If you're considering an EMBA, you know it's a big decision. Especially when you are somewhat deep in your career. Perhaps you are concerned about what work/life balance might look like with school added to the mix. Or are feeling a bit queasy about taking the GMAT after being out of school for awhile. A personal consultation with Admissions can give you some fresh perspective.
A school’s website can provide a lot of information and insight, but sometimes it just helps to talk with someone: To gain clarity on the decision given your unique set of circumstances. And to glean additional insights that can help you determine whether an EMBA program is right for you and whether or not now is the time.
David Firth-Eagland, a senior director with Electronic Arts and a student in the Berkeley MBA for Executives Program, was considering a number of Bay Area EMBA programs when he connected with our admissions office last spring. At the time, he thought he would apply the following year, but soon changed his mind.
"I realized I could complete the application process in less time than I thought."
“I had been thinking about going to business school for four or five years,” says David, “I was emotionally ready to start a program, but told myself I needed 3-4 months to prepare for the GMAT or GRE. Talking with Susan Petty in Admissions helped me see that I could get my application done in less time than I thought--not that it wouldn’t be hard, but that I really could do it.”
David also used his consultation to learn more about the program. “Susan answered all my questions, and it was through her that I confirmed that Berkeley-Haas was the kind of environment I was looking for.”
"Until you actually talk to someone, you don't have a real sense for the school."
He now says he’s happy to be in the midst of his studies a year sooner than he’d originally planned. “I came here to round out my technical strengths with finance and marketing, but I hadn’t anticipated how much immediate value I’d also get out of the network and the leadership learning,” says David.
“Applying can seem scary,” he says. “You’ve got a career path of 13 years, and suddenly you’re going to make this leap? I had looked at all the schools’ websites, visited the forums, studied the rankings, but until you actually talk to someone, you don’t have a real sense for the school."
"I'd recommend a consultation for anyone who is uncertain if they’re up for the challenge of the program or the application process. It really helps to connect with someone.”
Want some fresh perspective or guidance on your EMBA decision? Let's talk.
