German Managers prefer EMBA programs compared to full-time MBA Programs

German managers in their early thirties are going back to school in ever greater numbers to fulfil their ambitions to reach the top. According to figures from the World MBA Tour, interest is soaring in programmes specifically designed for more senior executives. Around the world, 14% of potential applicants to business school expressed an interest in taking an executive MBA. In Germany, this figure is much higher - at 34%.

For managers eight to ten years into their career, an executive MBA presents a compelling case, says Matt Symonds, editor of Top ExecEd Guide. ‘You are taught by top faculty and you follow a flexible curriculum. At the same time, you continue to earn and move ahead in your career.’

Students’ motivation for studying is heavily weighted towards improving their career prospects (81%) and learning new skills (72%). Significantly fewer want to make a career change (51%) or boost their salary (38%).

‘When they are looking at programmes,’ explains Symonds, ‘applicants are looking to gain skills that will propel them into their next job. They want to ensure that they are prepared for what may lie ahead in their careers.’

‘The beauty of the executive MBA lies in its modularity. Students can opt for a weekend programme with minimal impact on their availability at work. Or they can attend week-long programmes, using vacation days over a two-year period.’

These arguments do not apply with equal force around the world. In particular, applicants from the EU (24.5%) are three times more likely than North Americans (7.5%) to consider taking an executive MBA. This gap has widened significantly since last year, 2003.

Symonds puts this down to ‘catch-up’. ‘The idea of taking an MBA has only really taken hold in Germany and Europe in the last ten years. Far fewer people in their thirties have an MBA than in the US. Now executives are starting to realise that the lack of an MBA might prevent them reaching senior positions.’ 

Whilst the US retains its appeal as the place in which most students would like to complete full-time study, many more students would consider taking an executive MBA in Germany (21%) than a full time MBA (13%).

Applicants for executive MBAs also differ in other ways. They tend to be older than full time MBA applicants and have with more family commitments. Fewer women apply than for other MBAs (22% against 32%). ‘Combining a career and a family is tough enough for many women.  Including a demanding academic programme is tougher still,’ says Symonds.

The financial profile of applicants for executive MBAs is also different. They rely more on company sponsorship and less on loans. Nor is financial support their only advantage: ‘Allowing an employee to spend several weeks away from work is a demonstration that the company not only believes in them, but wants to see them develop and do well.’

Even so, more and more applicants are willing to invest in their own development and to cover the £30,000 - £60,000 cost of an executive MBA. ‘By combining their learning with day-to-day professional experience,’ says Symonds, ‘they can demonstrate their new strategic worth to their companies.’

TopMBA, 05.06.2004