Should You Do a Joint EMBA?

Joint Executive MBA programs have increased in popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. In our highly globalized world, they give students the unique opportunity to attend multiple top international universities and experience different cultures, boosting their value in the job market.

Who is eligible for a joint EMBA program?

Like for most EMBA programs, joint EMBA applicants are usually managers with an extensive managerial background – around 10 to 15 years – who want to go back to school without sacrificing time in the office.

A joint EMBA is especially valuable for those who want to advance to more executive positions within their company or industry. For this reason, students need to be able to balance intense work schedules with part-time classes, a significant workload and global modules at b-schools around the world.

What does the application process involve?

A joint EMBA program from top-ranked schools requires at least one, if not multiple, letters of recommendation. You will need the support of your current employer, who will have to explain to recruiters how your choice of embarking on the degree will positively affect your career and the business you work for.

You might not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, as your extensive professional experience should already demonstrate your business capabilities. However, some b-schools might run in-house tests aimed at EMBA applicants.

Should I consider a joint EMBA program?

Because access to global travel has been reduced over the past few months, you may be wondering whether it’s still worth doing a joint EMBA. While it’s certainly not for everyone, there are many benefits to having this type of degree under your belt.

• Global perspective: Studying a joint EMBA will allow you to cross borders and develop an international business acumen. This is particularly beneficial if you dream of landing a high-end position at a multinational company, as now more than ever executives need to have a global perspective and a deep understanding of how business practices differ across the world.
• International network: Joint EMBA programs offer great networking opportunities. You will not only become a member of a wide network of executives, but the connections you’ll make will also span across countries and continents, enhancing your career opportunities.
• Multiple b-school experience: Each business school has a different curriculum and student environment, and it can be difficult for applicants to choose one over the other. However, a joint EMBA program will allow you to attend two or more business schools and benefit from the perks each one has to offer without having to compromise.
• Financial benefits: With a joint program, you’ll graduate with two or more EMBA titles instead of one, increasing your ROI and career-advancement opportunities.

What program should I choose?

There are many great joint EMBA programs out there, which might make it difficult for you to narrow your options down.

The QS Global EMBA Rankings 2020, released today, revealed the top joint EMBA programs around the world.

Here’s the top 10.

The TRIUM Global EMBA program has been ranked the best in the world, with learning opportunities in London, New York, Paris and Shanghai.

Our second best joint program is the Executive MBA offered by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and HKUST Business School, which includes residential modules in Hong Kong, Chicago and other top locations around the world.

Other notable programs include the Executive MBA offered by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and York University's Schulich School of Business, and the joint EMBA offered by Tsinghua University School of Economics & Management and INSEAD.

Click here to access a breakdown of all the top 10 programs.