What is your interest in an Executive MBA programme?

[RCBeyette]

I'm currently in the process of developing a proposal to our Management Committee to approve my quest for admission into an Executive MBA programme.

Curious if anyone here has completed (or is in the process) of an EMBA and what your thoughts are of the programme. Is it better than a traditional MBA or just different.

If you graduated from or are currently enrolled in, were you self-funded or did your company assist you? Did you have to prepare a document to help sway your company into deciding in your favour? I'm looking at developing a paper comparing my top three preferred programmes, stating analysis of programmes (time, money, commitments), location, ROI, etc.

Any feedback you folks can provide me with may help in my "report" to the Grand Poobahs.

If you vote, could you please comment on why you selected what you did?

Thanks!

[db]

I'm at the point in my career that I have no interest in continuing the climb up the ladder of success. In fact, in April, my intention is to slow down the pace, move to northern lower Michigan and reduce my standard of living. Any advance degree will not add a lot to my long-term plans. Part of gettin old I suppose.

[RCBeyette]

db said:

I'm at the point in my career that I have no interest in continuing the climb up the ladder of success. In fact, in April, my intention is to slow down the pace, move to northern lower Michigan and reduce my standard of living. Any advance degree will not add a lot to my long-term plans. Part of gettin old I suppose.

What you call the "ladder of success", I've dubbed the "Corporate Food Chain". Unfortunately, this food chain seems to frequently negate Darwin's theory of evolution.

I wouldn't say you're getting old, db. I think my question will probably just reinforce how diverse the population of the Cove is and how we're all at different stages in our careers. And I feel that it's this diversity that makes the Cove and our discussions here such a huge success. You've got to admit, though, that it's almost always a learning experience when you come here. Guess what they say about old dogs and new tricks doesn't apply here.

As for me, I'm at the stage where I think I'm about ready to be fast-tracked up the food chain if I play my cards right. An EMBA would be a very nice tool to have. The question is where to go...or more importantly, who will accept me?

I've done the diagnostic GMAT (to find my weaknesses) and there are no surprises. My job does not have me using much math (other than stats), so my algebra has gone downhill. How I could forget about negative numbers is beyond me! I think I'm cut out for Finance with that kind of attitude! Numbers start at '0', right?

But this weekend, will involve developing my report to the Top Dogs. My company does have a standard form to be completed for tuition reimbursement, but I think that an EMBA would require a bit more than just the bare minimum for me to submit to them. It's a long weekend and between bbq's and the CNE airshow (Red Arrows and Snowbirds will be there I'm told), I've got to find the time....and drive...to write this paper.

[db]

I wouldn't say you're getting old, db

I'm not old, I just feel that way.

If I were even 10 years younger and IF I had a desire to climb the food chain, I would probably go after even just a MBA (I have a friend that is only 5 years younger that is just starting the process). But just like everything else. I look at the pain and effort required and look at the potential benefits and I don't see it for me.

My friend will most certainly make the most of his advanced degree (as will you I suspect), and I wish the both of you success (I would say luck, but I know neither of you need luck when you have skill and the Cove)!

[Randy]

EMBA? That's for wannabe's

I just starting the Doctorate program in Business Administration myself.

By the way....What is a family life anyway?

[RCBeyette]

Randy, I'm sorry to report that there is no smilie for "I'm not worthy!"

Doctorate....I usually associate that with professional students or wannabe profs. Which category do you fall into? Or are you your own category? Just teasing...

I figure for me to succeed in this world, I need an MBA or EMBA. If I want to succeed in this universe...then the doctorate.

Hmmm....Dr. Roxane.....I like the sound of that. And I could have my own call-in show for quality related issues and MENSA puzzles that folks are stuck on. My face could be plastered on the sides of buses and in subway terminals. Oooooo....I'm liking this more and more!!!

[db]

I just hope you remember us 'little people', as the ones who got you started!

[RCBeyette]

db said:

I just hope you remember us 'little people', as the ones who got you started!

Thanks, db...now the song that the Munchkins sing in "The Wizard of Oz" is stuck in my head. Oh well, that's better than yesterday when rounding up folks for a closing meeting I was humming "Rawhide".

I see that two people voted "Huh?" Quick explanation...

An Executive MBA (or EMBA) is a Masters in Business Administration geared towards professionals/executives who are unable (or unwilling) to go to school fulltime. Classes are traditionally held every other Friday and Saturday either at the school's campus or via video conferencing (Queen's University is appealing to me for their modern "national classroom" setting).

You are still required to write the GMAT...the test that I suppose demonstrates your aptitude and ability to think/reason. The problem with the GMAT is that the format has now changed. It's all on a computer and once you answer the question, the computer automatically grades it. You can not change your answer later. If you were right, your next question is harder. If you were wrong, your next question is simpler. Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Data Analysis, Critical Reasoning, Algebra, Geometry, and Arithmetic are all sections of the test, as well as two essays to write. 4 hours in length, all on a computer, and you can not skip ahead to the next question (even if you're stuck).

Getting back to the EMBA, it does appear to be more expensive than a traditional MBA, but the requirements do differ from the traditional programme, as well. You do not necessarily need an undergraduate degree and they take into account your work experience and references. Many schools also have an interview session. Thankfully there is no talent contest or bathing suit portion!

Average age seems to be 33 - 46, with 9 - 20 years experience. I'm well below the average age, but my experience is within that window thanks to my family and the opportunities they provided me with.

The EMBA takes about 2-3 years to complete, depending upon the school. There are also 2 - 4 residency periods, it seems, where students are required to be on campus for an intense week of workshops and networking.

The projects appear to allow you to immediately use the new skills that you've learned while providing a return on investment to your employer.

I think that about sums up an EMBA.