Is an Executive MBA Program the Right Fit for You

Acquiring an advanced degree like an MBA helps professionals strengthen their academic credentials. However, deciding between a standard MBA, Online MBA, Distance MBA and Executive MBA often confuses aspirants. While a standard MBA is open to all, an Executive MBA is a business management program specifically designed for working professionals.

Understanding Executive MBA Programs

An Executive MBA (EMBA) program essentially involves online teaching over recorded classes and visual tutorials. While a full-time MBA program requires your physical presentations and lasts up to 24 months whereas an EMBA program lasts up to 12 months. EMBA programs comprise intensive modular classes that strengthen expertise and extend advanced business knowledge to executives.

The coursework centres around finance and accounting, retail, hospitals, health care, information technology, operations management, strategic management, marketing, human resources, and other disciplines associated with the business landscape. It provides opportunities for students to enhance their skill base to advance their career prospects within their organizations along with the credentials of a master's degree and a new alumni network that holds a strong significance in the corporate realm.

Following is some important information associated with Online EMBA Programs that will help aspirants decide if this program is right for them:-

• Program Structure

A majority of students are enrolled in online EMBA programs and stay in their current positions. In the case of regular EMBA programs, classes are organized in evenings, and weekends – depending on the business school and format candidates select. In terms of pace, EMBA students tend to engage in classwork at shorter, more intense intervals as compared to their MBA equivalents to minimize distraction from their regular work schedules.

• Fees

A significant difference between regular MBA programs and executive MBA programs is that EMBA programs are pursued various modes of learning online including distance and designed for experienced working professionals who have more than two or three years of experience. It has significant financial implications as EMBA students can earn a full-time salary while studying and don’t incur the same costs associated with MBA programs.

• Return on Investment

Conventionally, most EMBA candidates have their program fees partially or entirely covered by their employers because this form of sponsorship is viewed as a worthy investment for training managers who would then apply the acquired skills to their work. While this form of sponsorship continues, recent years have witnessed students can opt for self-funding or can choose Bank Finances as an education loan for their EMBA studies in India. This is because students who opt for company-funded EMBA programs might be required to commit to the company for a few years upon completion of their degree while Bank Finances don't have any minimum commitment with ZERO Cost EMI options to choose from. Over the years, business schools have also introduced many scholarship programs as well for EMBA programs.

Networking
Networking is an important aspect of EMBA programs. During the program, students immensely benefit from the diversity of participants in the class, maximising learning by challenging their assumptions and widening their perspectives.

Typically, EMBA applicants tend to be more experienced and looking to enrich their existing knowledge to advance their careers to higher positions. Whether students opt for an MBA program or an EMBA program, primarily depends on their circumstances and career objectives.