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A point might come in your career when you ask yourself how you can \u201clevel up\u201d or accelerate your professional trajectory. We at mbaMission have advised many candidates over the years on whether an EMBA (executive MBA) program might be right for them. These programs are becoming increasingly popular, and in this post, we have compiled a list of reasons you might want to consider the EMBA option.<\/p>\n
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Table of Contents<\/p>
The top EMBA programs look for \u201cexecutives\u201d first and foremost. This means that in addition to having a minimum of ten years of work experience, you should have people-management experience or at least be on the executive, or junior executive, track (for example, you oversee projects or teams even if they do not report directly to you).<\/p>\n
EMBA programs are usually offered on a part-time basis on weekends and in the evenings over an 18- to 24-month time frame. For example, Columbia Business School offers two EMBA options: (1) Friday and Saturdays and (2) Saturdays only. UPenn Wharton\u2019s EMBA classes are held on Friday and Saturday of alternate weekends, plus several extended sessions.<\/p>\n
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This format allows students to continue at their jobs and immediately apply the lessons they learn in the classroom to their work environment and responsibilities. The opportunity cost of this kind of program is therefore lower, given that students are not required to pause their careers while they pursue their degree. If you like your job and wish to stay in it while you earn your MBA, an EMBA program would be a good choice for you.<\/p>\n
While many students in two-year MBA programs are still exploring their career options, most EMBA students already have clearly defined goals and a set career path. If you value interacting with classmates who are more mature and have more professional experience, an EMBA program is likely a better fit for you.<\/p>\n
Many EMBA students do not come from traditional business backgrounds. In fact, a good percentage of them tend to be attorneys, engineers, accountants, and so on. However, as they attain ever more senior levels at work, they are increasingly asked to manage business issues and people. This shift in responsibilities can give people the sense that their technical expertise might not be sufficient on its own to support them as they advance in their careers. An EMBA can provide you with the knowledge and skills you would need in a top leadership position in many companies and\/or industries.<\/p>\n