Differences between an MBA and EMBA

While the names of these two training programs are very similar, they are intended for two very different types of participants.

1. The professional experience of the participants

One of the fundamental differences between an MBA and an EMBA is the professional experience of the participants.

In fact, students in an EMBA training program must demonstrate several years of professional management experience. For example, EMBA IFG participants have an average of 15 years of professional experience, including around ten years in management, business development or project management positions. Whatever the type of companies or organizations in which the participants have worked and work, interest focuses on their activity and the real lessons that this business practice has allowed them to acquire.

It is with this base of basic management knowledge in mind that the EMBA program is built. As the participants are already experienced managers, the educational approach of the EMBA is based on a very high level of experience combined with the exchange of knowledge and experiences of the participants of each class. At the EMBA IFG Paris, each expert who intervenes with participants in an international environment addresses topics with great strategic interests that mobilize the concrete and real experience of the participants. Such strategic topics could not be discussed with younger or less experienced students.

2. The pace of training

The second difference between an MBA and an EMBA is the pace of training. While participants in an MBA training program generally have to interrupt their career for 12 or 24 consecutive months, in order to fully follow the program and obtain their MBA degree.

EMBA participants can perfectly combine their professional career with following this training. At the EMBA – IFG, the EMBA programs have been designed very precisely taking into account the very dense professional and personal agendas of the participants. That is why, very soon, IFG Paris designed one of the first EMBAs completely online, thanks to its Learning Center, thus allowing its participants to follow the program at their own pace, regardless of their geographical location. An individual coach ensures follow-up and resolves any difficulties that participants may encounter. Finally, occasional in-person group sessions are planned several months in advance, allowing participants to self-organize.

How to choose between an MBA or an EMBA?

Therefore, the choice of applying for an MBA or an EMBA is based primarily on your professional experience. If you are at the beginning of your career and have less than 10 years of professional experience, it is recommended to advance towards an MBA which will allow you to acquire a solid foundation in management and administration. On the other hand, if you have longer professional experience that has led you to deal with various business topics, ranging from human resources management, to budget management, to team management, then the EMBA could fully meet your expectations and allow you to take the initiative.

What are the objectives of an EMBA?

Here is the list of the main objectives of an EMBA:

Develop a global strategic vision

Strengthen your management skills

Gain a competitive advantage by mastering an experience that has become highly strategic in business

Secure and develop your business creation project

Redirect your career

Build and develop your professional network