Doing an EMBA at IE Business School

IE Business School, located in Madrid, Spain, offers a unique Global Executive MBA (EMBA).  The 20-month program is designed for seasoned executives who wish to take their careers to the next level, and expand their knowledge. 

Each cohort is diverse, and offers an excellent platform for peer-learning, as applicants must have 10 years of work experience, including at least five years in managerial roles. In addition to this, the program offers a tailored educational experience that aligns with each EMBA candidates’ career goals, including the provision of a personal executive coach. What stands out most of all, however, about doing an EMBA at IE Business School is its unique blended teaching that combines online learning with in-person elements.

Let’s take a closer look at how the EMBA program combines online learning with in-person residential periods and what these study trips entail.

Combining Online Learning with Residential Periods on Three Different Continents

The program has an innovative blended teaching methodology. It combines online teaching with in-person residential periods. During these residential periods, students can visit and learn at leading universities in North America, Europe, and Asia. These universities include the University of Oxford, Singapore Management University, and the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Most of the curriculum is delivered online, accommodating the demanding work schedules of senior professionals. However, the residential periods ensure that the EMBA candidates can meet and socialize in person and have a truly global learning experience. The residential periods allow for a global focus that further enriches the online curriculum. Students can learn about global business practices first-hand.

Ken Seethram is a Medical Director and Managing Partner at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Canada. As a current Global Executive MBA candidate at IE Business School, he explains that the program offers an ideal balance for learning while balancing a busy work schedule.

He notes, “The online [program] is perfect for someone who’s working. For me, I’m able to integrate what I’m learning in the program into my day-to-day work as a manager and an executive.” (01:06)

The blended learning approach allows seasoned professionals to balance their studies and work. The program offers valuable knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to professional life.

Why Residential Periods a Key Part of the IE Global EMBA

Residential periods are crucial to the IE Global EMBA program because they allow students to enhance their global outlook and foster in-person networking and collaboration.

Manuel Noda, the Global Head of Marketing & Communications at Siemens Healthineers, underscores the value of these in-person interactions. He reflects, “We have not only the content online but also the physical interaction in many different cities around the world. I was really impressed with the combination of the residential weeks and residential programs, which definitely enrich the experience that we have with our colleagues, and the interaction with our professors, and the content, globally.” (00:36)

The residential periods add another dimension to the program that would be impossible to achieve through online learning alone. It allows for applied and immersive learning experiences where EMBA candidates can apply what they have learned digitally. The ability to connect with peers and professors and learn at top institutions worldwide further enriches the program.

Mixing History and Innovation at Oxford

The Oxford residential period offers EMBA candidates an inside look into the intellectually stimulating and historically rich environment of the University of Oxford in the UK.

During the Oxford residential period, IE EMBA candidates attend classes taught by professors from University of Oxford, and participate in workshops, seminars and business visits. The Oxford week focuses on artificial intelligence (AI); exploring how AI is affecting global business, and the ethical implications of AI in business. EMBA candidates gain hands-on exposure and meet with top academic leaders and business executives in the field, guided by the Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI. 

Julián Mejía, CEO of MJX Global Investments and IE Global EMBA candidate, reflects on his experience of the Oxford residential period. He highlights, “Now that we’re here in Oxford, learning from the best professors in the AI arena is just amazing. And also being in Oxford, in the institution, with so much history – that’s so valuable. And it’s an experience that you can only experience if you are here in this program.” (01:29)

This unique blend of history and in-depth learning makes the Oxford residential period a valuable component of the IE Global Executive MBA.

The Value of In-Person Networking

The residential periods allow IE Global Executive MBA students to collaborate in person, allowing EMBA cohort members, who had previously only interacted online, to work together face-to-face.

These in-person interactions can lead to long-lasting relationships and future business collaborations. Cohort member Ken Seethram says, “The in-person residential periods are wonderful just to meet people and to get to know my classmates. I’ve got 36 new friends.” (01:06)

Angie Manrique is a Senior Finance Manager at Global Digital Transformation at Kimberly-Clark. Angie was struck by the diversity of her EMBA cohort, “We have 23 countries, 23 nationalities from several [different] industries.” She describes the chance to get so many different perspectives as “an inspiring experience.” (00:20)

This rich diversity enhances the learning environment. With peers who have around fifteen years of work experience, the program is an excellent place for knowledge exchange and peer-learning. The multi-cultural environment also enhances the learning experience, as students can share best practices from their industries and countries, offering multiple global perspectives on global business. Candidates become better equipped to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

Preparing Global Leaders

Elements such as the program’s global focus, residential periods across three continents, diverse cohort, and peer-learning set the IE Global Executive MBA apart. 

It’s an excellent option for business leaders who wish to earn an MBA without interrupting their careers, while also expanding their professional network, and gaining first-hand experience of the international marketplace.

Discover more about the IE Business School and its various MBA programs via its profile page.