Executive MBA Requirements and What to Expect

Managers who aspire to study Executive MBA have an impressive career path to success, and do not need to give readings on what it takes to succeed. However, for those who have come across this issue of EMBA studies, three things stand out.

First, make sure you are familiar with the Executive MBA (EMBA) application process. Second, it's up to you to make it work. Finally, do not underestimate the importance of good preparedness, since it will be more open to the doors to superior business leadership.

Do you belong to an EMBA?

Before getting into the specifics of admissions, let's take a quick look at who the EMBA really is. The Executive MBA program is the most suitable for experienced professionals and managers. According to the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC), the average age of EMBA is 37.8 years. Understandably, at this stage, people have more specific educational needs than those of "regular" MBA programs. Applicants for EMBA programs have already worked for an average of 13.7 years, with an average management experience of approximately 9 years.

Since 1943, when the Executive MBA was first introduced in Chicago Booth (USA), participants have been involved in the process. The same is valid for the study process in prestigious business schools. As Silvia McCallister-Castillo, Director of the EMBA Program at London Business School (United Kingdom), told the Financial Times:

Smart EMBA application

EMBA Participants, which is much more illustrative than reading pamphlets and websites. Campus visits, Executive Education information sessions, and networking events are making a decision about the university and also making a good impression on the admissions staff at B-school. This is also an opportunity to meet future partners and current competitors for admission to EMBA.

Therefore, you can know what the program has for you, and also how you can stand out among your competitors for admission.

According to EMBAC, the preparation of the application usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, but if you are asked to sit the GMAT, take into account another three months. Early preparation is the best strategy for EMBA candidates, and the preparation of intake takes place, usually within the two weeks of the admission interview.

Highlighting your professional experience and, especially, your leadership can not be overstated. The eligibility requirements of EMBA include at least five years of professional experience. However, even more important in your application and admission interview essays is to make sure you plan a coherent career plan that is unquivocal about how the EMBA studies at that particular school will lead you to your goals. You may be hesitating between various careers, industries and options, but be sure to give enough arguments to the EMBA Selections Committee to make a decision. The committee must understand their vision and business aspirations, as well as their growth potential as a senior business leader.

GMAT is still the standard way of assessing candidates' analytical and quantitative skills. However, some schools use the Executive Assessment test presented by GMAC in 2016, and others have their own tests that can be an alternative to well-established standardized tests. Some B schools have waived the requirement of a test, since the EMBA candidates have already shown how competent they are in business. Others put less weight on the GMAT, and more on the quality of the professional experience and the overall development potential of the applicants.

Carefully focused CV / curriculum vitae, application essays, letters of recommendation and data, facts and statistics in the application form complete the documents in the application package. It could be said that the interview has the most weight, since it provides valuable information about the candidate that can not be extracted from the other elements of the application process. The interview, being more of a two-way discussion than a test, is also an opportunity for you to make your final judgment about executive education.

Why and how does employing endorsement come into play?

Business schools require business approval as part of the Executive MBA application. This is the company's commitment to securing the resources necessary for its employee to be successful in the job market and MBA studies.

Sylvia Haas, Executive Director of Admissions at EMBA, Anderson School of Management (USA) Confirms the importance of employing a 2016 interview for Access MBA:

Approval does not necessarily imply sponsorship. In 2015, 23.2% of EMBA students were fully supported by their companies and 41.2% fully funded their own studies. The EMBAC also reports that 53.3% of the EMBA programs offer scholarships and scholarships.

Employers consider that the decision to commit to EMBA studies is a component of a person's determination to excel in their career and is likely to reward them. The salary increase percentage of EMBA graduates can not be compared to that of MBA graduates, since the latter start from a much lower level. However, the figures are still impressive. The average annual salary of the pre-EMBA candidates was USD 157,298 (including bonuses) compared to USD 175,621 (including bonuses) at the time of leaving the program, according to the 2015/2016 EMBAC Student Exit Survey.

Hughes Global Education is the pioneer in providing the ‘Interactive Online Learning Platform’ for the working professionals to pursue an Online Executive Diploma/Certificate Programs.