The Benefits of an Executive MBA #7: Maximum Versatility with an EMBA

EMBA programs across the globe equip candidates with a unique skill set that allows them to go on to greater professional success.

This skill set is made up of two key types of skills: hard skills are the tools and frameworks necessary to successfully drive the practical side of a business further; soft skills are those that enable EMBA students to become better communicators, team players and leaders.

The skill of versatility

These formal tools taught on the EMBA curriculum aren’t the only skills an EMBA student acquires throughout his or her time in the business school classroom. Along with hard and soft skills comes an elevated versatility and flexibility – a skill in itself that should not be underestimated as an asset in career and business development.

However, it isn’t just the taught EMBA curriculum that makes the EMBA student and graduate more versatile, it is the fact that they will have learned to juggle a whole host of demands - work, life, study, leisure, friendship - while embarking on one of the greatest challenges of their professional career to date.

This juggling act is required as soon as a candidate steps into the classroom, and while executives may have previous experience of time management, organizing multiple projects and co-ordinating staff, many an alumni will say, nothing can fully prepare you for the EMBA experience.

Fortunately, in a very short period of time, with the support of fellow EMBA candidates and faculty, this juggling act will see the budding EMBA executive become more focused and better equipped to respond to challenges in both professional and personal contexts.

Relevance in an international world

This increased versatility and flexibility is relevant to a number of aspects in business life. In an increasingly international business world, an EMBA program offers a global outlook. This is likely to open new international networks to EMBA students, which are relevant not only to the student but also to companies and businesses.

Engaging in different cultural practices requires openness and speaks of a high level of versatility - an asset for any employer. EMBA students will immediately be exposed to a range of outlooks and ideas from different cultures, given the diversity of their EMBA peers. Upon graduation therefore, an EMBA graduate is likely to be able to be placed in a host of varied business contexts and environments in different cultures –and succeed.
During the EMBA program, students will also have demonstrated a willingness and ability to travel. This too can reflect a certain amount of flexibility that can be carried over into their career.

Strategically savvy

Geographic mobility is not the only indicator of increased versatility. Before embarking on an EMBA program, mid-level professionals are often fairly set in their business ways, roles and perspectives. Often it is because their organization allows for very little flexibility. However, a defining characteristic of the EMBA candidate is their desire to break free of these restrictions and find new, more effective and strategically savvy ways of doing business. That is where the EMBA offers a unique opportunity for ambitious professionals to break habits and routines at mid-career level, by providing them with a new skill set.

Sound decisions

A truly successful – and versatile - EMBA student will learn the Executive MBA qualification does not automatically translate into a new and better career. Rather, it gives an individual the tools to be able to work diligently on a career shift, build the necessary networks, recognize and take opportunities spontaneously where they arise and have the flexibility to intelligently make sound career and business decisions.