All About EMBA: Top B-Schools, FT Rankings & Benefits

If you are considering pursuing an MBA abroad, then EMBA must have crossed your mind, which indeed, could be the better pick for you. Immediate career growth, international exposure, and a bigger and better network are the three good reasons why those with five or more years of managerial experience tend to lean more toward an Executive MBA.

An EMBA is a slightly advanced degree designed especially for professionals with field experience. A number of factors such as class schedule, study duration, the average age of the student, and curriculum, among others, set the EMBA program aside from a traditional MBA.

So, what is an EMBA? Which are the top-ranked business schools and EMBA programmes across the world? What are the advantages of doing an EMBA? This article aims at answering all of these questions in the simplest way possible.

What is an MBA?

Students who enrol in an MBA degree gain a foundational knowledge of the management of businesses. They acquire the expertise necessary for succeeding as compelling entrepreneurs, ranging from the structures and methods needed to develop an effective business plan to advertising, human resources, financial accounting, and running a profitable company. 

There are several different formats available for MBA studies such as part-time, online, and full-time. Learners can even select a specific MBA programme, such as one in finance, technology, consulting, operations management, or entrepreneurship. This regular MBA focuses students' attention on the areas where they should invest their time and money if they want to work in one of these sectors.

What is EMBA?

An Executive MBA or EMBA is a two-year program, designed specifically for seasoned professionals. Classes are fast-paced and aimed at accommodating the busy schedules of working professionals with 5 to 12 years of managerial experience allowing them to attend classes on weekends or day- or week-long blocks. Some EMBA classes are also delivered with an applied approach, and greater flexibility - in an online or hybrid format.

Although fewer electives unlike a regular MBA, an EMBA emphasizes developing leadership and executive management skills coupled with industry-specific knowledge and business acumen. It is majorly based on core coursework in areas such as strategic management, marketing, finance and accounting, operations management, and human resources, among others.

EMBA can be a good alternative to expensive MBA courses, with equivalent benefits. Our Study Abroad Experts know the best ways in which you can apply and use these courses to ensure success in your career.

MBA vs EMBA Comparison Highlights

At business schools all around the world, there are thousands of certified MBA and EMBA programmes available, but many prospective students are unaware of the divisions between the two. EMBA, which stands for ‘Executive Master of Business Administration’, has often been considered to be better than the regular MBA coursework.

The two have about equal prestige as well as worth at graduation, but they are presented to two different categories of aspirants in quite different ways. The following table briefly shows MBA vs EMBA comparison highlights:

FT Rankings for EMBA 2022

For senior working managers in the world, the Financial Times released the 21st edition of its annual ranking of the top 100 executive MBA programmes on October 16, 2022. Given below is the list of the top 20 global EMBA rankings for the year 2022:

What are the Benefits of Pursuing an EMBA?

So what distinguishes an EMBA from a regular MBA? - quite a common query that every MBA aspirant stumbles upon, isn't it? Listed below are some of the good reasons why you should do an EMBA:

Career Progression

An EMBA allows you to position yourself at a rather bigger career change be it in terms of the industry, location, or role. The skills and hands-on exposure that the program will provide you with will lead you to more significant and immediate career benefits in terms of promotions and salary along with functions. Furthermore, studying an EMBA will add value to your role at your current company right away. It also opens up new areas of expertise and professions, paving the way for a change and a better future.

Exposure to an International Dimension

What is important while pursuing an Executive MBA is having a global mindset in business. You must be open to building a career without frontiers, with a holistic view. An EMBA program is designed for business enthusiasts from across the world, ready for distinct and rewarding international experiences. Moreover, international B-schools offering an EMBA have a strong alumni network that extends across more than 50 countries. It is after you get the EMBA degree that the benefits of the program and network start manifesting.

New Entrepreneurship Knowledge and Skills

It is a well-known fact that an EMBA program is fashioned to raise issues faced by the business leaders of today. What it also encompasses is the ability to push yourself to take the entrepreneurial plunge. A wide array of skills are also offered which include critical analysis, strategic thinking and better communication and team-building skills.

Personal Development

By studying an EMBA, you participate in an evolution process. You give yourself the chance to engage in conversations and exchange ideas with leaders, collaborators, industry experts and friends. The multicultural and multi-industry nature of the program in a foreign country permits you to challenge yourself and improve your decision-making skills.

A Different Perspective

Every EMBA student usually has around 10-11 years of experience. By studying the program, you will always be one step ahead of your colleagues, enriching your own thoughts in accordance with the diverse experiences of professionals from NGOs, businesses, the public sector, SMEs and more.

There are endless career opportunities when you study at one of the best executive MBA colleges in the world. Having an EMBA will undoubtedly benefit both your employment prospects and your entire career credibility. There is a tonne of incredible colleges around the globe that provide executive MBA programmes that are just as good as those included in this article post's list of top universities listed as per the Financial Times. 

Still confused about executive MBA meaning and how it differs from a regular MBA? If yes, then reach out to us at abroad@collegedekho.com. to get expert-recommended information about your doubts related to EMBA!