The executive's rite of passage, now available in modules (Mandag Morgen)

The executive rite of passage - MBA

Once upon a time, corporate leaders had to manage a 50 hour work week alongside prestigious, intensive MBA studies to pass through to climb yet another step on the career ladder. Today, corporate leaders still demand executive education of world-class standard, but being able to combine it with a busy work schedule and family commitments are gaining in importance.

Joan Hentze, Senior Consultant with the Foreign Ministry and a mother of three, has just graduated from the CBS Flexible Executive MBA and was recently interviewed by Mandag Morgen. She shared a few pieces of advice on how she managed to make room for MBA studies in an already busy work and family life:

• Discipline. "If you lag behind the set curriculum, that's when the real difficulties start."
• Prioritise mercilessly. "I have not participated in any social work events."
• Stability. "It is important to have a stabile family- and work situation. If you are going to do your Executive MBA, this is not a time when you would want to be changing jobs."
• Managing expectations. "It is also important to manage expectations with your manager. Upskilling will benefit the organisation, but it is still important to have clear guidelines on when, for example, one might leave early."
• Speak to alumni. "Speak to a few of the current students before you begin, to find out exactly what the E-MBA is about."

Read the MBA article and interview with Joan Hentze on Mandag Morgen.