Join us for Smart High School Course Planning on 2/5 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for Smart High School Course Planning on 2/5 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Some prospective MBA students may have been told that, due to their amount of work experience, it makes sense for them to consider an Executive MBA (EMBA). In fact, the EMBA is a degree for a very specific type of candidate. Is it right for you?
1. What is Executive MBA?The EMBA is a graduate business degree with a curriculum that is relatively similar to a traditional MBA, allowing the student various areas of focus. The EMBA is designed for managers, executives and other business leaders who are still currently employed. The EMBA is very flexible with classes held in the evening, during weekends or one full day of class per week. Because of this flexibility, an EMBA degree generally requires 1-2 years to complete.
2. Who is best suited for an EMBA?An EMBA is designed for working professionals who are looking to gain practical knowledge or pursue higher career opportunities. EMBA candidates are typically in the middle of their career with a minimum of five years of work experience. If you are just beginning your career, the traditional MBA will be a better fit for you.
3. What does an EMBA offer?Similar to the structure of the traditional MBA, the EMBA offers a general management degree with focuses in different areas. It is best to choose the program that is closely related to your current or near-term career goals. The EMBA provides the opportunity to learn about skills that are important for a business leader. Unlike the traditional MBA, which provides students with the fundamentals of business management, the EMBA will focus more closely on the needs of a mid- to senior-level professional.
4. How much does an EMBA cost?The cost of an EMBA varies by schools, programs and time commitment. In general, the EMBA is a bit more expensive than a traditional MBA; however, many employers will sponsor the degree, paying for your tuition or a good portion of it.
5. How can I benefit from an EMBA?Besides boosting your education for your future career, attaining an EMBA allows you to network and share knowledge and experiences. Because EMBA candidates are already further into their career, you will have the opportunity to learn real-world business lessons from your cohort. You can also expand your network with managers of different companies, at different career levels and from different industries.
If you think the EMBA might be right for you, start by doing some research into local programs to which you could easily commute. If the programs seems like a good fit, then talk to your employer about the possibility of pursuing an EMBA and how it could benefit the company.
