A guide for finding the right online MBA program for you

In this economy, it's not uncommon to hear about job openings attracting hundreds of applicants. If you're in the market for a new job, it goes without saying that anything you can do to make your resume stand out will be to your advantage.

One of the best ways to make yourself more attractive to employers is to further your education. For many, that means earning an MBA, because having a master's degree in business makes sense for so many fields. Since many people interested in pursuing an advanced degree in business are at the stage of their lives where they may have a family and a job they aren't ready to leave, more flexible online MBA programs are becoming increasingly popular.

If you're thinking about pursuing your MBA online, here are a few things you should look for as you seek the right program for you:

* Make sure the MBA program offers an area of focus that is relevant to your career. Obtaining a master's degree is nice to put on a resume, but you want to make sure you are getting an educational experience that will truly help you reach your career goals by offering the proper training.

* Earning an MBA is all about obtaining experience that will help you as you look for more advanced career options. So you should look for programs that employ teachers who have real-world business experience and can impart to you the practical tools that you will need. Perhaps even more than other graduate programs, a MBA program should give you an opportunity to closely apply your coursework to scenarios you are likely to meet in the workplace.

* Even though you'll be taking your courses online, it's still important to select a program that offers you the opportunity to network with students and faculty. Since getting your dream job sometimes depends on who you know, it's important to develop these types of relationships while completing your online MBA. You may also want to look for a program that provides ongoing career assistance that can help your career development and help you take charge of your employment search so you can find the best job opportunities available.

* Since a big motivation for getting your degree online is because it's more flexible than other options, make sure the programs you are looking at fit your lifestyle. The program you select should allow you to complete your coursework at a comfortable pace that fits with your commitments outside of school.

By finding an MBA program that fits into your schedule and improves your skills relevant to your field, you'll be sure to give yourself a leg up against the competition as you look to advance your career.