Master Your Executive MBA Journey Through Effective Study Strategies

Dr Anand T.P.

Deputy Director – EMBA

Assistant Professor – Entrepreneurship – Dubai Campus

The Executive MBA (EMBA) journey spans 18 months and is known for its rigorous demands.  Despite its challenges, it presents a remarkable opportunity for growth and achievement. Setting clear goals and envisioning the ultimate outcome is vital when embarking on this journey. By creating a one-page plan that reflects the purpose and objectives of the EMBA program, you will stay focused and motivated throughout the journey. This roadmap serves as a guiding light, reminding you of your goals and keeping you on track toward success. Embrace this journey with enthusiasm and determination, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to your aspirations.

The following 10 tips can help students succeed in their EMBA Journey to derive maximum benefit:

1. Take each subject seriously, involve yourself in learning, and seek real-life applications.
2. If the subject is outside your domain area, put extra effort into learning the basics.
3. Reading all the articles and case studies before each session is extremely important.  When the discussion comes up in the class, your understanding and engagement will be enhanced due to your preparation.
4. Before starting each class, try to do a “review and reflection” on what you learned from the previous class.  This will help you transition smoothly from one class to the next and give you the necessary linkage of the concepts.
5. Devote time daily for study.  It is always better to have a fixed hour of the day on all the seven days of the week.  Depending on your other commitments, this hour can be fixed in the morning or evening but should be maintained consistently, making it your new habit.
6. Actively participate in class and group activities. Bring out the child in you to remain inquisitive and ask questions. Active participation and involvement will add significant value to the learning process.
7. The interactions in the class and during group assignments will help you leverage the experience and knowledge of the other students in the cohort. The actual value of the EMBA program lies in the opportunity to interact with the other students and faculty, as the knowledge, experience and wisdom shared is immense and invaluable.
8. Buddy up with someone in your batch to hold each other accountable, provide support and encourage peer learning. Forming study groups is also very beneficial.
9. If you attend the course online, follow the 20-20-20 rule.  Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away from the computer screen for 20 seconds to reduce eyestrain. Intermittently take a small sip of water to stay hydrated. Ensure a comfortable posture to focus on the class – preferably 90 degrees with proper backrest for the lower back.
10. At the end of each subject, prepare a one-page reflective journal with three clear sections: concepts that you learnt from the subject, Case Studies and Examples, and learnings from the course that can be applied in real life at your workplace now or shortly. This can be a powerful resource for future reference.

The Executive MBA journey will provide many benefits, such as gaining new knowledge on functional areas you have not been exposed to and enhancing your knowledge in others, developing your mindset and viewpoint about business in different industries, and creating a new network of professional friends and contacts.

At the end of the journey, you will be sure to feel fulfilled, proud and satisfied with the outcomes. You had a dream that led to the decision to embark on the EMBA Journey.  Ensure that the dream is realised in full.  “Dreams are not mere nonsense; they are the fulfilment of desires”.

Upon completing your EMBA, you will have the incredible opportunity to redefine yourself and unleash your full potential. Whether stepping into a new role within your current organisation or ascending to greater heights in a new opportunity, the EMBA equips you with the skills and confidence to propel your career forward. Embrace this chance for growth and transformation with optimism, knowing that the possibilities for your future are limitless.  Enjoy the enlightening journey.