Introduction
It’s common for many mid-career professionals to want to upgrade their skills, so they are better qualified to take on more significant roles in their organizations. There are many ways to accomplish this, such as postsecondary certificates in a particular aspect of business management or online courses through platforms like LinkedInLearning. The best way to present yourself as a strong contender for a promotion is to earn an Executive MBA.
This is an advanced type of master’s of business administration (MBA) program. An Executive MBA is designed for individuals who are in the middle of their career and looking to take their skills to the next level.
Executive MBAs focus on developing leaders to take on more significant roles in their organizations and equip them with extensive knowledge of local and international business practices. If you’re wondering, “What is an Executive MBA?” this guide will tell you everything you need to know, including top tips for acceptance into Executive MBA programs.
What is an Executive MBA?
An Executive MBA (EMBA) is a program geared towards experienced managers looking to gain expert business knowledge to advance their careers. EMBA programs have some similarities to the traditional MBA; the core educational content is the same, but instead of focusing on the fundamentals of business and management, EMBA programs focus on improving existing skills to help students take their management skills and knowledge to the next level.
Executive MBA vs. MBA
There are some key differences between Executive MBA and MBA programs that you should be aware of when considering your business school options. EMBA programs are designed for individuals who have more professional experience than the average MBA candidate.
EMBA programs focus on the more advanced aspects of business, since their students already have abundant business experience and extensive knowledge of the basics.
Executive MBA programs also know that many of those who enroll in their programs are still working full-time during the week, so EMBA classes are typically held on Friday nights and weekends to accommodate their students’ work commitments. Classes are usually held every couple of weeks.
This means there are times when in-class demands are heavy, but there will be some time off before the next set of in-class sessions. EMBA courses progress faster, and EMBA candidates don’t have the opportunity to take as many electives as MBA candidates do.
EMBA programs do not provide the same immersive experience as a traditional MBA program, but the less demanding class schedule of EMBA programs allows professionals in the middle of their careers to continue working while pursuing an EMBA.
Conversely, MBA programs are full-time programs with far more demanding schedules which makes it extremely difficult to work full-time while in school. Most MBA candidates do not work while pursuing their degree, so candidates have to make a difficult choice to leave their jobs to attend business school.
Executive MBAs are also typically more expensive than MBAs, but companies are more inclined to pay for your EMBA — either in part or full — while you continue working full-time. MBA students typically need to pay the entire program costs themselves because of this so before applying for an MBA, it’s a good idea to figure out how you will finance your education.
As you can see, some key elements distinguish EMBAs from MBAs. The program you choose to pursue depends on various factors, such as what you wish to gain from a business school education, your career status, and your eligibility for either program.
The admission requirements for the top EMBA programs in the country are discussed in the following section. These will give you a solid understanding of what it takes to be accepted to an Executive MBA program.
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