The relevance of Executive MBA programmes

EMBA - A Banking and Finance-Specialist Degree that works and what banks want

Imagine a scenario in which the project of an Executive MBA study group turns into a thriving business for one of its members. Fresh from a discussion with a faculty member, another Executive MBA student successfully resolves a costly supply chain problem. Each day throughout the world, Executive MBA students and alumni assume greater responsibilities and promotions as they apply their new knowledge and skills to make a difference for their organizations. It offers real returns for its students and their organisations.

Those seeking an MBA at mid-career typically seek the education and the credential as a springboard to a career transition. The type of students who pursue an Executive MBA already possessa wealth of business experience from an array of backgrounds— an aspect that is unique to the programme. Not only do students expand their knowledge and perspective, they also develop a broad business sense, with courses focusing on analysis, strategy, and leadership. They become astute decision makers, effective problem solvers, and well-prepared leaders able to take on increasing responsibility. EMBA programmes, many of which involve part-time or online studies, are increasingly recognized as a good thing to offer people who might not be able to stop working and attend school full time.

Three quarters of students who took part in the Executive MBA Council 2009 Student Exit Benchmarking Survey say they greatly increased their value to their organization as a result of their Executive MBA education. An astounding 97 % of EMBA graduates were satisfied or more than satisfied with the career impact of their degree programmes. Indeed, almost a third of survey 
respondents (32 per cent) were promoted and 44 % received additional job responsibilities during the course of their programmes. They see a great return on investment: Students reported a 23 % salary increase after graduation according to research from the Executive MBA Council. (Source: Executive MBA Council, California)

The Executive MBA Banking and Finance, is a master's degree programme that meets our industry's needs for outstanding managers and highly skilled leaders. Its graduates are proficient in combining the specific, expert knowledge banking demands with a broader view of the economy. An Executive MBA programme provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to obtain a master’s degree in Banking & Finance on a schedule that minimises disruption of work and personal pursuits.

The Banking and Finance industry has undergone a host of changes and the emphasis now lies on hiring trained professionals who can seamlessly integrate into the daily working of the bank. The challenge is to find out such trained professionals since the demand is lot more than supply. The Indian banking sector has been growing at a pace of 7per cent since the start of this decade. Growth forecasts predict that by the end of 2014, the Indian banking and finance industry will need a minimum of 1.7 million managerial people while the current available workforce is only around one million--a deficit of 0.7 million.

About 55-60 per cent of those employed in the banking sector are involved in the operational activity. They aspire to position themselves at par with the MBAs, who would typically join the banking sector as assistant mangers. Research has shown that when it comes to hiring or promoting  managers to handle specialised bank operations like corporate banking, risk and credit, Banks always prefer professionals who have an MBA in Banking and Finance.

Distance learning is a big boon for working banking professionals: The career enhancing courses offered via distance learning is the solution for many professionals to acquire both the skills and the academic credentials necessary to compete in the changing industry.

Therefore whether you are an employer looking to upgrade the skills of key employees or a banking professional looking to move into leadership positions, an MBA in Banking and Finance is the best  programme for you.

The author is Senior Vice-President, Distributed Learning, Manipal Education