What makes the Executive MBA a transformational learning experience?

Conor McCarthy, Executive MBA participant, discusses the wide range of teaching styles on the Executive MBA as well as the flexible nature of the programme.

Stimulating and relevant learning

As many people will tell you, completing an Executive MBA is a difficult undertaking, as there is a need to balance demands from both work and personal life. While most of the learning before attending a module is reading case studies and text books, I have found the on-campus modules to be much more engaging. Whether it is analysing video, preparing a group presentation or listening to industry guest speakers, there is plenty of variety within each day of a module. What I find most valuable is that the “Professors of Practice” promote discussions around their real-world business experiences, which keeps the lectures relevant to my own work environment. The teaching itself is fast paced and stimulating, and it’s great that plenty of time is left for classroom discussions as the experience within the cohort is extensive.

Careers support during your MBA

On top of the modules, there is a range of optional activities that are run by the CareersPlus team which specifically focus on career development. These events are outside lecture times so don’t interfere with the module delivery. Even better is that, they are informal evening sessions that you can attend at short notice if you are unsure of your availability. The range of topics is impressive, and again the delivery has been top-class. The focus is usually on soft skills and getting an expert overview on subjects such as “the art of negotiating”, “stakeholder management” and “courageous conversations”. In the latter, actors were brought in to role play scenarios with us to ensure we had practical experience of dealing with critical conversations, it was totally unique!

Understanding and flexibility

Another important benefit of the Warwick Executive MBA is the level of flexibility about how and when you would like to complete your studies. In my current role I travel regularly to Asia and Europe and have had to move a module at short notice. The Warwick team are on hand every day during the module and are even present on Saturday’s. They presented me with a range of options which included taking the module at The Shard or in an online class. It’s clear they understand that the cohort are under work pressures which sometimes need to take priority. I am also quite lucky that my company fully support my studies and are willing to be flexible. They even assign me a sponsor for each assignment to ensure I have access to data and relevant company information. My advice would be to ensure you are upfront with your company before starting the MBA, as their support, along with the Warwick team, make your studies a lot more manageable.

Find out more about the Executive MBA