Ten Hot Tips for an EMBA Candidate

Some of these fundamental and very useful tips for your EMBA can help you find and apply for the course of your dreams. 

1. Personalise your ranking

Begin with some thorough research of what Executive MBA programs are out there for you. Search different school websites, peruse international rankings and tailor your own personalised ranking with QS TopMBA.com Scorecard. This tool allows you to search according to criteria is important to you, such as length and cost of program and ROI.

2. QS World Executive MBA Tour

Attend the QS World Executive MBA Fair. Some of the world's top business schools will showcase their EMBA programs in a city near you, so find out when it's in your area and meet face to face with the admissions directors.

3. Get company support

Enrolling in an Executive MBA is a commitment from your company as well as from you. Get the support you need from your manager and HR department and make sure they give you the time off you need. They'll benefit from your EMBA qualification almost as much as you will.

4. Try it out

Attend an open lecture at the school/s of your choice. Sit in on a class, experience their teaching style, lecture format and the content of the class – does this appeal to you? Does it match your expectations? Finding a school that feels right will only add to your EMBA experience, so don't rush your decision.

5. Are your family behind you?

You'll not only need to learn to juggle work and study when you begin your Executive MBA, you'll also need to make time for family and friends. Their support is a key factor to the success of your EMBA, so make sure they're 110% behind you before you embark on this extra challenge.

6. Talk to those who've gone before you

Speak to alumni – after all they've survived an Executive MBA. Ask them for their advice/opinion/experiences of the course. What were the best and worst elements and how did they cope with the challenges of the EMBA? Ask them for their top tips and advice on how to make the most of your time in the classroom.

7. Make sure it fits

Make sure the Executive MBA program you choose fits your story. Don't go for the school or the program that has the biggest or best name, or the one that is the “buzz“ at the moment – choose an EMBA program that fits with your experience, your career, and the goals you want to achieve in the future.

8. Finance options

Sourcing finance can often be a major obstacle for Executive MBA candidates, so begin your search early. Speak with your company – can they support you with funds? There are also a number of scholarships out there, so make sure you apply to the different funding bodies offering them. Loans are another option as are personal savings. Start your search here.

9. Don't waste an application

Applying for your Executive MBA is a lengthy and time-consuming process, but it will be worth it in the long run. To avoid putting yourself under undue pressure, make sure your application meets the requirements of each school. Unfortunately, one application does not fit all, but a good template to begin with will make the process that little bit more manageable.

10. TopMBA

Keep updated here.  Interviews with admission directors, features on the latest issues in the world of Executive MBAs, and profiles of EMBA alumni, will help keep you informed as you embark on your EMBA decision-making process.

Good luck!