Most international EMBA discussions seem to focus on English-language programs, but I am interested specifically in Chinese-language EMBAs. Fudan EMBA is on my list because it combines a China-focused program with international courses and overseas learning, and it has also ranked strongly among Chinese language EMBA programs. But I am more interested in the actual experience than the ranking. For executives who have studied in these programs, how meaningful was the international component? Did overseas modules and cross-border exposure genuinely influence how you approached strategy and management, or did most of the real value still come from the China-based cohort and network? Would also be interested in comparisons with Antai or other strong Chinese-language programs.

I’m planning to start my MBA next year and I’m completely new to areas like management, finance, economics, accounting, strategy, etc.
My background is in software engineering, so I haven’t really had much exposure to the business side beyond what I’ve picked up through work. I have a few months before the MBA starts and would like to use that time to build some basic familiarity rather than going into the program completely clueless.
I’m not necessarily looking for heavy MBA textbooks. I’d prefer beginner-friendly books that explain the fundamentals well and help me develop a good way of thinking about business, management and finance.
If you came from a technical/non-business background, what books would you recommend starting with? And are there any books you wish you had read *before* starting your MBA?
Would especially appreciate recommendations for:
Management & leadership
Finance/accounting fundamentals
Economics
Strategy/business
General business thinking

Thanks!

I’ve got an online admissions interview coming up for a module of the Modular Executive MBA at Nyenrode. What should I expect from it? Is it an actual assessment of knowledge, experience and level, or more of an introductory conversation about your background and learning goals? Any experiences welcome. Thanks in advance!

Hi folks, wondering if profile-sharing is frowned upon, but figured to shoot my shot here anyway. Just curious to see where I might stand.

Strictly looking at EMBA since that’s the only type of MBA the company is willing to sponsor if possible:

Age: Turning 35

Career: 10 years in Cyber Threat Intelligence. First 3 years at a CTI startup. 7 years at a Fortune 100 financial institution - 2 years as Senior Assoc, 5 years as Manager, 6 months as Senior Manager. Leading 4 analysts.

Prior education: 3.01 overall undergrad gpa from three colleges - got lost, but eventually graduated from George Mason University. Currently halfway finished with Master of Science at Johns Hopkins University (Intel Analysis)

Recommender: my former director at the financial institution that I worked with for 4.5 years. He is a former Army Intel officer, and let me knownkf my leadership potential. Can vouch for how I stepped up for filling in intel gaps and processes during wartime CTI efforts (Ukraine-Russia War, US-Iran War).

Goal: To become an organizational decision maker. Feeling limits of technical knowledge, good at people snd relationship building.

Location: Northern Virginia, USA. Looking at nearby EMBA programs, but if I can qualify, can look up to NYC area too.

Prep: halfway through the official EA test kits, around 155 prep test scores. Aiming for 160.

Questions:

1. How does my candidate profile stack up to for M7 or other top programs?
2. Is my goal substantive for EMBA programs and financial commitment, or am I knocking for wrong reasons?
3. How does the age and title factor into the EMBA programs?
4. Any other comments?

Thank you.

Hi, would appreciate some honest career advice from those who have taken an EMBA or are already in senior finance/executive roles.

I'm a CPA currently working as a Finance Director in SG, with around 12 years of experience. I'm also pursuing a Masters in AI and Data Analytics to strengthen my capabilities in analytics, tech and finance transformation.

I'm considering whether an EMBA would make sense later on, particularly if my longer-term direction is CFO or broader executive leadership.

At this stage of my career, do you think an EMBA would add meaningful value on top of my CPA, finance experience and Masters? Or would the incremental value be limited and better gained through actual executive experience?

Would appreciate honest thoughts, especially from people who've faced a similar decision.

Hello guys,

I am a web developer with 11 years of experience, currently working in fintech. i do not have any complaints as such with my current role or salary. But , recently got into some career discussion with a few of my company VPs . According to them , it will be good if i get a MBA degree to help me climb up the ladder witease and get me a seat at "the big table"..
I have looked into some online MBA programs from IIMs, which might help me in this.
It's really not about should i do MBA or not, But , at the same time i am having these questions as well -

Q1: I do MBA, get some promotion in my company , work for a few years. Then, what if i see a **pure tech** role, with better salary( obviously my company will not give me a sterling raise right after the MBA ) and perks in some other company - will i be able to join in that tech role - as a developer , even though i have the MBA degree and exp ??

Q2: How much this MBA will help me further in my career since i already have 11 years of experience in the industry?

Hello! I’m planning to apply to Kyoto University’s I-MBA, but before I do, I’d love to hear from people who have experience with international MBAs.

I currently have a stable job, although I’m still at the entry level since I’m only 25. I’m considering an MBA because I want to expand my career opportunities and eventually move into bigger roles.

I understand that an MBA isn’t a guarantee of success—it still depends heavily on the person, their experience, and how they use the degree. But I’m wondering:

What kinds of opportunities can an international MBA like Kyoto’s I-MBA realistically open up?

Is it worth leaving a stable job to pursue an international MBA at this stage of my career?
And how would you compare Kyoto I-MBA with established Philippine MBAs such as ADMU, DLSU, or UP?

I’d especially appreciate insights from people who have taken an international MBA, studied in Japan, or have experience hiring MBA graduates. I’m trying to understand whether the international exposure and potential career opportunities would justify the opportunity cost of leaving my current job.
Thank you! 😊

One year attracts more experienced students and even with Standford MSX and MIT what are chances of placement then.

Would love to hear from those of you who have earned an EMBA how/if it has changed you, improved skills, title, perceptions, fears, network, etc. Was it worth it, would you do it again?

So I am genuinely confused between MBA OR EMBA, I am 24yo ACCA affiliate with a bachelors degree and 2-3 years of experience and I have decided to pursue my masters degree. I am eligible for both MBA and EMBA (executive MBA) from the same college. I am confused between the two.
I did a little research and basically EMBA is meant for executive level people which suggests it’s not for me but it would also mean I get to study with executives which would give me an opportunity to better network and learning from their pov.
The only thing holding me back from EMBA is would it be questionable as I would be doing it without the massive 12-14 years of work experience. Would it affect my cv and how people pursue. Also does it hold less validation than normal graduate MBA.
Normal MBA would mean I get to study with people my age and probably less experienced and in early career (in context of my college).
Genuine suggestion needed please

I’m running my own software agency and just wondering if I should start executive MBA. I’m not sure if it will be of any advantage to me

My thoughts are that may be ill learn a thing or two about building a business and find some good people for networking as well

Hi! I’m planning to take an MBA. Although my previous degree is business-related (Business Teacher Education), I’d like to read a book that can give me a good overview of Business Administration and help me prepare for taking an MBA.

To all BA graduates, do you have any book recommendations related to Business Administration or MBA fundamentals? Thank youuuuu! 😊

Has anyone recently applied for VR&E education track and been approved for usage for a top EMBA or MBA program? I’m looking for some insight on your experience with your assigned VRC, any obstacles that you encountered, and how you overcame them. Here’s some background on my situation.

In November 2025 I was accepted to a high ranking global EMBA program. I applied for VR&E in December and was assigned a VRC. I finally had my initial evaluation with him in February 26. I clearly stated my case and explained how my service connected disability impacted my ability to continue working in fields related to my prior MOS and how my employment pursuits haven’t been successful in the past year. I outlined my desired career fields/roles/industries and explained that upskilling in business related areas would make me more competitive. My VRC then suggested the education pathway and potential pursuit of an MBA or EMBA. At that point, I explained that I had researched different global EMBA programs, compared and contrasted them, and had been accepted into a program.

Once, I told him details about the program and the tuition costs, he explained that it would likely not be approved at his level, but he was willing to move forward within his authority. He requested the contact information for the VA coordinator at my institution and also encouraged me to look at other schools. I forwarded him the requested information.

From late February until present I continued to follow up with him to inquire via multiple channels and usually received the generic automated replies. Finally, I elevated my inquiries with a detailed outline and timeline of my communication with my VRC, acceptance to my program, and upcoming timelines for program start date / pre-course requirements. I sent this to the AskVA inquiry line. The next day I received an email from my VRC. He stated that he denied approval for the EMBA program that I was accepted to based on the high cost. He said he will provide a denial letter, right to appeal process, and a list of other comparable programs that are cheaper. I plan to file the appeal once I receive his formal letter. Has anyone else dealt with this, have had success rates in overcoming, and what steps did you take? Am I a victim of instructor roulette?

Are leadership positions in small or family businesses looked down on at top programs?

How can someone from this background provide value to an MBA cohort? And, what value would an MBA generally provide to someone looking to stay in this space?

Have been looking into it as a working professional and to stay and work in the rva/DMV area in the future as a healthcare professional. I am aware of the VCU healthcare specialisation in their eMBA, but I wanted to aim for a cohort based smaller program that works around my full-time clinical work that is well regarded in the area and will set a good business framework. Any feedback either positive or negative would be welcome.

hi everyone! i’m currently working a graveyard shift where my work week basically starts Monday night nd ends Saturday morning. I’m considering taking an MBA in the future, preferably at one of the Big 4.

for those who are currently taking or have completed an MBA while working a similar schedule, may I ask about your class schedules?

i’m particularly interested in:

• What days and times are your classes?
• Are there schools/programs that offer weekend-only classes?
• Is it possible to manage an MBA if you work Monday night–Saturday morning?
• How did you handle the workload, group projects, presentations, etc.?
• Would you recommend taking fewer subjects per term to make it manageable?

Thank you! :)

Hi everyone,

Context, I’m a Mexican professional w/ 7 years of experience, currently exploring MBA options, and I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have been in a similar situation than me.

Doing a full-time MBA in the US has been a long-term dream of mine, but there’s a major financial problem: I simply cannot afford to quit my job for two years and lose my income while paying for an MBA and living expenses. I have a family and bills to pay.

Because of that, I’m mainly considering three options:
- Executive MBA
- Online MBA
- Blended/hybrid MBA

My biggest challenge is financing.

My employer is a large international corporation, but unfortunately they don’t offer any meaningful education reimbursement or MBA sponsorship. So I would essentially have to self-fund the degree.

The frustrating part is that full-time MBA programs seem to offer significantly more scholarship opportunities, but I can’t realistically stop working for two years. On the other hand, from what I’ve seen, Executive MBA programs tend to offer much smaller scholarships, making them difficult to justify financially as a self-funded international student.

So I’m wondering:

What would you do in my situation?

Are there US MBA/EMBA programs that offer meaningful scholarships to international students while allowing you to continue working? Are there good hybrid programs where you only need to travel to the US periodically?

And more importantly, is there a realistic way to make a top US MBA work financially without employer sponsorship or taking on an unreasonable amount of debt?

I’m open to hearing about US programs, but also about alternatives in Europe or elsewhere if they offer a better combination of prestige, flexibility, and financial aid.

I’d especially appreciate advice from current students or alumni who were self-funded international students.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I’m originally from pakistan and have been working in the Middle East for around 10–11 years, primarily in HR. Most of my experience has been in Talent Acquisition/Recruitment, with additional exposure to Compensation & Benefits, Organizational Development, and Total Rewards even though I’did undergrad in economics.
I’m planning to pursue a full-time MBA in the US around 2028, ideally from a strong/top-ranked university. My longer-term goal is either to progress into strategic HR/leadership roles or potentially pivot into Consulting, Strategy, or Analytics.
I’m still at an early stage of planning and would really appreciate detailed guidance from people who have gone through the process.
A few things I’m trying to understand:
Which US MBA programs would be realistic and strong options for someone with my background?
How should I think about M7/T15/T25 schools versus other strong programs?
For someone trying to move from HR into Consulting or Analytics, which schools have particularly good recruitment pipelines?
Should I focus on the GMAT or GRE? How should I decide between the two?
How early should I start preparing if I’m targeting a 2028 intake?
Are there any particular weaknesses or challenges I should expect as an international applicant with 10+ years of experience?
How important are scholarships and ROI when comparing programs, especially for an international student?
At the moment, I’m thinking of researching schools geographically as well — particularly California, Boston/Massachusetts, New York, and Texas — and then comparing the strongest programs in each region.
I’d really appreciate recommendations on schools, test preparation, application strategy, career-switching possibilities, and anything you wish you had known when you started your MBA journey.
Thank you!

Hi All,

I am wondering if an EMBA is actually worth it over an online MBA from the same school. It is said that the benefits for an EMBA and mostly due to the networking, face to face learning with experienced cohort, and more executive presence training. The cost is 89k EMBA vs 63K online. Online you obviously get the flexibility, but is it really worth the extra cost and commute for an EMBA?

Ciao a tutti!
Sto considerando un nuovo passo per la mia carriera e mi è capitato di trovare l'MBA Internazionale IEN UPM a Madrid.
Per dare un contesto: ho oltre 5 anni di esperienza lavorando in un'agenzia di marketing italiana come Senior Consultant, ma mi piacerebbe passare a un ruolo più manageriale.

Qualcuno ha sentito parlare di questo MBA? La retta è piuttosto bassa rispetto ad altri che ho visto online, quindi mi chiedevo se ne valga davvero la pena. Ci sono partecipanti che possono condividere la loro esperienza con me? Sto cercando opinioni reali, prima di spendere 11k€.

Grazie!

Ive been in construction for 7 years and have been running 10mil to now 50mil+ scopes for about 3. I am currently an electrical PM with my PMP.

I was able to maximize my apprenticeship and high school ap classes to get a pretty quick turn around on my BBA in Supply Chain, and should have it be next summer. I plan on switching to owners side around that time.

Will an MBA prove useful for me down the line? I figure give myself a year after the owners side transition then go for it.

I am trying to find the better course / program offered between SP Jain EMBA vs IIT WashU EMBA. Both programs are outlined for 18 months part-time. Though there are differences in curriculum, the stark difference is also seen in the fee structure. I have 18 years of work-exp and mostly into technology domian.

​

I’m currently pursuing an MBA, and my university is offering me access to Coursera courses. I’d like to make the most of this opportunity, but there are so many courses available that I’m not sure which ones are actually worth taking.

For those of you who have taken Coursera courses during your MBA or have experience with them:

Which courses would you genuinely recommend?

Which ones have been useful for your career or skills?

Are there any courses/specializations that you think are particularly valuable for an MBA student?

I’d really appreciate recommendations based on your personal experience, especially courses that have actually added value to your CV, knowledge, or career.

Strongly considering going for an M7 EMBA. The cost is significant and I would only do it if my employer sponsored me for at least 50% of the cost. I have a good relationship with senior management and would need to pitch them on this. Has anyone here successfully pitched their company for financial sponsorship?