Business Services Industry

Education to fit a busy lifestyle

San Diego Business Journal, May 23, 2005 by Randy Carmical

Some career professionals find themselves faced with the dilemma of looking to advance their education, and ultimately their career, but are unable to find time in their already-busy schedules to do so. These individuals may have advanced as far as possible in their current position, and are interested in going back to school to get an MBA to take their careers to the next level. San Diego State University (SDSU) has a solution. "This scenario isn't unusual," says Karen Courtney, director of executive and specialized programs at San Diego State University's College of Business Administration. "The Executive MBA (EMBA) program was created to accommodate those who are further in their careers, which typically translates to added responsibilities," she added.

In this EMBA program, class meets for eight hours, every other Friday and Saturday for 21 months. Students typically have the support of their employers for the time away from the office to participate in these academic sessions. "Most employers see the value a MBA degree brings to the individual and the organization. Our EMBA alumni base represents a wide variety of San Diego area businesses," Courtney said.

Each EMBA class is comprised of 30-35 executives who fulfill the program together. These students have an average of 15 years of full-time work experience, eight years of significant managerial experience and are middle managers, directors, vice presidents and senior managers.

The cohort group experience provides camaraderie, networking, continuity and mutual support throughout the program, and the small class size provides maximum interaction among the students and faculty.

As it enters its 16th year, the two-year program has graduated 13 EMBA classes with an alumni network of more than 400 executives. Sixty percent of the alumni indicate that they have been promoted since completing the program, often more than one level. Alumni supervisors agree that these graduates are well prepared for the challenges they lace in their managerial positions. "I was doubtful that I could enroll in an MBA program and still attend to everything else in my life," said Tracy Raider, EMBA XIV student. "The program is challenging and there is definitely homework, but the accelerated class schedule and concentrated coursework move at a manageable pace. I can't believe we are almost finished," she added.

The EMBA program at SDSU is the only Executive MBA offered in San Diego County. Nationally, it is one of about 160 Executive MBA programs that are in the Executive MBA Council, as well as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The program is dedicated exclusively to the educational needs of accomplished executives, as contrasted with many part-time graduate business programs that are designed to meet the needs of working professionals who typically aren't as far along in their careers. The program is currently accepting applications to the EMBA XVI class, with classes starting September 2005.

Randy Carmical is the director of communications for the College of Business Administration at San Diego State University. For more information about obtaining a fully accredited MBA degree, please contact the EMBA office at SDSU at (619) 594-6010, e-mail emba@mail.sdsu.edu or visit www.sdsu.edu/emba.>