E as in Executive (but not only)
The “E” in EMBA stands for Executive. EMBA programs lead to an MBA degree but have been created for leaders or “executives”, often by adapting the schedule so that participants can continue to work while completing the program.
The McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA program has taken this one step further. Rather than simply adapting the schedule of a regular MBA to fit executives, the whole program is designed for leaders. Instead of teaching the conventional business silos, so common in management education, the program uses an integrated, multidisciplinary vision of management and focuses on the actual practice of management. Program content is rooted in reality and is issue-driven, focusing on current and real business concerns and events that have an impact on decision making and management practices.
Although “executives”, from director level through vice president all the way to CEO, are part of the McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA classes, a typical class also features entrepreneurs and professionals such as lawyers, doctors or musicians with managerial responsibilities.
E as in Experience (work and management experience)
In order to ensure the exchange of experience, participants must have a minimum of 10 years of experience, with 5 in management. In fact, most classes exceed this minimum, usually with 15-17 years of experience, with 9-12 years in management. The level of experience enables us to cover a breadth of issues that wouldn’t be possible with less experienced participants. The program relies heavily on participation and encourages learning and collaboration among participants.
When experienced managers with open minds come together, the opportunities to learn from each other are significant. Mike Allen, a 2016 McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA graduate, and Vice President, Eastern and Central Canada at Applied Industrial Technologies LP explains:
“The level of experience in the class is challenging. It is a challenge simply because you are surrounded by these “elite” people and experts. It’s like playing on a hockey team in which most players are extremely good – you become a better player simply by playing with them. It’s the same in the EMBA. Not only do you make new friends, which is exceptional in itself, but at the same time, without realizing it, your game-level increases. It is as if you go from the American League to the National Hockey League! You have a group of individuals who, separately, are very good, but collectively are outstanding. And thanks to this group, by default, individually, you become outstanding.”
E as in Evolving (as a person and a leader)
The McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA doesn’t churn out identical managers, formed to a mythic ideal. Although many graduates speak of the EMBA as a vehicle for change, the objective is more to help these managers and leaders who are already experts in their respective fields, to evolve as persons and leaders, while respecting their values and personal goals. To help its participants evolve, the EMBA relies heavily on reflections and ensures that participants step out of their comfort zone. The EMBA acts as a catalyst, building on its participants’ strengths, helping them adapt to their weaknesses, but above all helping them to come to a better understanding of themselves as leaders, to be able to push themselves forward.
