Executive MBA Program

The executive MBA program is tailored specifically for company executives. The program typically spans two years with classes meeting on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays).

Executive students are usually specialists in their field; therefore, most programs do not offer specializations. Instead they offer courses focused on general management skills and strategies.

Many times, companies pay for or sponsor the executive student. An executive student’s intent is usually to move up the corporate ladder. In fact, promotions are commonly based on finishing the program.

Executive MBA (EMBA) students typically hold senior management positions and therefore have a hectic work schedule (often double the 40-hour workweek). Therefore, executives constantly have to balance work, family and school.

It is key that the family and employer are flexible during the executive program as a high level of commitment will be required of the student.

Distinguishing Features:

• Financial Impact:
  Most executive students are sponsored by their company, so the program tends to be more expensive than its part time program counterpart. However, an executive MBA program is designed for direct return on investment for both the student and sponsoring company. While scholarships are not usually available, loans can be used for financial support.

• Classmates:
  The professional experience of each student highly contributes to an executive program. Students usually stay together through the duration of the program. There is extensive interaction with teams, students and faculty members. There is usually a high level of experience as measured in wisdom and number of years.

• Course Content:
  The curriculum is well constructed and specifically focused on what executives need. General management skills and a broad base in major business disciplines is what is taught. Although the program is usually two years long, it does not typically allow for specializations.

• Career Resources:
  Executive students are fully employed so the career resources tend to be limited. In fact, in the case of an employer sponsoring an executive, it would be a conflict of interest for the student to pursue alternative career services. Networking opportunities are limited, but not usually sought after. Internships are not relevant to this kind of program.

The executive MBA program is best if you are in upper management and are looking for development within your existing career, even in your existing company. If you don’t meet certain qualifications, you may find it hard to get into some executive programs.

The downsides of this kind of program are the extra time and responsibility already added to a hectic executive’s schedule. A multi-year commitment is required as you balance life during the program. You will need to look to see if you can handle that kind of schedule.

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