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Let’s be honest—when you signed up for an Online MBA, you probably didn’t picture yourself making lifelong friends or career-changing connections through a screen. Maybe you even worried: “Will I just be another name in a Zoom waiting room?”
I get it. I’ve been there.
But here’s the truth: Some of the most valuable relationships I’ve built in my career started in an online MBA program. And no, it wasn’t by accident—it took a little strategy, a dash of courage, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone.
If you’re wondering how to turn those awkward breakout room silences into real, meaningful connections, here’s exactly how to do it.
- Stop Lurking—Start Engaging (Like, Actually)
We’ve all done it—scrolled through discussion boards, read every comment, and then closed the tab without saying a word. But here’s the thing: Networking in an online MBA doesn’t happen by osmosis.
✅ Be the person who adds value. Instead of just posting the required response, try:
“That’s a great point, [Name]! Have you considered how this applies to [industry trend]?”
“I had a similar experience at work—here’s how I handled it…”
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark a few classmates who consistently post insightful comments and engage with them regularly. Before you know it, you’ll have study buddies (and maybe even future business partners).
- Turn Group Projects Into Real Relationships
Remember those last-minute undergrad group projects where you never spoke again after submitting the assignment? Yeah, let’s not do that this time.
Instead:
Schedule a casual virtual coffee chat before diving into the work. (A simple “Hey, want to hop on a quick call to brainstorm?” works wonders.)
Use Slack or WhatsApp to keep the conversation going beyond coursework.
Celebrate wins together—if your team gets great feedback, send a quick “We killed it!” message.
📌 Real Story: A classmate and I bonded over a particularly brutal finance assignment. Fast forward two years, and we’re now working on a startup idea together. All because we didn’t treat the project as just another assignment.
- Join Clubs (Even If They’re Virtual)
Think online student clubs are just glorified email lists? Think again.
Many top MBA programs have active virtual communities where students:
Host LinkedIn workshops
Share job referrals
Organize informal AMAs with alumni
Schools with Strong Online MBA Networks:
School Networking Perks Approx. Cost
Indiana (Kelley) Legendary online community + in-person meetups ~$1,400/credit
UNC (Kenan-Flagler) Global immersions (think: weekend networking in NYC or Dubai) ~$125K total
Warwick (UK) Virtual career fairs + active LinkedIn groups ~£35K total
- Slide Into Those LinkedIn DMs (The Right Way)
If the thought of reaching out to a classmate or alum makes you cringe, try this non-awkward template:
“Hey [Name],
I saw your post about [topic]—really insightful! I’m also in the [X] industry and would love to hear your thoughts on [specific question].
Cheers,
[Your Name]”
Why this works: It’s personal, specific, and low-pressure.
- Go Old-School: Pick Up the Phone
Wait—actual phone calls? In 2024?
Yes.
Some of my deepest MBA connections happened because I replaced three weeks of Slack messages with one 30-minute call. There’s something about hearing a voice (or seeing a face) that makes relationships stick.
- Meet IRL (If You Can)
Many online MBA programs offer optional in-person meetups, like:
IE Business School (Spain) – Week-long networking modules in Madrid.
Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) – Access to on-campus events.
No travel budget? No problem. Organize a local meetup with classmates in your city. Even a casual coffee with one person can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Remember: Networking Isn’t Just About “What Can You Do For Me?”
The best connections happen when you:
Offer help before asking for it. (Example: “I noticed you’re interested in fintech—I just read this report you might find useful!”)
Follow up after graduation. A quick “Congrats on the new job!” message keeps relationships warm.
Final Thought: It’s About Quality, Not Quantity
You don’t need 500 LinkedIn connections. You need 5-10 real relationships with people who:
Challenge your thinking
Celebrate your wins
Open doors you didn’t know existed
So the next time you log into your MBA portal, don’t just complete the assignment—start a conversation.
Because years from now, you won’t remember the grades you got. You’ll remember the people who made the journey worthwhile.
Over to You:
What’s your best tip for networking online? (Or worst virtual networking fail? We’ve all been there!) Drop a comment below. 👇