Empowering Women: Unlocking Career Success with an Executive MBA

The Executive MBA Advantage

From Day One, an Executive MBA helps participants gain new insights and perspectives as they contribute to an experienced and dynamic international cohort. This helps develop the strategic mindset and global vision needed to drive transformation, solve complex problems, and create innovative and sustainable business solutions. Linda Benzid, EDHEC Executive MBA Alumna, found it helped her refocus her outlook as well as her career goals.

‘I was already managing a major portfolio in my company. But at fourty, I was wondering about the future: how to go further? What do I really want to pursue? In what direction do I want to evolve? I felt that if I wanted to open new perspectives for myself, I not only needed to get a recognised degree but also to strengthen my skills in strategic fields, such as Finance.’

The EDHEC EMBA programme is tailored to align with participants' unique business and career ambitions to help them develop an authentic, confident leadership style aligned with their values, ethics, and principles.

And the impact on earnings potential? According to the 2020 Executive MBA Council's student exit survey, the average compensation package on enrollment was $169,269. By graduation, that had increased to $193,200, suggesting that the value delivered to the student's employer was acknowledged even while the programmes are in progress.

For women seeking to propel their career to the next level, an Executive MBA offers a comprehensive toolkit of cutting-edge skills and knowledge that can help women overcome gender biases and effectively advocate for themselves in the boardroom. It helps make a clear case that they need to receive the compensation that reflects their value to their organisation.

Smashing the Glass Ceiling

An Executive MBA can be a powerful catalyst for shattering that invisible glass ceiling that often impedes women's progress in the corporate world.

Success stories abound of women who, armed with an Executive MBA, have defied the odds and achieved remarkable career growth. Women like Sonia Botta, now VP, Global Citrus at Firmenich, the world's largest privately-owned fragrance & flavor company, who sees her career as a continuous "work-in-progress" and describes herself today as a "2.0 version of myself thanks to the EDHEC EMBA."

The knowledge and skills gained through an Executive MBA empower women to challenge traditional norms and assume influential organisational roles, thus setting new benchmarks for success. They become well-versed in strategic decision-making, adept at managing diverse teams, and skilled in navigating complex global markets.

WEBINAR: How to break through the glass ceiling

Building a Strong Network

Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. An Executive MBA provides unrivalled opportunities for rich exchanges of ideas with a globally diverse cohort, and expansion of professional horizons.

Executive MBA programmes cultivate an extensive alumni network comprising accomplished leaders and industry experts. These connections offer access to guidance, and potential business partnerships. For women, building a powerful network with other participants as well as within EDHEC’s vibrant Executive MBA Women’s Society, enhances their professional prospects and provides a support system that champions their ambitions. According to Sara van Leuven, EDHEC EMBA 2023 “the society reinforces the alliance between female alumni and executive MBA participants, creating a unique network of support, advice, mentoring and business opportunities.” 

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common challenge faced by women in leadership positions. Despite their qualifications and achievements, women may doubt their abilities, fearing that they do not deserve their success. An Executive MBA can serve as a powerful antidote to this way of thinking which, all too often, puts a brake on career progress.

The rigorous curriculum, coupled with an environment of intellectual stimulation and peer support, validates women's capabilities. Engaging with seasoned faculty and industry leaders instills confidence and reassures women that their expertise is valuable and their contributions are essential.

An Executive MBA journey helps women reframe their mindset, embracing their achievements and role as deserving leaders.

Navigating Work-Life Balance

Women face unique challenges when balancing their careers and personal responsibilities. Pursuing an Executive MBA requires careful consideration and effective time management.

Many Executive MBA programmes offer flexible learning options, allowing women to customize their study schedules according to their personal needs and help them navigate the complexities of work-life balance successfully. Linda Benzid, EDHEC Executive MBA Alumna explains how this flexibility helped her:

‘... whether you have toddlers or teenagers, I think it is all manageable with a little organisation. Especially as you share these issues with your classmates: you can talk about it, share your experience, and support one another. Most of the time, we remind ourselves that it’s only for sixteen months. It’s like a race: once you’ve crossed the finish line you only remember the good times and you forget about the harder moments.’