If you are a working professional who wants more and is thinking of venturing into the world of business administration, then pay attention to the following executive MBA requirements, which we will elaborate on in detail.
It’s ok to want more. As humans, it has been an age-long routine that makes us who we are. We have always been an evolving species, and the insatiable thirst for knowledge in our day-to-day communication, technology, sciences, and educational pursuit is never-ending.
However, it is of utmost importance that you know what you are about to venture into. You should know the requirements and their effect on your day-to-day activities and work life. The rigorous downsides are not left out while also discussing the benefits and edge you get upon acquisition.
An executive MBA is for professionals who want to pursue an MBA while working simultaneously. This set of professionals is looking to build their portfolio further and increase their reach in the job market.
To carry this out effectively, you need to consider several factors so that you can prepare ahead. This would make the whole process as easy and seamless as possible. Hence, the need for you to read these executive MBA requirements.
Here is what we will explore in this article:
- Why An Executive Masters in Business Administration?
- The Extra Baggage, an Executive MBA, Comes With
- Executive MBA Eligibility
- Executive MBA Admission Process And Opportunities
Why an Executive MBA?
What’s the point of an executive MBA anyways? You might have asked why people go as far as furthering their studies when the regular college degree gives you enough certification to find a responsible job. Well, walk with me while we dissect why an Executive MBA is even necessary.
The obvious career enhancement the program provides cannot be overemphasized, but it only gets better. The program teaches professionals various skills such as managerial skills, leadership skills, the art of teamwork, and other skills that make them stand out in their different fields.
Networking is one major reward from the program and even better for an Executive MBA student. During the duration of the program, there are interactions between other students and other alumni from different fields. This way, students interact, discuss work, and school challenges alike and proffer solutions if need be. This helps utilize a deep well of unending possibilities that is available from the program.
What differentiates an MBA from an EMBA?
While a regular MBA is as effective as an executive MBA, the difference in the acquisition is a major difference. In both MBA and Executive MBA, reference letters from previous study areas are usually very important. However, one of the major executive MBA requirements is a letter from your current employer showing consent and support.
While a regular MBA has full-time course hours and participation required, the Executive MBA is part-time and already designed to fit working professionals. Hence, most course works are being tended online, and physical classes are left for the weekends. The good thing about EMBA is that you can carry it out from different parts of the world.
A typical course list for an Executive MBA would be; Marketing, Finance, Business Policy, Economics, Operations Management, Organizational Leadership, Quantitative Methods, International Issues, Business Ethics, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, and Communication.
Other benefits of an executive MBA include critical and analytical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and well-needed problem-solving skills.
The Extra Baggage, an Executive MBA, Comes With
In discussing executive MBA requirements, there is no hiding the extra baggage it will come with. Of course, this does not make it worth any less, but you would agree with me that it is necessary to have an idea of what the new routine will be like.
Some of these include;
Hectic work schedule.
I hate to be the guy that rips off the band-aid. But with acquiring an eMBA, there is a ton of schoolwork to be done while still maintaining your day job. These courses are usually compressed in nature to allow for other activities and take less time. This can be a good thing but does not remove the demanding factor to the student, especially for those with full-time jobs and family.
Time management mastery
Keeping in mind how tasking the program will be, baggage that needs to be checked adequately is time management. You must be able to manage your time and manage it well. There’s work to go to, and there are course works, assignments, and projects with deadlines that need to be submitted before their due dates. Only an effective time management plan can guarantee a seemingly smooth flow of the process.
Lack of social balance
In embarking on an executive MBA, one of the ultimate prices you have to pay is foregoing/limiting any social life whatsoever. With the amount of work required daily and the concentration required, time to engage in other extra-curricular activities is close to nothing.
However, informing friends, colleagues, and family members of what the subsequent times would be looking like should be emphasized. This helps you keep things in perspective and so that they can help keep you in check and provide all the necessary support they can.
Executive MBA eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for an Executive MBA, knowledge of eligibility by candidates is important. This helps to inform if it is something they’re ready for at that particular point in their career or what they would want to leave for a later date. They get to do this while preparing to achieve it.
Intending students are eligible if they have or can provide the following;
- A prior bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. Since an executive MBA is naturally a continuing degree, a prior degree with at least a 50% pass is a paramount executive MBA requirement relevant to your application eligibility.
- Work experience. The major difference between a regular MBA and an EMBA is the work experience that makes it vital. The average years of experience are between 2-3 years minimum, depending on the choice of institution.
- When you make up your mind on the choice of institution, you may have to take some management entrance exams such as GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), CAT (Common Admission Test), and MAT (Management Aptitude Test).
While all these are the basics, you should research your preferred school choice to be aware of any additional or specific Executive MBA requirements.
FAQs About the Executive MBA
While we promise to be as detailed as possible in providing you with all the information you will need, we understand you may have some concerns peculiar to you. This section will include some Frequently Asked Questions that we believe will help you. We hope it answers at least some of your questions.
- Can an HND holder apply for an Executive MBA?
Answer: If you have an HND qualification, you will need a Post-Graduate Diploma to pursue an Executive MBA.
- Does a third-class degree hinder you from applying for an Executive MBA?
Answer: A third-class degree will not hinder your application, but you will need to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma.
- Is a part-time degree enough for an Executive MBA Program?
Answer: Yes! We are happy to inform you that a part/time degree is just right for your EMBA application.
- Is a professional qualification enough to apply for an Executive MBA?
Answer: Sadly no, a professional qualification is not enough. However, you can always obtain a Post-Graduate Diploma to meet the requirements.
- And finally, a question of particular interest by many. As a graduate of a non-business degree, am I still eligible for an Executive MBA?
Answer: Yes. You can still apply for the program as long as you can meet the other Executive MBA requirements.
Executive MBA Admission Process and Opportunities
Regardless of the chosen institution or desired course of study, an Executive MBA typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
The following are a few processes of application that are peculiar to all institutions with an Executive MBA.
- Begin Application Online
- Schedule an Interview
- Submit Letters Of recommendation
- Answer Three Essay Questions
- Submit Test Scores
- Send Official Transcripts
- Submit Sponsorship Letter
- Pay Application Fee
- Submit the Online Application
An Executive MBA has proven over time to increase the value of those engaged in the program. Since professionals in the working space usually take it up, it has proven to be evident in handling given tasks and people relationships alike.
In recent research conducted by The Executive Business Council Survey of recent Executive MBA grad students, they found out that employers gave 54% of executive MBA candidates additional job responsibilities, and 39% got promoted. This subsequently led to an adequate increase in their financial compensations.
Conclusion
Candidates looking to acquire an Executive MBA need to know what they are about to venture into. We specifically wrote this article to address every question you might have regarding executive MBA requirements.
In this article, we saw that an Executive MBA is a master’s in business administration for working professionals. We first addressed the big deal behind an Executive MBA and why this is even an option. We also saw the difference between a regular MBA and an executive MBA.
One of such importance is that you can utilize the vast opportunities it opens you to, the flexible working time, the enhanced network of students and alumni. We also discussed the managerial, leadership and analytical, and critical thinking skills it imbibes in its students.
Despite these advantages, we didn’t turn a blind eye to other difficulties that come with venturing into a new program. Some of these are a tight work schedule, time management mastery, and foregoing family time or social life.
We further discussed the executive MBA requirements and some of the eligibility criteria like an already acquired bachelor’s degree in a relevant course, working experience of at least three years, and test results from managerial entrance exams such as SAT’s, GMAT, and CAT as important. Most importantly, outlined admission processes in a step-by-step format, the opportunities the Executive MBA program opens you to upon completion. Lastly, we did not leave out the frequently asked questions about an EMBA.
Having all these at the tip of your fingers, we can confidently say you’ve been armed adequately for the journey of acquiring an Executive MBA.
