How to Make Your Executive MBA Relevant

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QS Top Executive's top tips on how you can make your Executive MBA as relevant as possible in the workplace and in your career.

In the workplace

1. Take an international approach

For many businesses, global boundaries no longer exist. In fact, it’s not altogether uncommon to come across organizations that have more business dealings abroad than they do at home. If you’re involved in work at an international level, or if what you do directly impacts on your employer’s international strategy, choosing an Executive MBA with a global element will make it all the more relevant. Business schools are responding to this demand for globally-educated EMBA graduates, so find out to what extent your preferred business schools support internationalisation. You may even find a suitable EMBA program that delivers modules in countries you’re already working in.

2. Merge work and study

Executive MBA programs are set up to allow candidates to work and study at the same time, which brings with it some great opportunities to make your studies all the more relevant to the workplace. As an EMBA student you will be required to complete assignments and group projects on a range of topics, but this doesn’t mean you have to make extra work for yourself. Instead, use a project from work. This will enable you to delve deeper into a ‘real’ workplace scenario and get expert advice from fellow classmates and professors at the same time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

3. Implement your knowledge

One of the greatest attractions – and benefits – of the Executive MBA is the opportunity to study for a prestigious business degree without having to forfeit your employment. But with the commitment of both time and money that the Executive MBA requires, seeing a return on investment is paramount - for you and your employer. So, devise a strategy to implement what you have learnt in the classroom immediately into the workplace. This could be through team meetings, new initiatives, or training. It will allow you to showcase your business school learnings and put them into practice while others reap the rewards of your hard work!

In your career

1. Choose your network carefully

Every candidate has a reason for pursuing an Executive MBA degree. For some it is the career progression, for others financial gain; some may even be looking to the EMBA to equip them with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to switch careers altogether – or at least move into a new industry. Your business school’s alumni network is one of the most valuable resources you will be able to take away with you upon graduation – if you utilise it. So, while you’re researching possible EMBA programs, take a look at the business school’s alumni network to see which industries potential contacts are in.

2. Utilise the opportunity

Do you have a secret desire to travel the world? Perhaps a goal in life has always been to learn a new language. Don’t put them off any longer. If you’ve made personal sacrifices for your career, now’s the time to act a little selfishly and choose an EMBA program that meets all your needs and wants. You can find a world class EMBA program in just about any corner of the globe. So, if there’s a country you’ve always wanted to visit, start researching its schools and EMBA programs. That’ll soon put a stop to that travel bug you’ve been harbouring since your 20s.

3. Make sure it’s an EMBA you want!

Why are you interested in studying for an Executive MBA? What goal do you want to achieve? Does the EMBA fit into your personal career plan? These are all questions you need to know the answer to – not only for yourself, but for the admissions directors at business schools. They want EMBA students to have a clear vision as to how their program will benefit you personally. An Executive MBA will give you an overview of business practices, which is great if that’s what you’re looking for. But there are other qualifications available, so it’s important to find the right one for you.