GUEST POST:
An MBA is one degree that pays you rich dividends, especially if you’ve earned one from a prestigious school that has a good program on offer. It takes up around one or two years of your time, and is useful for both the young and the not so young. It is popular with both new graduates and people who have been in the business world for some time. And it helps improve your analytical, logical and decision making skills.
An EMBA or Executive MBA is a similar program, but one that is shorter in length and meant for executives who have been in the business world for some time and have some experience under their belts. It has its own advantages, but the general perception is that it is tailored to suit people who are already in positions of responsibility.
If you’re wondering which of the two degrees will work for you, take into consideration the following points before you make your decision:
- If you’re fresh out of college, it’s best to go for an MBA. You would not qualify for an EMBA which often requires at least three years of work experience.
- If you don’t have time on your side, you’re better off going with an EMBA. If you cannot take time off from work or if you don’t want to spend two years on a degree course, an EMBA would do just as well as an MBA.
- If your company is sponsoring your degree, you’re most likely going to have to take an EMBA course, because this is often custom-designed for working executives.
- If you want to study a comprehensive course, you’d do well to choose the MBA because the coursework is more detailed.
- Depending on the school you choose, some EMBA programs are very hastily put together and often resemble MBA programs hacked and joined together here and there.
- EMBA classes often have fewer students.
- If you’re a mature adult, you may find an MBA class filled with typical college students who may not be as serious about the degree as you are.
No matter what your choice of degree, ensure that you choose a good school, because at the end of the day, your degree is only as worthy as the reputation and legitimacy of the school you choose to earn it from.
This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of online executive mba programs. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson1@gmail.com
About Robert
I started my MBA program with the University of Phoenix 6 months after earning my undergrad degree. I thought going with an online university, I’d have more time to spend with my family and, honestly, I thought it’d be easier. 3-1/2 years later (some time taken off when my daughter was born) I earned my degree, and I mean *earned* it. I spent about 3 hours / night, 5-6 days / week, working on my MBA classes. Our team projects had people from Boston to Hawaii trying to find times we could all meet together.
Then, 6 months after I earned my MBA/eBusiness, I quit my job & have worked from home ever since. I sometimes wonder if my MBA helps me today, but I’m glad I completed it!
Don’t discount University of Phoenix just because they’re an online school – it’s still a tough course.