The Executive Assessment Blog

Applications to MBA programs are way up this year,according to thelatest research from the Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™). A growing number of experienced professionals like you are making the decision to go back to school and upgrade their skills. But with so many options for experienced professionals — and such fierce competition to get into top programs—you may be wondering: how do I get started on my executive or part-time MBA applications?

Here are our top tips and resources for getting started:

Topics: Executive MBA, Part-time MBA, Executive Assessment Online, business school

Prep smarter, not harder! Maximize the effectiveness of your Executive Assessment Online prep with these three resources.

You’re busy, and with everything going on in the world right now finding the time and energy to pull together a winning business school application may feel especially challenging. Luckily, the Executive Assessment was designed specifically for busy, experienced professionals like you. It offers the convenience and flexibility you deserve and values the knowledge and real-world experience you bring to the table.

What’s more, the assessment has been adapted to a new online format during the pandemic, so you can meet upcoming application deadlines and stand out to executive MBA and part-time MBA programs in the admissions process.

Topics: Executive MBA, Part-time MBA, Executive Assessment Online, business school

We surveyed over 600 companies, and 87 percent reported working directly with schools to recruit graduate business students from many business programs. We also asked about the top factors recruiters consider when choosing which schools to visit. After quality of students, other factors employers weighed were the reputation of the school and the recruiter’s experience with it.

A school’s relationship with companies is one thing to consider when deciding what kind of graduate business program you plan to invest in. NYU Stern and other schools typically release employment reports for this reason. In our own research, we also asked alumni if the skills developed in business school advanced their careers. The numbers affirming this positive outcome after an MBA or an EMBA were almost equal at 90 percent and 89 percent, respectively.

What else should factor into your decision? Keep reading to learn more.

Topics: Executive MBA, mba experience test, EMBA vs MBA, Executive MBA or MBA

Business schools are becoming increasingly international. Among US programs, for example, our research shows that 37 percent of applicants are international, while among European business schools the rate is even higher at 79 percent. Overall, 58 percent of applicants say they plan to apply to schools abroad. For students, commutes that cross borders—and sometimes oceans—to get to class are not uncommon.

There are many advantages to commuting long distances. A significant one is reputation. In fact, we have found that the quality and reputation of business schools is the most important factor for applicants when they decide where to apply. If a business school has a global reputation, then a long commute may be worthwhile. Executive MBA programs are structured for students who work full-time—often offering classes only on weekends or every second or third week of the month—and that makes them especially attractive to long-distance commuters.

But commuting long distance is not always easy. If you’re considering making the world your campus, here are a few ways to make the commute easy and productive.

Topics: Executive MBA, executive mba candidate, EMBA programs

If you have decided to pursue an Executive MBA, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices available. Especially if you are open to commuting long distances or even going overseas for your EMBA, you may quite literally have a world of options before you.

Not only are there many EMBA programs available, but you may wonder if there are substantial differences between them. While many EMBA programs look similar at first glance, there are often significant considerations that set them apart.

Here are four tips to help you decide which EMBA program is likely to be the best fit for you.

Topics: Your next career move, Executive MBA, executive business program candidate, executive mba test, executive business masters candidate

Building a professional network is the key to success in your career. Not only can your network unlock new professional opportunities, but it can also expose you to innovative ideas. One benefit of an Executive MBA (EMBA) program that you may not have considered is its exceptional networking opportunities.

In fact, the unique characteristics of the EMBA mean that students are exceptionally well positioned to grow their professional connections. Here’s a look at how an EMBA can help you expand your own network.

Topics: Your next career move, Executive MBA, executive mba candidate, executive management candidate

Joint Executive MBA programs have risen to prominence in recent years. In the latest Financial Times rankings of the world’s best EMBAs, half of the top 10 were joint programs. By pooling their resources together, business schools are able to offer students an EMBA that provides truly exceptional value.

With a joint EMBA you get a degree from not just one, but two (and sometimes even three or more) business schools. That alone is a powerful incentive to consider a joint EMBA program. Beyond that, there are many other benefits. Here’s a look at just a few of them.

Topics: Your next career move, Executive MBA, executive business program candidate, EMBA programs

For many people, employer sponsorship is an important part of the application process to an Executive MBA program. That sponsorship can take the form of a willingness by your employer to give you time off work to attend classes or financial support, such as covering all or some of the costs of tuition or travel.

Obtaining employer sponsorship is something you will likely need to think about early in the application process. In fact, many EMBA programs require you to obtain a guarantee from your employer that they will give you time off to attend classes.

Whatever form of sponsorship you are seeking from your employer, you’ll need to pitch the value of your EMBA program to them. Here are a few tips for doing just that.

Topics: Your next career move, Executive MBA, executive management assessment, executive mba admissions

Graduate business degrees have widespread and far-reaching rewards, but the specific benefits of a professional b-school program can make it an attractive option for experienced working professionals looking to advance their career.

Executive MBAs (EMBA), executive master’s, and online and hybrid programs stand out with their convenient and flexible entrance exam, accommodating course delivery methods, and unique alumni networks.

Topics: Your next career move, Executive MBA, hybrid program, part-time program, online program

Enrolling in an Executive MBA at an elite school like UCD Smurfit in Dublin is a goal for many professionals who want to take their careers to the next level. An EMBA holds exceptional value for mid-career candidates and can lead to promotions, salary increases, and greater leadership responsibilities. Our own research, for instance, shows that 89% of EMBA graduates find their business school experience to be professionally rewarding.

Topics: Your next career move, Executive Assessment, Executive MBA, EMBA, executive assessment exam, executive business masters requirements