Understanding how an Executive MBA is similar to a full-time MBA with respect to career prospects

An Executive MBA course is often perceived by some people as inferior to a full-time MBA course. But in reality, both of them offer similar career outcomes. Yes it’s true that, eligibility-wise, goal-wise and duration-wise there are differences between them. But both are similar on grounds of career prospects. So, it is essential to understand which aspects of an Executive MBA are similar and different to a full-time MBA. Recruiters equally value graduates holding an Executive MBA or a regular MBA degree.

The Executive MBA offered by institutes generally spans for 1-2 years. It is a part-time program tailor made for students to work and study simultaneously. Classes are scheduled mostly on weekends or in the evening to attend lectures according to student’s convenience. Courses are offered on-campus, in correspondence or online mode. MBA or Masters of Business Administration is a 2 years full-time course. Students have to commit themselves fully so that they can start their careers in this field.

Age and Professional Experience – Executive MBA vs Regular MBA

An executive MBA is primarily structured for working professionals to help them climb up the corporate ladder. Students are enrolled if they have 5-15 years of work experience and currently working. On the contrary, it is not mandatory for MBA students to have any professional experience. However, some top institutes prefer at least 1-3 years of experience. Also, it is to be noted that EMBA students tend to be older than MBA students. The average age in most IIMs is 30 – 35 years, for an EMBA. Students pursuing an MBA are mostly in their 20s.

Executive MBA Admission Requirements

Eligibility criteria for Executive MBA vary for all B-schools. For IIMs, for instance, IIM Ahmedabad, the eligibility criteria are as follows.

• Candidates
  must have passed 10 + 2 years of formal education at school level and 3 or 4
  years of graduation in any stream from a recognized University.
• The minimum
  age of the candidates must be 25 years. There is no upper age limit.
• They should
  possess a valid GMAT/GRE scorecard.
• Candidates
  must possess professional experience of at least four years.

ISB has specified that the candidates should have a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree, a valid GMAT/GRE score, and a minimum of two years of full-time work experience to enroll in an MBA program of choice.

Career Prospects after Executive MBA

A full-time MBA ensures excellent job opportunities, career growth, and better pay packages. However, Executive MBA degree holders will have similar opportunities too.

1. Acquiring
   skills and building leadership potential – An
   EMBA student who already has some knowledge in their work area can enhance
   their skills further. They can acquire additional knowledge in related
   areas. This not only helps widen their knowledge base but also helps in
   the promotion in their organization.
2. In-organization
   growth and promotion – Chances of increment in
   salary and promotion are higher when the candidate has completed an
   Executive MBA program.
3. Opens up
   career options- The course helps in attaining
   knowledge about varied managerial fields, thus, opening numerous career
   options. The candidates can change their field of operation within the
   organization or jump to some other organization. Starting new ventures
   using their acquired skills is also an excellent idea.
4. Duration of
   course – Unlike a traditional full-time two year
   MBA program, an Executive MBA course is short in length. Aspirants have to
   devote comparatively lesser time than a regular MBA course. This makes it
   very convenient for the aspiring students. They can maintain their
   work-study balance.
5. Company
   sponsorship reduces monetary burden-
   Organizations often sponsor their employees pursuing an EMBA. This
   initiative benefits both the employer and the employee. The sponsorship
   acts as an incentive to the employee so that they can be retained in the
   company. The fees for any Executive MBA course are high, so company
   sponsorship substantially reduces the burden on the employee.

Fees Structure of Executive MBA vs MBA

Here is an overview of the fees payable for Executive MBA and regular MBA in top B-schools.

Scopes and Prospects

Both Executive MBA and MBA courses have benefitted young talents who are working already or about to start their careers. Every company desires to employ qualified management graduates to further expand their business. Full-time MBA graduates enjoy 5 – 25 Lakhs INR after graduating from good MBA Colleges. EMBA offers high pay packages too. The graduates work in the below mentioned profiles:

• Vice
  President- Human Resources (HR)
• Senior Finance
  Manager
• SAP
  Consultant
• Business
  Analyst-IT
• Operations
  Manager
• Supply Chain
  Program Manager
• Business
  Development Manager
• Management
  Consultant
• Chief
  Marketing Officer (CMO)
• Internal
  Auditor
• Talent
  Acquisition Specialist
• Associate
  Vice President-Finance and more.

The average annual salary drawn by top executives after completing  an Executive MBAs are:

We hope you got a clear idea about Executive MBA and its scope and fees and how they are at par with full-time MBAs. So, we hope you will make a prudent decision going forward if you are planning for an MBA.