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Things to Do Before Taking the EMBA Plunge

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By QS Contributor Updated May 30, 2018
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Take these steps before your EMBA

What should you do before you step into the EMBA classroom and put your life on a hiatus for a year or two? Here, we look at how an Executive MBA requires a significant investment of time which means priorities will change while you study for the program. 

It may take some time to embark on an Executive MBA. After all, there are a number of decisions to make and factors to consider before actually taking the leap. But while the application, interview and acceptance process may seem a lengthy one, the first day at business school will roll around before you know it.

As the beginning of your EMBA experience draws near, what are some of the final things you should do before setting foot in the classroom?

1. Debrief with your employer

Sit down with your employer to debrief and clear the slate as much as possible. You’ll need the support of your manager and your colleagues as you embark on your EMBA so let them know what they can expect. If other members of your company have studied for an EMBA, they’ll have a fair idea of what it entails, but a good working relationship is an open and honest one, so start as you mean to continue.

You may also want to use this time to schedule in catch ups with your manager over the coming months. Keeping your employer abreast of developments within the EMBA and your own professional development will help them to see the relevance of your EMBA on the workplace.

2. Finish your pre-EMBA reading material

Upon acceptance into the program, you will have been given a recommended reading list to help you prepare for your EMBA study. Those speaking from experience saying reading these resources before stepping into the classroom proved invaluable in preparing them for their Executive MBAs, so make sure you’ve done your homework.

Many business schools also recommend publications such as the Economist and the Financial Times as essential reading for EMBA candidates. Download these apps to your smart phone to ensure you’re kept up to date of happenings in the business world.

3. Update your LinkedIn profile

Networking plays a major part in the success of you EMBA so make sure you update your LinkedIn profile to reflect this new professional – and personal – challenge in your life. Stating your involvement in an EMBA program will immediately connect you with your business school’s alumni from all over the world and that can only be beneficial to your experience of the program and your professional prospects upon graduation.

4. Write a list of goals

You won’t have made the decision to embark on an EMBA program lightly and you’ll have some goals in mind as to what you want to achieve post-EMBA. Write these down and put them somewhere visible. Over the coming months, particularly as the stress begins to mount, being able to look at these goals will help to keep you on track and make the most of your EMBA experience. You may also find you add some along the way. Whatever your reasons for studying an Executive MBA, staying focused throughout will be key to the success of the program.

5. Spend time with family

One of the greatest support networks you’re going to rely on throughout your EMBA is that of your family. Time will quickly become of the essence once you step into the business school classroom, so while you still have some spare, spend it with those close to you. Let them know you appreciate the sacrifice they’re about to make as well.