The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a part-time integrated course designed to meet the needs of professionals who sit in a classroom to pursue an MBA degree without interrupting their careers. This program is developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives, allowing students to hold an MBA while working full-time.
Participants come from every type and size of organization – profit, nonprofit, government – representing a variety of industries. The coursework of EMBA is rigorous and demanding; the result is a learning experience that ranks among the finest available in the region today.
We have find out some criteria to shortlist and select the EMBA programs that fits your needs:
- Reputation of school
- Rankings
- Location (geographic setting) of campus
- Admissions process
- Quality of faculty
- Global content
- Strength of alumni network
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Reputation of School and Its EMBA Course
Among the most important considerations would be the reputation of the business school. The EMBA program should accredited by a reputable MBA authority, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and The EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
The reputation of the school faculty for the particular specialization you are looking for, say, finance or entrepreneurship , is important.
Reputation in terms of business school brand might also be attractive in terms of powerful alumni global network. Alumni associations are present across the entire spectrum of business schools. It would be worthwhile to assess their strength. Some of them may be more global, regional or local than others.
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Rankings
The business school rankings that provide valuable data about career progress and program diversity. However, as is the case with any data, there is room for interpretation and creativity. The qualitative aspect of statistics can only really be figured out by visiting the business school campus and talking to former alumni in order to really understand the school or program’s culture.
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Location of the Campus
Next is the location of the campus. Though a large part of the program would be available on-line, off-campus, there would be class room modules that takes place, on average, once every six weeks at the school or designated centres. It should not be located too far away to make it difficult to access.
As an EMBA will only require you to be physically present in the classroom during modules, you have the flexibility to choose a remote program that fits you best.
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Admissions Process
As far as the admissions process is concerned, busy executives may not have time for long drawn out processes or tests. So it needs to find out if the school is insisting on GMAT scores preparations for which may consume at least two to three months.
Applicants may required to write a statement of purpose while filling out an application along with letters of recommendation. Some EMBA programs require employer’s consent for the time away from the office to participate in the modules.
However, most schools do not insist on GMAT for EMBA admissions. The GMAC has also devised a test specifically for EMBA applicants.
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Quality of Faculty
The quality of faculty should be an important consideration. They should be capable of mentoring the students, provide potential solutions to complex business cases, access to other business experts and global influences.
Several of the EMBA programs do have professors possessing practical experience across various business fields who would be willing to share their knowledge.
READ ALSO: Career Goals Set? Time To Research Your MBA Program Options
Consideration of the faculty quality factor when shortlisting programs will accompany you throughout your EMBA journey and way beyond.
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Global Content
Most executive MBA programs offer some sort of internationalization in the form of global electives or residential units. Discovering and studying in other regions of the world provides you with different perspectives and expands your reach. It can also be very attractive for an employer with ambitions of expansion into new markets. A global component could be the extra ‘plus’ that will turn your already accomplished profile into a winning one.
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Strength of Alumni Network
Your current classmates are important but an EMBA program’s alumni network is even more crucial. Alumni, especially those who graduated from the same program three or more years ago will most likely be able to help you in post-graduation and career aspirations. Some alumni networks have a better sense of legacy than others. So, it is important to understand the dynamics of the alumni networks in order to make sure it will serve well.
Thus, a visit to the school campus and talking to the faculty and alumni would help in arriving at a decision on taking up a particular EMBA program.
