Executive MBA vs MBA | Is an EMBA Degree Right For YOU?

[@RichardWalls]

🙌🙌🙌 QUESTION: What are YOUR reasons for considering an Executive MBA program? Or, if you're in, or have gone through, an EMBA program, how was your experience? Share in the comment section below! 👇👇👇

[@skyhigh4815]

I am a soon to be vet, and going into the civilian world soon. I believe that knowing how to run a business is important. Thats why I am aiming towards and EMBA

[@steverodriguez794]

Good video on the differences between the Full Time and Executive MBA. I completed an Executive MBA. First it is true that the true learning is happening between the students , in many cases there were students in class whom had real world experience in what was being taught and brought a new dimension to class. In one class the professor was intimidated by some students whom seemed to know more about the topic being taught than the professor. Also EMBA's tend to be more accomplished than students in a full time MBA program. I took one elective with full-time MBA's and the difference in the cohorts was very noticeable. Full Time MBA's are long on enthusiasm but short on practical experience; the EMBA cohort had real world experience and confidence and this came through during class sessions. Second, the fact that the EMBA is a part-time program meant that what was learned on the weekend was immediately applicable at work on Monday. My employer at the time was a great benefactor of this. Third, the global aspect of the program was a very helpful and it opened opportunities to expand my career as I was able to leverage this experience into international assignments at work. Fourth, a point not covered in the video is that EMBA cohorts tend to be smaller than the full-time MBA. Thus you get to really know your classmates in a deep level and make real connections as opposed to full-time MBA's where the cohort is much larger. Fifth, another point not covered in the video is that there are some EMBA's that are sponsored by their employer. Thus for those EMBA's, not only did they get the benefit of keeping their full time job, they also got the benefit of not having to pay the program fees. A nice perk over the full-time MBA in addition to not having the loss of income over two years. The only drawback of Executive MBA's is that unlike the full-time MBA where one can go and "pivot" onto a different career, it is not easy to do so as an EMBA. First off, EMBA's are more established in their careers/family life and switching careers can be financially prohibitive. Second, EMBA's generally do not participate in the traditional MBA internship and recruiting process through the school's career center. Thus jumping into traditional MBA start off careers such as I-Banking, Consulting, Tech, etc. are not usual paths for EMBA's. Those looking for a "pivot" are left to do the search on their own without the benefit of the traditional channels for achieving the "pivot". While each school provides career services to EMBA's, they are not the same as what full-time MBA's get. Part of the reason for this, is because (1) EMBA students are not as homogenous as full-time MBA's and hence each EMBA student requires more customizing in their job search and (2) the level of positions that EMBA's pursue tend to be higher level (middle management/executive) than the positions for full-time MBA's which are usually entry-level management. Looking back on my EMBA, I have to say that I am extremely happy with the EMBA. The ROI on my EMBA has been infinite (as I was sponsored) and it propelled my career forward (but no pivot). I also got to spend two incredible years with an amazing cohort of talented executives and accomplished entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries that included immersion sessions in four different countries during that time.

[@RichardWalls]

Excellent write up, Steve. Really appreciate you sharing, and all great points!

[@Failfast0]

If you self funded, would your perspective change at all?

[@pauldadzie6991]

I pursued an EMBA, it was very taxing in terms of time because we went to school on from Friday to Sunday and had to do assignments during the week so I had no social life. It was worse when we started doing the dissertations. But I really enjoyed the process. I met so many people with different experience and now I have a connection for everything under the sun. Lawyers, doctors, IT professionals, the works, we were all in one group. It was brilliant.

[@kelly0433]

No dissertation in a EMBA bozo

[@da4441]

Baruch Zicklin School of Business at CUNY (City University of New York) offers an EMBA for $86,000. This includes everything, the 2 week travel immersion, books, meals, tuition. It is 34 Saturdays a year for 2 years 8:30am-5:30pm. The regular MBA, done weekdays, either part time or full time costs much less. Also the EMBA gives no choice in courses.

[@RichardWalls]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@mpsdigital]

My Alma Mater, FAU, has offered their famous ‘weekend MBA’ and EMBA for many, many years. I think these are great options

[@RichardWalls]

Agreed! Thanks for the comment, Heath.

[@Namcit]

Hello Richard, Great video. I'm considering obtaining EMBA from the UK. Reason; I found that foreign institutions are more willing to accept student that don't have a bachelors. I have worked 17 years in finance and I believe an MBA would help propel my current role or pivot. I live in the US and my concern is if a foreign MBA would hold weight with US companies. What are your thoughts?

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

What do you think about both these MBA formats (EMBA, Full Time) contrasted with part time/online MBA program?

[@RichardWalls]

Hi! The ideal format depends on what you're wanting out of the program. EMBA, Part Time, and Full Time are all typically in-person, which helps tremendously from a networking standpoint and company recruiting. You won't get quite the same benefit online without doing more leg work to make the connections proactively.

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

Thanks@@RichardWalls

[@CESAR365]

When a MBA is really needed ?

[@FiveTurtleDay]

Is an EMBA more likely to be hired than an MBA? Or vice versa? And if your in the space where you have experience but not exactly as per your example does it make more sense to do a part time MBA?

[@RichardWalls]

Hi - great question! I don't think either has the advantage, strictly speaking. However, EMBA students tend to have more work experience than MBA students, and it's because of the work experience that they may be more likely to get hired.

[@michaelleroux338]

Important to note as well is that many MBA programs have an age restriction. This means that once you’ve reached a certain age (mostly between 30-36), you’re no longer eligible for traditional MBA’s. This is contrasted by EMBA’s that, as you stated, requires a pegged quantity of years senior management experience. It’s really tough to go back to school after 12+ years of full time management experience, and when you decide to do so, the MBA programs likely won’t take you. That is one of the real values of an EMBA in my opinion which is why I am enrolled in one.

[@RichardWalls]

Hi Michael - I've not heard of age restrictions in a strict sense, as I believe that would be discriminatory and illegal (maybe? I'm not an attorney 😆). That said, each type of program attracts candidates of different career stages, and each program also considers the extent and quality of work experience that a candidate has. MBAs have a lower threshold for years of experience (so you could be any age really), while EMBAs tend to favor more experienced applicants, which tends to lean obviously to older candidates.

[@mrmartywaring]

I never heard of age restrictions regarding MBA programs (I earned my while in my 40s). That’s said, this logic makes a little more sense.

[@chibuzochilaka3119]

Thank you for your very clear and straight to the point content. May I ask if the certificates indicate EMBA, MBA OR ONLINE?

[@RichardWalls]

Hi Chibuzo! Thanks for the comment. Would recommend double checking with the school, but generally there's no indication on the diploma whether it was done online, part-time, full-time on campus, etc. You'll just earn an MBA.

[@da4441]

What is your opinion of EMBA versus EMPA ? A local school offers an EMBA for $86K 2 years Saturdays 8:30am-5:30pm plus 2 week intensive prep before the beginning and a travel experience. The EMPA is $56K for 2 yrs Saturdays 8:30am - 3:30pm with no extras like travel.

[@RichardWalls]

Honestly not too familiar w/ EMPA to know the difference, though I think an MBA would serve most people better in terms of career opportunities. MBAs have more recognition.

[@da4441]

@@RichardWalls Thanks.

[@fheeahp9403]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Frustratedraiders]

I've got 11yrs of experience., I would like to pursue an additional MBA it's just to reach the top level designation and higher packages. Which one do you want me choose?? MBA or EMBA???

[@RichardWalls]

Depends on what career you want to go into, or if you want to change employers. EMBA will be live/in-person, so that's an advantage if seeking out opportunities elsewhere. Apart from that, it depends on the school.

[@Frustratedraiders]

@@RichardWalls Thanks Richard 🤝🏻🤝🏻🤝🏻