I think there is a big difference between the top EMBA programs and other programs that exist so I think it’s really difficult to make blanket statements.
We have a ton of Kellogg MBA grads and profs in our social circle and universally they have encourage the traditional MBA model over an EMBA.
And, if you’ve already reached a C suite exec level position, I don’t know what the benefit would be of going back for an EMBA?
So ?
The parameters that I described are current; I have never read of the parameters which you described regarding EMBA programs being designed for “a narrow age cohort”. Maybe that existed in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s,and 1970s, but not in the last few decades.
Yes, I agree that elite EMBA programs and elite MBA programs offer substantial benefits over non-elite programs.
Depends upon the primary reason one wants to earn an MBA degree.
Traditional MBA programs are great for those seeking to rise into management and/or for those seeking to switch industries and/or employers. This is not the main focus of EMBA programs which tend to be more focused on strategy and related matters.
Most qualified EMBA participants at elite programs would be regarded as over-qualified for top MBA programs. Not too long ago, Harvard & Stanford MBA programs had the lowest average age among the most highly ranked MBA programs. Even today, the avarage age for program participants at top 10 ranked MBA programs tends to be in the range of 27 to 28 years old.
Regarding C-Suite executives: What leads you to believe that C-suite execs stop learning from others once they reach that level ? Most successful folks remain life-long learners.
Being designed for a specific cohort and having students benefit from the program who are NOT from that cohort are not mutually exclusive ideas. Plenty of students graduate from Harvard’s Kennedy School or Princeton Woodrow Wilson who do NOT end up in government service. That doesn’t change the reality that those programs are designed for a specific reason although many other people are able to derive a lot of benefit from attending. There are employers who look for specific skills and don’t care how those skills were derived. You learned about global economic volatility as a currency trader, as a grad student at Princeton in either the Bendheim program or at Woodrow Wilson, in an MBA program, or working as an econometrician for the World Bank? They don’t care. It’s about the competency, not the curriculum.
For someone posting to hear about other people’s experiences, you sure don’t seem interested in other people’s experiences.
I am interested, but I have never encountered any EMBA programs which is designed for “a narrow age cohort”. Can you give an example of such an elite EMBA programs ? My point above is that your earlier post seemed to conflate EMBA programs with MBA programs.
I apologize, but I do not understand the point of the rest of your post regarding non-EMBA & non-MBA programs.
Yes, it’s a lot to consider. I guess rather than sacrificing two full years’ of pay, it would be two 9-month periods without pay (but also living costs in NY!) and then he’d receive internship pay for the summer in between year 1 and 2. S is already at a very sought after company, so I’m assuming he would stay with them for the summer internship (and because they would be paying for the MBA). When he initially applied, he was also accepted at Kellogg, but decided to deposit at Columbia. So, far there hasn’t been a drop in application numbers there, but it makes sense that it could happen this year.
@Publisher - thanks for your thoughts. I agree that he would be unlikely to take the opportunity later in life. I don’t think he’s highly bothered by the loss of salary for those two years as he has been a very good saver since he started work. However, he will just have to make a decision about the possible benefits of taking that time to return to school. I think the main benefits he is considering are: networking, being able to start a business, and learning new skills. Since he already works for an elite company, and is currently working in one of their overseas offices for the year, some might argue he doesn’t really need to pursue an MBA. However, it does seem like an interesting opportunity to consider.
It does seem like a tough choice for your S, and the benefits you mentioned are definitely a potential plus. Besides the loss of income, he should assess whether he could be promoted in the two years he would miss if he goes to school…it’s probably likely that some of his cohort would in fact be promoted during that time and with the MBA he has to assess at what level he would come back to the company. As a Kellogg alum, I am biased and would tell him Kellogg>Columbia, especially if he is entrepreneurial. How long would he have to stay at his company post MBA to not owe $ for them paying for the MBA? Potentially owing that money is a disadvantage if he comes out of school with a legitimate business startup.
Thanks, that’s so open ended. At least two years could be five years. If two years is the max, is the full amount due if the employee doesn’t stay for the full term, or does the ‘loan’ decrease by quarter (for example) during that time period? Something for elena13’s S to understand, obviously doesn’t have to report back here.
Not certain about this particular employer as it is undisclosed, but the programs that I have read about over the past decade typically require just a two year commitment in order to be fully reimbursed for MBA tuition.
A few days ago, P&Q released its composite based rankings of 73 EMBA programs:
The top 20 ranked EMBA programs:
Penn-Wharton
Northwestern-Kellogg
Chicago-Booth
MIT-Sloan
UCLA-Anderson
Michigan-Ross
Yale-SOM
NYU-Stern
Duke-Fuqua
(tie) Cornell-Johnson
(tie) U Texas-Austin
Georgetown-McDonough
Emory
U Utah
Columbia Business School
UCal-Berkeley
UNC
USC
Texas A&M Broad
Vanderbilt-Owen
EMBA programs offer students an opportunity to study with decision makers. Programs with local, as opposed to national, students allow one to make connections with the top business leaders in that geographic area.
EMBA programs tend to emphasize strategy rather than the nuts & bolts business curriculum of a typical MBA program.
Thanks for those thoughts @Mwfan1921. I’m not sure, but I don’t think he’d have to return to his company for more than two years post MBA. However, the promotion issue is something to consider as well as which route would help him more if he wants to pursue an entrepreneurial path.
Wouldn’t h receive a promotion after earning his MBA degree ?
I don’t know anyone who got a promotion internally from an MBA. They get a pat on the back. They already think about you what you do. You have to go elsewhere. Maybe for future jobs they apply for internally - but no one was - you got an MBA, here’s a higher level job.
I also don’t know any company that sponsors an MBA - vs. giving tuition reimbursement.
But I’m not in banking - def not in automotive.
There are many MC (management consulting) companies who pay for MBA if student agrees to return for at least 2 years upon completion of the degree. Substantial pay raise/promotion included.
Elite MBA programs love these sponsored students because it helps with employment outcomes and MBA related rankings.
MBA is not really important in IB as it is for MC.
Yeah - I was just noting people I know - and I’m assuming in most industries - likely not a huge deal. But I’m sure in niche ones….
I think as a way to pivot to a different place / industry - it’s gold.
I’d go full time personally - not sure there’s much value in the part time ones - which have now become very expensive.
Not sure that I understand your reference to part-time MBA programs in the context of our discussion.
To be clear, EMBA programs are all, to the best of my knowledge, part-time as the managers, directors, VPs, etc. are expected to continue working throughout the 20 month program as well as to have received time & talent sponsorship from their company.
Those attending M-7 MBA programs as full-time students are often recruited during their summer internship by MC firms who often agree to pay/reimburse the second year tuition.
Part-time MBA programs often are paid for via tuition reimbursement and common to be promoted when the MBA degree is completed.
Yeah - that’s an exception outside my realm.
My buddy who got picked up by one of his classmates at Michigan - had he not, I don’t see it for over the $100K he spent net out of pocket.
But you are talking a different stratosphere of outcomes.
Let’s say my son decided to do the program at UC Irvine - as an example - as he lives in Irvine. I think it’s great for him - but given what he’d have to pay - is there value there - I don’t see it…even if it was an EMBA.
But you are talking about a different stratosphere of applicant, etc.
I’ve worked near 30 years and never have seen anyone get promoted at the completion of an MBA. And I’ve worked for 3 major firms. Maybe they have - but I’ve never seen it. Some get a congrats - and that’s it.