If you wish to climb up the corporate ladder faster, getting an MBA degree is instrumental to your career. This is why an MBA degree is one of the first preferences for both fresher graduates and working professionals to boost their careers. However, when it comes to an MBA, there are various options for you to consider. Two main types of MBA are traditional MBA and Executive MBA. Today, you will get to have a comparative discussion on Executive MBA vs MBA so that you can choose the right MBA program for yourself.
What is an MBA?
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. This is certainly one of the most sought-after postgraduate degrees around the world. This program or course helps individuals to have a complete understanding of management skills, business practices, and leadership. Whether you are looking forward to working in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, HR, healthcare, or consulting, getting an MBA degree will pave the way for you to succeed. This is why you must get an insight into Executive MBA vs MBA.
The traditional or full time MBA program is a two-year course. This program covers different subjects like marketing, finance, human resources (HR), business strategy and economics etc. These MBA programs have, over the years, have branched out in different specializations to fulfil the requirements of different students and industries. Keep reading to know more on Executive MBA vs MBA.
Types of MBA Programs
There are different kinds of MBA programs designed to cater different needs and demands of different individuals. The purpose of each of these MBAs is different and distinct. Some of these programs are:
Traditional (Full-Time) MBA
This MBA course takes two years to complete for full-time students. If working professionals wish to do this program, they need to leave their jobs as this is a full-time course.
Part-Time MBA
As the name suggests, students or working professionals can join this course on weekends or evenings.
Online MBA
This is one of the most flexible MBA programs out there. The students or individuals can attend the classes online under online MBA program.
Executive MBA
Executive MBA was designed specifically for the working individuals who cannot do full-time MBA as they already work full-time. This course lets them do the MBA course while doing their job simultaneously.
Each of the above MBA courses comes with its program structure, course fee and syllabus patterns. But the basic nature of all these courses are same.
Executive MBA: What Is It?
Executive MBA (EMBA) is a post-graduate degree in business administration that is tailored for senior and mid-level professional executives who are doing full-time jobs. In regard to the Executive MBA vs MBA, where foundational business knowledge is taught from scratch in traditional MBA, the Executive MBA for working professionals mainly focuses on increasing management and leadership skills without teaching everything from scratch.
The structure of the Executive MBA program was designed in such a way that it fits the busy schedules of working professionals. Individuals are required to do the classes normally during evenings or weekends. This lets them do both their full-time jobs and pursue the MBA course. The duration of this course is normally one year, which can go up to 2 years, depending on the course format and institution. This is important while exploring Executive MBA vs MBA.
The Salient Features of Executive MBA
There are different features of an Executive MBA that you should know about. A few salient features are described below for convenience.
Designed for Working Professionals
This MBA course is designed for the working professionals. Executives need to have a few years of working experience to join this course.
Flexible Schedule
The classes are organized during evenings or weekends, which makes the whole course flexible for working professionals.
Focussed Curriculum
The Executive MBA course is tailored as per the exact requirements of working individuals. This program is quite advanced in regard to strategic decision which builds useful management and leadership skills.
Networking Opportunities
The networking potential is immense in this course, as all the EMBA students are working professionals. Hence, individuals get to meet and enhance their networking.
Company Sponsorship
There are so many companies that sponsor and encourage their employees to join this Executive MBA course to improve their management skills. They might offer full or partial sponsorship to do this course.
Executive MBA vs MBA: What are the Differences
Both the traditional MBA and Executive MBA are useful management courses. But these two programs are designed for different types of students with different needs and goals. Check out the below described differences in regard to Executive MBA vs MBA program.
Target Audience
Executive MBA
This course is designed for working professionals who have at least a few of work experience and want to increase their management skills.
MBA
This program is for recent graduates or younger professionals who wish to have a career in business management. The students are not required to have any kind of work experience to do this course.
Curriculum
Executive MBA
This is more focused on high level management, strategy, leadership and decision making. The students are taught with the assumption that they already have a foundational understanding of management and business.
MBA
This course comprehensively covers fundamental subjects like marketing, HR (human resource), finance, operations and entrepreneurship. Some elective subjects are also provided for the students to specialize in as per their preference.
Class Structure and Format
Executive MBA
The classes in this course are mainly schedules during evenings or weekends. A modular format might be used to suit the business schedules for the working professionals.
MBA
The classes are scheduled during weekdays (Monday-Friday) as this is a full-time 2 year course. Online and part-time formats might also be available depending on the institutions.
Work Experience Requirements
Executive MBA
This program normally requires individuals to have a few years of work experience to get admission. The years of experience may differ from institution to institution.
MBA
This is a full-time course which is open to all. Whether you are fresh graduate or a working professional in some organization, you can opt for this course whenever you want.
Networking Opportunities
Executive MBA
Executive MBA is a hub of all the working professionals. So this is an excellent place for networking. There might be individuals in leadership position who are doing this course. Hence, high level of mentorship, partnership, and collaborations are possible during this course.
MBA
Most of the students are fresh graduates who do not even any experience of working. But there could be networking opportunities during career fairs, internships, and events.
Cost
Executive MBA
As this is a 1 year course, this course is often less expensive as compared to the full time MBA. But the cost varies depending on the institution.
MBA
A full-time MBA costs more than a two-year course. The tuition fees vary from institution to institution. You might opt for loans, scholarships, and financial aid.
Career Impact
Executive MBA
Most of the working professionals do this course to advance or to get promotion in their current organization. A segment of professionals might do this course to change their field of work and work in some other company.
MBA
This program enables the fresh graduates to get into entry-level or mid-level managerial positions in different organizations. They can either get entry to a new industry or change their career path completely with this MBA.
Executive MBA vs MBA: How to Choose One
There are various factors upon considering which you would be able to decide which would be the best MBA course for you. There are aspects like personal circumstances, professional goals, and your career stage that you have to consider first. Here are some of the factors are described below.
Career Stage
Full time MBA is more suitable for fresh graduates or those who early in their career. It helps them to have foundational business knowledge to explore various career routes. But Executive MBA is cut out for established professionals who wish to enhance their leadership and management.
Work-Life Balance
Full time MBA is for those who do not work for any organization as this needs full time commitment. The classes are scheduled during weekdays (Mon-Fri). On the other hand, Executive MBA is specifically tailored for the working professionals. This course helps to maintain a work-life balance as the classes are scheduled during evenings or weekdays.
Conclusion
In regard to Executive MBA vs MBA, it ultimate comes to your personal decision as to which course you wish to go for. Considering the above described factors is very essential prior to choosing the right MBA program for you. Do all the research and find the best option for you as this course wills set your career trajectory.
FAQs
What is MBA?
Ans: MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree that teaches individuals leadership and management skills.
Is Executive MBA a Shorter Course than Traditional MBA?
Ans: Yes, Executive MBA is a one-year course as compared to 2-year traditional MBA course.
What is the MBA Full Form in English?
Ans: MBA meaning in full form, is Master of Business Administration.
What is Executive MBA?
Ans: This MBA for working professionals is a 1 year post-graduate course which is focused on management and leadership skills.
Is an Executive MBA in India Popular?
Ans: Yes, so many working professionals opt for Executive MBA meaning they wish to advance or get promotion in their company.
What is an MBA Full Form in Medical?
Ans: In the context of medical, the full form of MBA is same, Master of Business Administration.
