EMBA bootcamp 2: How to prepare for an EMBA

Go to EMBA bootcamp: part 1 and EMBA Bootcamp: part 3

Air your goals - EMLYON Business School

“Take the time to clearly identify your personal and professional objectives and why an EMBA program will fit these. Do not enroll in such a program just to add a new degree on your résumé, but to develop new skills.”

Make yourself known - Arizona State University (ASU)

“Be an active participant in the recruiting and application process. Our recruiting team appreciates applicants who make themselves known and conduct personal outreach. You should tell us about your professional strengths and areas of development. Know about the W. P. Carey MBA program and have a vision of how the experience will develop and maintain your career trajectory after graduation.”

Invest wisely - Fordham University

“Attend as many information sessions as possible with other schools and sit in on a class at each institution. We tell prospective students that there is no better way to ‘taste’ the Fordham EMBA product than to sit in and witness it firsthand. Upon sitting in on a class they will know if this school is the right fit or not and they can move forward from there.”

It’s hard work - INSEAD

“No pain, no gain. If an [E]MBA were that easy to attain, it wouldn’t be valuable, would it? For this reason, only the motivated and those who are willing to work hard need apply.”

It’s for the long term - Warwick Business School

“You don’t gain anything by sitting still. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made and risks have to be taken. An [E]MBA is almost always a long-term investment, with the true return only really becoming apparent after a number of years.”

Gauge your support - Virginia Tech

“Speak with your immediate supervisor and talk about your motivation to go back to school, have time off and receive financial support. You also need to speak with your significant other and get his/her support before embarking on an Executive MBA.”

Is it an EMBA you want? - Imperial College London

“When professionals hit a ceiling they need to have more generalist business skills to help them become more effective, this is exactly where an EMBA is positioned. It is a key ingredient to making the transition from functional expert to business leader. If you are early in your career then a specialized course might be appropriate, but if you are further along, then an EMBA will springboard you into a leadership role.”

Look for the right fit - Kellogg-WHU

“Do be yourself and know what you are looking for. Although the top programs are quite similar in terms of academic knowledge transfer, they are often structured very differently in terms of course schedule, diversity and globalism. Another point to examine (if it’s important to the candidate) is the alumni network with which the graduate can expect to grow. Don’t pretend to be all things to all programs, really look for the fit.”

Be honest - IE Business School

“Do be truthful, do be yourself and do be prepared to talk about your failures as well as your successes. Make sure you have the minimum required years of work experience before applying to our program as we’re not flexible on this.”

Keep in touch - University of Chicago Booth School of Business

“Attending the fair is only just the beginning. On or around campus are various events such as Global Leadership Series and Business Forecasts. Further afield there are alumni networks all over the world which are extremely active. We ask prospective students to “Join the Conversation” by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, viewing clips on YouTube and reading our EMBA Evolution Blog.”

Be well-read - IESE Business School

“Reading global business publications such as The Economist, Business Week, the FT, on a regular basis is recommended. This will ensure you are always on top of current international political and economical affairs.”

Stress is a fact of life - Emory University, Goizueta Business School

“Our students tell us that once they realize they can handle a full-time career, a full-time [E]MBA course load, plus family, etc, they realize their true potential. It makes them much more resilient and ready to handle whatever life throws their way.”