What does being an Executive MBA student involve?

by Elena Aldea, Recruitment and Admissions Officer, Executive MBA

When considering a programme like the Executive MBA, an important factor to take into account is the commitment that you will be making to the programme. Even though it is a part-time programme, the level of commitment that it requires is no different to any of the other full-time programmes offered at the school. Therefore, one of the first things you will tackle at the very start of the programme is finding the perfect balance between your work, life and the Executive MBA.

“I think the key thing to remember if you do start to feel overwhelmed before the start of the programme or during the first term, is that you are not in it alone. All your classmates are probably feeling the same way, because they are also returning to the classroom setting after a long period like yourself.”
Zenab Matloob, Admissions Manager for Executive MBA

Apart from the time, you will spend in the classroom you also need to take into account, your Executive MBA journey outside the classroom. The new relationships you will build with not only your study group, but the remainder of your classmates as well. The time outside the classroom that you will need to assign to any reading you need to do, assignments that you need to start working on and of course let’s not forget all the fun stuff too, class treks, all the different clubs you can be a part of and activities organised by the school for you.

Sejal Aghera, our 2018 alumna, shares with us her top four tips for anyone starting their Executive MBA journey:

1. “Focus on your social capital to strengthen your relationships.” Form deep, meaningful relationships inside your peer group class but also across the LBS network. This will provide you with the energy, encouragement and support during challenging periods but ultimately, you will share valuable learnings and build life-long friendships.
2. “Focus on switching off occasionally for sports, relaxation, personal appointments and family time.” Be patient with yourself and allow time for activities and meetings outside of academic and professional work. This helps you to strike a balance between your personal and professional well being. It’s also important to “make the most important thing, the most important thing” – (in the words of Professor J.Bates, Entrepreneurship Summer School, LBS, 2018), you will have a lot of work to juggle at once so focus on what matters!
3. “Strike a healthy balance between your online and offline presence”.  Do not hide behind electronic devices or social media. Use technology effectively to network but do not be blinded by it. Make the most of the environment on campus and  the opportunities presented in class. You will meet a lot of people and you will share experiences and new learnings on your journey.
4. “Focus on being open-minded, collaborative and combine Executive MBA life with your day job – find the synergies and embrace the change.” Coach your mind to understand nothing is impossible, and learn to ask for help when you need it. Those that tend to struggle the most are those that try to fly solo. The Executive MBA is more than just a business degree, it’s a a challenging new life experience and a programme of study that is about collaboration and learning from each others experiences.

If you’re considering applying to the Executive MBA programme and have any questions, get in touch with our recruitment team.