By Dr. Monica Gallant
As the business world continues to experience turbulence and transformational change, the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) credential is positioned to provide the knowledge,
skills and practical approach that mid-career professionals require to accelerate their careers. EMBA graduates are proving their value as strategic leaders in a dynamic workplace by combining contemporary academic concepts with a strong record of applied work experience.
A Post-Pandemic Resurgence
Working professionals have emerged from the pandemic with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire for upskilling during a period of career self-reflection. According to data from AACSB business schools, EMBA programmes recorded an increase in enrolments in 2021–22, likely driven by the need to develop new skills to meet changing job requirements. Although enrolments have since stabilised, they remain above pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the continued importance of combining work with study.
Research also shows that 97 per cent of EMBA students bring 13 or more years of work experience to the classroom, raising the quality of discussions and strengthening the networking opportunities within each cohort.
The Global Education Shift
Online programmes are gaining credibility and recognition, allowing students to study from a range of geographic locations, including while travelling for work or from remote settings. Advances in technology have ensured that academic rigour is maintained while flexibility is enhanced. This has enabled a more diverse group of students to interact and learn from one another. Cross-cultural perspectives can be openly discussed, and academic theories tested across different contexts.
Many programmes are now offering hybrid models, with specialised courses delivered through intensive face-to-face sessions in different countries, providing an immersive global business experience. Western business schools are increasingly partnering with Asian institutions to develop joint offerings, allowing students not only to learn about global business practices but to experience them directly.
Addressing The Gender Gap Challenge
Women remain under-represented in senior management roles and in EMBA classrooms. Research shows that women accounted for only 34 per cent of EMBA enrolments in 2023–24. This gap presents an opportunity for educational institutions and employers seeking to strengthen diversity in leadership. EMBA programmes that actively attract and support women executives may gain an advantage, particularly when they offer greater flexibility to help balance professional and personal responsibilities.
The AI Integration Imperative
As generative AI reshapes business processes, managers need the skills to identify opportunities, manage change and implement new technologies. Many EMBA programmes are integrating generative AI across their curricula, both through dedicated courses and as a theme embedded within core business subjects. EMBA students are well placed to lead these shifts, as they develop new skills while navigating these changes in their day-to-day professional roles. Effective AI adoption requires strategic vision, particularly in identifying where such tools can add value to organisational processes.
The Need To Network
It is often said that your network is your net worth. EMBA programmes bring together experienced faculty, guest speakers and working professionals from varied academic and industry backgrounds, both during the programme and through alumni networks after graduation. These connections can lead to professional support networks, partnerships, career opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. Applied projects completed during an EMBA also allow students to demonstrate their learning in practical, real-world settings.
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Looking Ahead
As 2026 begins, the future remains uncertain. However, EMBA graduates are positioned to respond to changing business conditions. The combination of continued employment, global exposure, strong professional networks, immediately applicable learning and engagement with emerging technologies has strengthened the appeal of EMBA programmes.
While competition for places in leading programmes may increase, interest in the qualification continues to grow. In an era where adaptability and lifelong learning are increasingly important, the EMBA offers experienced professionals an opportunity to develop their capabilities while continuing to progress in their careers.
(The author is an Assistant Dean – EMBA (Dubai on-campus and Middle East online) and Professor at SP Jain School of Global Management. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.)
