MBA is one of the most popular post-graduate courses in India, and its popularity is only increasing with each year. Aspirants include recent graduates as well as experienced working professionals who come from different educational backgrounds.
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There are two types of MBA programmes available in India to cater to these needs.
- The traditional 2-year MBA programme (PGPD) — Ideal for candidates with minimal or no work experience.
- The 1-year Executive MBA program (EMBA) — Ideal for working professionals with significant work experience.
The Executive MBA programme focuses on the same skills as a 2-year MBA programme, but it is specifically structured to help experienced executives/managers earn their MBA degrees without staying off work for too long. This is one of the primary reasons why many companies sponsor these programmes for their employees. It is offered as a part-time or full-time course, or a candidate can choose the online MBA option as well. Over the past few years, MBA in distance learning/education has made a significant mark. However, to evaluate an executive MBA’s full potential on an individual level, it’s important to carefully evaluate its pros and cons.
Pros of Executive MBA
- Career enhancement
It advances your skillset, in addition to your previously developed skills at work. Besides, it increases your value as an asset to an organisation.
- Lowered cut-offs
The cut-off marks from exams, like the CAT Exam and the GMAT exam, are lower for executive MBA programmes, thus increasing your chances at a good B-school.
- Freedom of choice
Many individuals are forced to quit their job to attend a full 2-year MBA programme. But almost all the EMBA programmes are part-time. Therefore, you can continue working while pursuing an executive MBA.
- Superior networking
Half of what students learn at business schools comes from their qualified peers who bring their knowledge into the classroom. Executive MBAs are taken by more experienced professionals, which means the demographic is older and more experienced with superior managerial skills, as compared to full-time MBA students, who are usually in their mid to late twenties.
- Better paycheck post-MBA
Adding to your superior work experience and academic achievements, an executive MBA makes you eligible for higher financial compensation at work.
- A practical approach to learning
Given their considerable work experience in corporate settings, students are familiar with the key business concepts. The curriculum, therefore, follows a practical approach.
- Short term
The executive MBA is a one-year programme, as compared to the traditional MBA programme, which spans two years. Therefore, guarantees an easy return to the corporate role.
Cons of Executive MBA
- Stressful schedules
Being a full-time employee and studying part-time doesn’t leave much time for extracurricular activities. In this scenario, handling personal/family responsibilities may become stressful.
- Fewer specialisations
Executive MBA does not provide as many specialisations compared to a 2-year full-time MBA. So, you may struggle to find a programme that suits your interests – academically, socially, geographically, and schedule-wise. Therefore, a compromise is required.
- Recruiters leaning towards conventional MBA
Some recruiters prefer younger, less experienced traditional MBA graduates over experienced professionals with an executive MBA.
- Adjusting back to an academic setting
Adapting back to an academic setting after having worked for several years may be challenging, especially if you are enrolled in a full-time executive MBA programme.
Both traditional and executive MBAs have their pros and cons. So, despite its cons, an executive MBA can be a good mid-career option for experienced professionals by providing them with the necessary career advancement. Keep visiting BYJU’S to get complete assistance for CAT exam preparation for 2023.
