The Executive MBA

Executive MBA (EMBA) programs developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives, allowing students to earn an MBA (or another business-related graduate degree) in two years or less while working full-time. Participants come from every type and size of organization – profit, nonprofit, government – representing a variety of industries. EMBA students typically have a higher level of work experience, often 10 years or more, compared to other MBA students.

Executive MBA programs were initially started as employer-sponsored programs, but almost 50% of EMBA candidates now are self-funded. Since these programs do require the candidate to be away from work (typically between 40 and 60 days over the duration of the program), approval from the employer is required even in the case of self-funded candidates.

The Benefits of an Executive MBA

Career Advancement

According to research by the Executive MBA Council, 65% of EMBA students received promotions either during or immediately upon completion of their programs.

Earning Potential

In the Alumni Perspectives Survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, 73% of EMBA alumni said that their expectations of recouping their investment were met or exceeded.

Reputation Boost

“I think it gives me a lot of credibility and demonstrates capability. I think the EMBA seals the deal on your potential. You are now in a different league,” says Gavinder Bhatia, who started her EMBA as Assoc. Director at Kraft.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

“An EMBA experience helps entrepreneurs see their business more strategically and get some realtime feedback from experts,” says Ethan Hanabury, former Sr. Assoc. Dean at Columbia Business School.

Leadership Skills

Because they attract experienced business leaders who want to take the next step in their careers, Executive MBA Programs are in a unique position to emphasize and nurture leadership.

Strategic Thinking

Thanks to the improved strategic thinking, Right to Play grew from $5 million in 2004 to $35 million, says Johann Koss, the founder and CEO of the non-profit.

Global View

“Because of what I learned in the Executive MBA Program, I feel I could build a business in any country – some things are different, but after finishing this program, you know how to work anywhere,” says Nikolay Samofatov, CEO of Red-Soft Corp.

Enhanced Network

The founder of Sakos Activegear Company, Inc., Chris Lee found such great value in his classmates that he recruited three of
them to work in his start-up company.