The Cambridge Judge Business School has launched a new Global EMBA program starting in January 2024. The Programme Director, Simon Taylor, explains the benefits of the new structure and extended international exposure.
An Executive MBA (EMBA) allows professionals to upgrade their skills without pausing their careers. The new Global EMBA (GEMBA) at the Cambridge Judge Business School makes it easier for those outside of Cambridge to study at the prestigious institution. We spoke with Simon Taylor, a professor of management practice and Director of the Global EMBA program. He helped us understand what sets it apart.
According to Simon the main difference between the traditional EMBA and the Global EMBA is the delivery method. He explains, “The EMBA takes place mainly over weekends of teaching in Cambridge … The Global EMBA involves less travel and is potentially a little bit easier to work around a schedule if you live or work a long way from the UK.” (00:28)
The Global EMBA program caters to professionals seeking a flexible, internationally-focused curriculum. Approximately 30% of the curriculum is delivered in online lessons, and there are four one-week teaching blocks in Cambridge, and two additional teaching weeks in other countries. The EMBA and GEMBA provide the same curriculum, and both take 20 months to complete.
Both programs also include an International Business Study Trip, where students can visit locations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The trip allows students to experience business in different economies and cultures.
The Global EMBA provides additional international exposure with an extra week of lessons outside of Cambridge. The two international locations can be anywhere in the world, and will probably be on different continents, one of which is likely to be Asia. (02:18)
Executive MBA programs require more years of work experience than standard MBAs. This means that students are expected to bring the specialized knowledge of their fields to the course.
Simon emphasizes the importance of learning from both professors and peers. He states “In doing so, you build a wonderful peer group. A network of people from many different countries with a tremendous range of experience. Which is something that will continue long after the end of the program.” (01:49)
Although the Global EMBA program’s first cohort starts in January 2024, Simon expects the class profile to be similar to that of the existing Cambridge EMBA. In other words, international and diverse. He says, ”We have around 30 nationalities represented. The average age is about 38 … It’s the range and breadth of the class that really makes it a very interesting peer group” (04:44)
With a cross-cultural background among peers comes a similarly broad range of ways of working. Learning how to bridge the gap between styles is one of the benefits of joining an international program.
The Management Praxis course helps students improve their ability to manage diverse people and become better leaders. Those honed skills are tested in the Team Consulting Project (TCP), where students engage in practical, real-world projects for clients. The TCP can cover any business challenge or opportunity their client faces and can take place anywhere in the world.
The Cambridge Judge Global EMBA is an exciting opportunity, but committing the time and money necessary to study in Cambridge can be challenging.
Tuition fees include membership in one of the University of Cambridge colleges; however, accommodation and meals are excluded, except during Orientation Week and the two international elements. Loans, scholarships, and bursaries can ease some of the financial burden, but students should also look to their organizations for support.
Simon recommends emphasizing the value of the Global EMBA to the company when seeking support. Students can highlight the program’s emphasis on management practice, global exposure, and the immediate application of the skills learned.
Additionally, the networking opportunities offered by the diverse, international cohort can create valuable connections and potential collaborations for the company.
Simon says, “There’s a clear business case in the sense that the company will get a better, more effective employee. Someone that can actually contribute right away to make the organization more effective.”(05:54)
He points out that companies can offer support through financial assistance or flexibility in work schedules. Companies that invest in their employees’ education through programs like the Global EMBA can expect a significant return on investment. Participants are poised to become more effective leaders contributing to the organization’s growth and success.
The new Global EMBA program at Cambridge Judge Business School promises to be a transformative experience for professionals seeking to advance their careers and broaden their international business perspectives. As the first intake is in January 2024, there’s still plenty of time to apply!
You can learn more about what it’s like to study at Cambridge Judge by contacting an ambassador directly.
