While Online MBA programs utilize innovative technology to facilitate interaction and collaboration between students, at least every once and a while students ought to meet up with their cohort the old fashioned way: in-person.

To that end, many Online MBA programs have incorporated some kind of residency component into the curriculum. Sometimes called “Immersions,” “Intensives,” or simply “Residencies,” these two to three day-long experiences enable students to network with each other and faculty in person while attending seminars, workshops, and lectures.

In fact, many of these experiences allow for students to study and tour or “shadow” different companies – learning about their day-to-day operations and short and long-term strategic goals. From there, students are generally asked to work with their peers in crafting an analytical presentation on those companies. This proves to be a valuable experience for students as they have an opportunity to put their learnings to the test while also developing connections with their classmates.

Of course, residency programs come with logistical and financial considerations. Students must figure out how they will be able to commit the extra time to such an experience and whether or not they will be able to afford the trip and the time off. Still, as an improved network is almost always a key benefit of getting an MBA, it is important for Online MBA students to seize the opportunities available to them for building these relationships face-to-face.