Why an Executive MBA provides the best leverage to your professional network

Getting an MBA will undoubtedly give you a leg up in getting a good job, a salary hike, and even bolster your managerial skills. However, a good MBA program is more than just that; it is about building and growing connections that will last for life. An Executive MBA (EMBA) is an even more nuanced and focused program to help expand your professional network and before we go any further, let’s talk a little about what an EMBA is.

An Executive MBA is a degree for the working professional. In contrast to a traditional MBA program, an EMBA is specifically for professionals who have already advanced in their careers and can’t afford to take the time to study. Because these are full-time business professionals, who already understand the basics of business, an EMBA helps dive into the intricacies of business management. Like a traditional MBA program, an EMBA program typically takes 2 years to complete. There are various full-timemanagement development programs from great learningthat you can consider looking into. However, I would suggest that you read through this article to see the networking benefits of an EMBA.

Without further ado, let me take you through a few reasons why an executive MBA can provide the best leverage to your professional network.

Meeting like-minded professionals

Networking is the process of forging mutually beneficial links with people who share similar interests. The purpose of networking is to share knowledge, resources, or contacts, and it is one of the most valuable things an EMBA student can walk away with.

An EMBA program is targeted to bring in professionals who already have experience and expertise in their field. You are bound to form connections organically with business people who think like you in this setting. They are your potential investors, business partners, or employers. They can even grow to become people who you look to for advice and insight on your career advancement. The EMBA can be a rigorous and intense season in your life, but it can also be a place where you get to work closely, learn from, and bond with many professionals like yourself.

Taking advice from your network

Your EMBA network can be an opportunity for you to connect with people in your line of work or those who have industry-specific knowledge. Their expertise can help you grow your business knowledge and help you navigate your choices within that field. You can also benefit by using this network to brainstorm future business ideas that you might have or even make well-informed career decisions. Who knows? You might get a potential partner or investor by hashing out your idea.

Smoother transitions

If you are looking to transition to a different career path, an EMBA can help give you the tools and so much more. While the biggest motivation for transitions is the desire to make an impact or take on bigger challenges, it all comes down to networking. Looking for a job now depends on knowing the company well and the network to give you valuable feedback and resources. Your classmates can also inspire you to work in areas you’ve never heard of or thought of before. They can also be a valuable source of coaching for your transitions to take place smoothly.

Gaining a variety of perspectives

There is no doubt that you can grow your professional network without an EMBA. However, the students who participate in these courses come from various backgrounds, cultures, industries, and perspectives. Having that diversity in your network promises better conversations and greater opportunities. It also helps you know how to connect and work well with people from different cultures, which is a great skill to have in our interconnected world.

Alumni networks

When pursuing an EMBA, there are multiple ways to meet fellow alumni, such as conferences or webinars. Make it a point to go to these networking events. You can also pay attention to your alumni newsletter to find the companies run by fellow alumni just in case it fits well with your career goals. Don’t be shy to give a call or send an email to alumni, whether it is to advise you on a career decision or if you’re looking for a certain opportunity or a connection to a potential investor. The worst they can say is no, although most alumni remember what it was like to be a student and will most likely be willing to help.

Social media platform

Use professional platforms such as LinkedIn to keep in touch with your alumni. Other social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can also help you build your network as you are more likely to connect to a person on a more personal level.

Relationship building

Remember, the goal of networking is not transactional; rather, it is relationship-oriented. While technology has done so much to help people connect, it cannot replace the human element that sparks a connection.

“Social networking that matters is helping people achieve their goals.”—Seth Godin

Networking is about authentically connecting with people who share your interests and genuinely want to be a part of your journey and vice versa. The idea is to stay connected with your colleagues, classmates, professors, or alumni so that at any point in time, you can help someone along on their journey, and when the time comes, you can be helped as well. It is no doubt a long-term process.

A healthy professional network is so important for a successful career, and the Executive MBA  from program offered by Great Learning can be your launching pad to build that dream network. Classmates, professors, and alumni form an invaluable networking resource, and having that connection at your fingertips will no doubt be helpful in your career advancement. It is up to you to seize it and leverage it.