The Stockholm School of Economics EMBA, distinguished by its innovative MBALive pedagogy, offers a dynamic blend of rigorous academic research and real-world application. Combining sustainability with hands-on learning, this course strives to create the leaders of tomorrow. Alongside earning an MBA degree, EMBA candidates also gain certificates from globally-recognized institutions.
Navigating the intricacies of business leadership is a challenge for even the most experienced business professionals. That’s why so many mid-career business professionals feel that the next logical step for enhancing their career is completing an Executive MBA (EMBA).
Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) has an EMBA program tailored for seasoned professionals eager to excel in their careers and broaden their understanding of the business world.
Ann-Kristin Bjurström, Program Advisor and Admissions Head of Marketing, describes the EMBA’s core ethos as “It’s a program for business leaders who aim to drive successful businesses in an international market and become inspiring leaders.” (00:12)
The SSE EMBA program was ranked 57th in the world by the Financial Times in 2023. It is one of the top programs in the Nordic countries, renowned for its commitment to leadership excellence and its forward-thinking approach to sustainability.
Let’s take a closer look at how these elements are integrated into the program as part of the MBALive teaching methodology.
At the heart of the Stockholm School of Economics Executive MBA lies the pioneering MBALive pedagogy. MBALive is a testament to SSE’s commitment to harmoniously blending rigorous academic theory with tangible, real-world applications.
As Program Advisor Bjurström explains, “We use what we call the MBALive pedagogy, which means that it is a science and research-based degree program at the school, but we do put everything into practice as much as possible, the participants really learn hands-on while using the models and theories that we teach.” (01:05)
A distinctive feature of MBALive is its integration of live projects within established organizations, allowing for an immediate application of theoretical insights to real business challenges. Bjurström elaborates, “Part of the examination of the program and the learning process of the program is that you do live projects in real organizations. These are organizations where the participants are actually employed.” (01:30)
MBALive helps SSE EMBA candidates transform theoretical knowledge into actionable solutions for topical managerial issues. Participants engage deeply with the material through hands-on experiences and case studies. This fosters a profound understanding of how to navigate and influence complex organizational dynamics effectively.
This approach encourages participants to think critically and act decisively. Additionally, it allows them to reflect on their own managerial experiences, cultivating continuous learning and improvement.
Another key feature of the MBALive methodology is its personalized executive coaching program, the Leadership Live program. In this program, candidates can tackle common challenges that many managers face. Candidates work with coaches both in class and individually.
With their individual coaches, EMBA candidates examine their leadership styles in depth. They develop their self-reflection skills, build their confidence, and learn how to best leverage their unique leadership skills. They also learn to pinpoint their strengths and areas for improvement, aiding in holistic professional and personal development.
Bjurström notes, “You have your own individual coach who is coaching you and will do a self-assessment on who you are, your strengths, your weaknesses, how you react and act in different situations. So you’ll become much more aware of yourself. And becoming much more aware of yourself, you also become aware of how you affect others around you, in your organization, or in the context you are in. You become a much better leader because you are aware of those things.” (02:06)
The unique SSE EMBA spans 18 months and includes ten weeks of concentrated on-campus learning at the main campus in Stockholm, Sweden. Three weeks are dedicated to international excursions to notable global business hubs, including Latvia, Singapore, and the USA.
The curriculum also includes some digital content, and EMBA candidates can explore electives outside of SSE, allowing for a diverse range of global perspectives. SSE highly values work-life balance, offering a great advantage for EMBA candidates studying in Sweden.
SSE EMBA graduates earn an MBA degree along with three additional certificates. Karin Wiström, the SSE MBA Director, emphasizes, “You will earn an MBA degree from Stockholm School of Economics, but you will also gain three certificates for courses in the program. One from the Stanford Center for Professional Development, one from the National University of Singapore, and one, if you choose the GNAM electives, from the Global Network for Advanced Management members.” (00:34)
For SSE EMBA graduates, including credentials from prestigious global institutions on their CVs is extremely beneficial. These certificates showcase an exposure to diverse business practices and cultures.
The Stockholm School of Economics Executive MBA program incorporates a strong focus on sustainability. The Financial Times ranks the SSE EMBA ninth in the world for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) content. This focus on sustainability is woven into every aspect of the curriculum.
As Director Wiström highlights, “We are strong on sustainability…sustainability runs as a red thread throughout the program.” (00:20)
Sustainability is a core part of the program’s curriculum, ensuring every participant is well-versed in the latest sustainable business practices. Graduates leave well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to become sustainable global leaders.
The Stockholm School of Economics Executive MBA program encapsulates a holistic approach to executive business education with its innovative MBALive pedagogy. The program is enriched with personalized executive coaching, a strong focus on sustainability, and the opportunity to earn multiple certificates from globally recognized institutions. Graduates emerge with a prestigious MBA degree and enhanced capabilities to lead responsibly.
Discover the Stockholm School of Economics and contact one of the school’s student ambassadors to find out more.
