Executive MBA Program – The Nitty Gritty of Studying Abroad for a One-Year MBA Program

Q. There is a plum position available at the senior management level. With over 5 years of work experience under your belt, you feel there’s something amiss. The management team admires your hard work and contribution, but without the right educational qualifications, you barely stand a chance to get that promotion! What do you do?


Enter the world of Executive Education. This program has been designed exclusively keeping in mind the need of corporate employees who in their mid-career reach a plateau and are unable to push their career in the right trajectory. Executive MBA programs are very common and popular in MBA schools in India and abroad. So let’s understand what this program entails and how can one get the maximum benefit of this program.


Q. What Is an Executive MBA Program? Who Can Apply for It?

In short, an Executive MBA program is a Masters in Business Management (MBA) offered at reputed B-schools in India and abroad. There are online executive education programs as well for those who don’t find it feasible to join a college. Usually, working professionals or students who want to work while studying prefer to take up the Executive MBA program. Many of the Executive MBA programs require a minimum of 5 years’ work experience. However, the EMBA programs abroad may require you to have at least 10 years of work experience. The average age of students in an international EMBA course is 30. Which also means that the depth of intellectual exchange and understanding of business practices is rich and varied.


Q. Why Should I Pursue an Executive MBA Program?

The participants of an Executive MBA program have a high-level of management expertise even before they come to the program. They are more likely joining the course to grow professionally and expand their horizons. They have less need for a career springboard that a full-time MBA program offers.  According to a student survey carried out by the EMBA Council, around 50% of the EMBA participants took on new responsibilities in their existing role. Salary hike is quite expected, which is one of the biggest reasons working professionals want to go for an EMBA course. Most importantly, the alumni network that you can build post your executive MBA program is well worth the effort.


Q. How Does the Executive MBA Differ From the Regular 2 Year MBA Program?

In cases where you have more than 10 years of work experience, the default choice will become the Executive MBA program as most colleges like to stick to a range when it comes to the number of years of work experience. However, if you fall within the range that is applicable both for a regular MBA program or the executive MBA program, you may want to weigh your options and take the right decision.


Class Demographic Profile:

Typically, you find a very different batch of students in MBA and EMBA courses. While the regular 2 year MBA program attracts people at a very early stage in their careers, the EMBA program has senior executives who have had a successful track record in their professions.


Different Curriculum and Course Methodology

Because of the difference in the class profile, the course methodology is adapted to suit the needs of the class. Though both MBA and EMBA cover similar subjects and lectures, you may find fewer electives in the EMBA program than in the full-time MBA, where you can have a broader range of courses to choose from.


Cost Differential

The fees for the EMBA program tends to be higher than that of a regular full-time MBA program. In the case of EMBA, it is necessary to get a buy-in from your employer as in most cases, students seek corporate sponsorship to study for the program. On the other hand, the MBA program is self-funded or funded either through loans or scholarships and other financial aid.


Q. What Are My Career Prospects Post Executive MBA Course?

An executive MBA program aims to fill in the educational and knowledge gap in individuals who are poised for bigger roles in corporations. With an EMBA, you can significantly boost your career in the path that you wish to progress in. If you are looking to switch careers or start your own business, an EMBA program is your best bet to equip you with the right skills.


Q. Which Are the Top Executive MBA Programs Abroad?


If you seek an Executive MBA program in a top school abroad, your list should include the following: 

  1. TRIUM Global Executive MBA a reputed program by NYU Stern School of Business, London School of Economics and Political Science, and HEC Paris School of Management.
  2. Kellogg The Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program
  3. INSEAD
  4. National University of Singapore
  5. Said Business School – University of Oxford
  6. Wharton
  7. UCLA Anderson
  8. Chicago Booth
  9. Yale School of Management
  10. Columbia Business School, New York


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Vibha Kagzi

Guest Author The author is founder and CEO of ReachIvy

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