Executive MBA - Questions and profile evaluation

[royg]

Hello,

I am toying with the idea of going back to school. Full time MBA is not really an option for me so I am considering emba program.

Here's my background:
- BA in Computer science & Math from Israel Haifa University (73%)
- Over 12 years of experience with increasing managerial responsibilities
- MBA from Derby university in the UK (not very helpful - to say the least)
- Haven't taken the GMAT
- In the last 4 year I was the Founder & CEO of a startup company (did everything from raising money and hiring to planning our go-to-market strategy and exist strategy). The company was recently acquired and and I find myself wondering what to do now...

Being CEO of a company taught me how much I don't know and I feel I made a lot of mistakes due to lack of knowledge. This is why I am aiming for a top eMBA program - so I wont make the same mistakes running my future companies. The secondary goal is to be able to get to Venture capital \ fortune 50 companies.

I am literally in the beginning of the journey and I was hoping to hear some (brutally honest) feedback from an experienced professional in the field:
1. Does my profile fit a top ranked emba program? I am in the US now and looking at US programs.
2. Will an emba program open the right doors for me (VCs, Fortune 50)
3. I will pay for the program myself - does it make financial sense to go and study?
4. I see a lot of advertisement for Cornell-Queen's emba. Is that a strong enough of a brand name? Anyone had an experience with that program?
5. Which school do think best serves my career goals?

Lot's of questions, I know.

I do appreciate your feedback and I look forward to reading your reply.

Cheers,
Roy

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Roy,

You certainly have enough experience for an EMBA program. In your case, I think you need to focus on identifying EMBA programs that will offer you what seek both academically and career-wise. Not all EMBA programs offer career services, so if you want specific assistance from a school on crafting your job search strategy, retooling your resume or preparing for interviews, then you will want to research what career development and service is offered. Since most EMBA programs are designed for working professionals, I encourage you to determine a plan to find an opportunity with either a start up or a F50 company in the immediate future through your program--something that is related to your future goals. For tips on identifying programs, I encourage you to read our sticky on school selection.

Good luck,
Lisa

[royg]

Hello Lisa,

First, thank you for your reply.

I think few points were misunderstood in my initial post. I am currently employed (the start-up was bought but I am still with the company) so will not have a problem with emba in that regard. I guess the question I have is, as a working individual who is not tied to the an organization, which school can best advance my career? In terms of support in finding a new job upon graduation, alumni network, connecting with companies, etc...?

Also, what's you take on Cornell-Queen's program?

Again, thanks so much!
Roy

[EMBABound]

Royg,

I appreciate your questions and situation. I applied to and was accepted into the Cornell-Queen's EMBA Program and have completed my enrollment paperwork to commence in the class starting June of 2012.
I researched many, many programs and concluded that the curriculum, innovative features of the Program, value and prestige of Cornell University, as well as Queen's, are all significant and should provide credentials and opportunities that open doors in business.

Career services at Cornell for EMBA students appear to be comprehensive...including one on one help as well as resume posting within the electronic Cornell Johnson MBA Resume Book.

Additionally, the strength and size of the Cornell network globally is significant and I think a strong positive.

In the end, I found this program, with its flexible structure, and global "Ivy League" reputation to be the best choice for my needs.

Let me know how your process proceeds.