, thoroughly researching accredited online MBA programs that closely align with their individual career aspirations and personal professional goals is an essential and foundational first move toward effectively transforming and advancing their career trajectories in meaningful and impactful ways.