Are you Ready for an Executive MBA?

Jason Price, Director, EMBA World describes the four dimensions of self-preparation and self-assessment to consider before applying to an EMBA program. 

As an EMBA consultant I have seen the consequences of not fully exploring the Executive MBA opportunity. In some cases, candidates have prepared themselves well, asked the right questions, and are certain they are ready. In a few cases though, a candidate does not do enough inner and outer inspection and as a result do not benefit from all the opportunities an EMBA program has to offer. Charlie and Carla are two real-life examples of what it means to be ready for business school and especially the Executive MBA.

They were both successful in their careers when they came to me for input on pursuing an EMBA: Charlie W., was a copy supervisor of a top advertising agency in New York City; Carla W., was a banker at a prestigious firm in London, England. Both were the same age, had ten years work experience, and each desired to further their education. While Carla had taken on more departmental responsibilities given the bank’s downsizing, Charlie’s agency continued to grow, adding new accounts to his portfolio.

Before making the substantial personal and financial investment, both approached EMBA World on separate occasions seeking advice on their application and school decisions. One was ready, applied, and got accepted and is about to graduate. The other deferred the second year. Both are incredibly capable and have demonstrated great success but one made it through and the other did not. How come?

Many Charlies and Carlas have presented themselves over the years to EMBA World. The first question is often “How do I know if I’m ready for this academic endeavor?” It is best to approach the question of business school readiness and more specifically, the Executive MBA, by looking at four dimensions in business school readiness. These four dimensions are rooted in the Human Resources theory that employees are individuals with varying goals and needs and should not be thought of as a basic business resource.

The four dimensions of this theory include learning style, impact on employment, familial responsibilities, and  self-awareness/personality. Each of these dimensions is explored in our self-assessment found at the end of this article. Let’s take a look at each of the sections and how they apply to pursuing an EMBA.

Returning to the classroom after years away from it can be a challenge for anyone. The experience of stepping back onto campus can be both exhilarating as well as intimidating.

How you once were as a student may reflect how you will be in business school, or will it? Moving from the work desk to the school desk, possibly on the very same day, takes some adjusting. Rest assured, each year thousands of people like you return to the classroom after many years of professional career success. The questions one must consider before returning to school revolve around recalling the type of student you once were. Are you self motivated? Did you study hard? Do good grades mean a lot to you? Are you a quick learner? Can you learn from a book? Are you able to learn in groups? Can you take direction from a professor who perhaps has spent his entire working life in academia?

Success at work is paramount and given the economy nothing must jeopardize your standing and reputation in the office. Is your work life conducive to taking on an MBA? What is your office like when you are away on a business trip or vacation? Can you juggle an increased work load, travel schedule, and classroom assignments? The Executive MBA requires many team exercises and group projects outside the classroom.

“I recall a classmate who opened a new restaurant in his second year of the EMBA,” describes a former EMBA World board member and graduate of Baylor University’s Executive MBA. “He was always missing classes, his head was elsewhere, and made him an impractical team contributor.” Such experiences should not be overlooked and if work life has the potential to become an impediment to your performance in the classroom then the decision to attend an Executive MBA must be reconsidered. The limited class schedule requires your attendance. The same goes for an office or boss that is not supportive of your being away from the workplace, leaving early or requesting a slowdown in business travel during school. Employers make exceptions for EMBA students, but not all employers are created equal.