Program FAQs
1. What is the difference between an Executive MBA and a regular MBA?
An Executive MBA is targeted at mid to senior-level professionals who have already achieved significant success in their careers and typically manage a team, business unit or organization. The teaching style is designed to leverage the collective experience of the cohort. In addition, additional support is provided to enable the students to be effective learners despite the fact that they have not been students for potentially many years.
2. What is the reputation of the program?
The Haskayne Executive MBA has a strong reputation locally and internationally. Our alumni are ambassadors for the program and at least 40% of our student intake is from alumni or current student referrals. The program is ranked in top 20 Global Joint EMBA Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and in the top 20 joint Executive MBA programs worldwide by Ivey Exec.
3. How will the Executive MBA impact my career?
By taking a managerial perspective the program provides a variety of lenses through which to consider business issues and decisions. As a result many students find they are able to both be more successful in their current role and broaden the scope of their responsibility in their next role.
4. Can I specialize?
Yes. The program offers a finance specialization path if you select all of the finance electives.
5. What is the typical makeup of the class?
The typical composition of the class is as follows:
- 3.1 average GPA
- 575 average GMAT
- 14 years’ average work experience
- 30% female and 70% male
- 40% of the class has an international background or work experience
- 85% of the class have undergraduate degrees, with engineering and business majors being most common
- 50% of the class work in the energy sector and 20% in not-for-profit
- 35% of the class work in an operational function, 30% in general management, 15% in sales / marketing and 15% in accounting / finance / planning
6. Will I stay with the same group of people throughout the program?
In this program there is significant emphasis on the cohort experience. You will be with the same group of people for all of your classes except electives.
7. What sort of networking opportunities are there?
Over the two years, you will have the opportunity to get to know every individual in your cohort through class sessions and activities and by working in different study teams. The executive speaker series provides the opportunity for high quality interactions with senior leaders in the business community. The networking opportunities extend beyond the duration of the program as there is a very active EMBA alumni community.
8. Can I work while completing the program?
Yes. The program is designed to allow you to continue working. At a minimum, you will need the support of your employer to be able to attend the block weeks and attend classes on alternate Friday / Saturday.
9. How much time will I need to study?
In addition to class sessions we recommend that you plan to study for at least 20 hours each week; some of this will be individual study and some will be with your study team.
10. If I need to travel for work, can I still complete the program?
Yes. We recognize that many of our students need to travel occasionally for work and therefore record all of Friday / Saturday class sessions. You will be expected to be in full attendance during the scheduled block weeks.