How can you make the most of your Executive MBA degree? An HR Director shares her top tips on how to get out of your comfort zone in order to reap the full benefits of an EMBA
No matter where you are in your career, it’s easy to feel stagnated. That’s why, every year, thousands of highly experienced business professionals apply to study an EMBA—bidding to learn transformative skills such as leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship.
However, with a wide variety of opportunities available, it’s best to enter a program with a strategic approach.
So, how do you make sure you get the most out of your EMBA experience?
Ioana Guidea (pictured right), human resources director at the global pharmaceutical giant Nipro, shares her insights into how she made the most of her time on the 18-month EMBA program at HEC Paris—one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. Here are her six tips:
1. Get to know your classmates
When it comes to business, who you know is just as important as what you know. One of the most valuable aspects of the EMBA for Ioana was the opportunity to connect with a multinational cohort hailing from more than 33 different countries.
“It was very interesting to come from very different cultures and, at the same time, to be one cohort. I enjoyed discovering more about everyone,” Ioana says.
The program’s emphasis on teamwork through in-class discussions cultivated an environment in which Ioana could build lasting relationships with her peers, which was important in developing as a group.
“We have this WhatsApp group, and we talk every day, sharing experiences, thoughts, and situations,” she shares.
2. Manage your time effectively
An EMBA is not just a course—it’s a commitment. For Ioana, who was balancing studying with a full-time job, time management was crucial.
“It’s very challenging. You have in-class sessions, e-learning, and personal work. This isn’t something you can do on the side like a hobby—you have to be really involved.”
Fortunately, the flexibility of the HEC EMBA program made the balance possible. There are just 50 days of in-person classes on the Paris campus, while the rest of the teaching is split between pre-recorded and live lectures, making it ideal for busy professionals.
3. Experiment with leadership styles
There’s no right way to be a leader. Finding your management style is often a very personal journey. One of the key aspects of Ioana’s EMBA was discovering and refining her individual leadership abilities.
“The leadership skill was the red line of the EMBA. It really helps you discover yourself, your styles, and your limits,” she says.
A particularly potent example of how the EMBA develops students’ leadership skills is the Outdoor Leadership Seminar, where the cohort must work together as a team to overcome a range of obstacles from ravine-crossing to boat-building.
4. Apply skills outside of the classroom
Often, the best way to learn is by doing. One of the greatest advantages of working while studying an EMBA is the fact that you can put classroom theory to the test by using it in real life.
Ioana shares how she integrated a negotiation module into her daily work: “I was able to discuss different strategies with my company’s directors on how we can negotiate better prices for our products or purchasing.”
Another skill that she was able to reap the immediate benefits of was the ability to communicate over more technical aspects of the business, thanks to core courses like Corporate Finance.
“I now have a better and more precise vocabulary when speaking with my finance director,” Ioana says.
5. Throw yourself into challenges
One of the most beneficial aspects of an EMBA for experienced professionals is that it pushes them out of their comfort zone.
Ioana’s most difficult challenge came in the form of the Test Your Startup Project, which is one of the nine EMBA specializations students can pick to further develop skills in areas ranging from healthcare to governance to AI.
“[The specialization] was very intensive. Every day we had lecturers giving us advice and challenging us on specific topics,” she says.
As part of the course, Ioana had to present her ideas to venture capitalists—putting her public speaking skills to the test.
“I felt my heart beating inside me,” Ioana. “I had to calm my stress and present everything I wanted to share within a limited time.”
While nerve wracking at the time, the experience injected Ioana with lasting confidence in both her communicative and entrepreneurial abilities.
6. Network at events
At HEC Paris, there are regularly scheduled conferences and webinars for students to attend surrounding multiple areas of business. Making the most of networking events outside of the classroom can lead to unexpected opportunities.
One of the most influential talks that Ioana attended was a HR event, which ended up determining her capstone project.
“During this event, I met an alumnus who later approached me on LinkedIn about joining his HR project surrounding AI and digitalization,” she says.
After reviewing his project, she decided to change her original idea to work on his instead—a new connection which broadened both Ioana’s knowledge and future career trajectory.
So there you have it: these are Ioana’s six top tips to make the most out of your EMBA experience.
Her final piece of advice is: “When you give your time to experience different things with your colleagues, it can have a big impact on you as a person and how you grow.”
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Student
Verified
7/07/2022
On Campus
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Student
Verified
1/06/2024
On Campus
Diverse
HEC, as an academic institution, serves as a launching pad for students to excel in their pursuits and careers. The diversity among students and professors is truly remarkable. The chance to attend seminars across five major continents is unparalleled. The exposure and relationships it fosters are invaluable.
Student
Verified
31/05/2024
On Campus
Super diverse
It's a super diverse and fascinating environment with tons of chances, but the management is very French, and the facilities like the gym and classrooms are not great. This makes the academic side quite ineffective. Plus, we're graded on a curve, leading to a competitive and sometimes toxic atmosphere. Despite all that, the benefits definitely overshadow the drawbacks.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Surreal academic experience
What stood out to me about HEC was the direction and insight it offered on coding approaches. Prior to joining the program, I attempted self-learning, but I felt disoriented and lacked a starting point.HEC enabled me to grasp the basics of programming and provided support when I encountered obstacles. Without that guidance, I doubt I would have achieved the progress I have made to date.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Good security
HEC boasts a dedicated team of security personnel who undergo rigorous training to ensure the perpetual maintenance of tranquility and orderliness within the institution. Their unwavering efforts are directed towards fostering a sense of security among the student body, thereby enabling them to channel their energies predominantly towards their academic pursuits.
Student
Verified
17/07/2024
On Campus
Innovative teaching method
I am thoroughly enjoying my time at HEC, from the innovative teaching methods to the welcoming campus environment, which is particularly supportive of international students. The extracurricular opportunities, such as sports and associations, are incredibly valuable. Additionally, the career services offered are exceptional. Overall, I find my experience at HEC to be truly enriching.
Student
Verified
3/10/2024
On Campus
mim
HEC Paris has been a transformative experience for me. The caliber of the faculty, the diversity of the student body, and the global network it offers are unmatched. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their career goals, and the focus on real-world application through case studies and consulting projects provides invaluable hands-on experience. The campus itself is beautiful, and the opportunities to engage with leading companies through internships, competitions, and networking events have been incredible. HEC truly prepares you to be a leader in today's complex business world. I couldn’t have asked for a better program to propel my career forward.
Student
Verified
21/09/2024
On Campus
Unwavering enthusiasm
Here's the first paragraph:
I embarked on a journey to Paris, where HEC University welcomed me with open arms. As I stepped onto its prestigious campus, I was captivated by the infectious energy and innovative spirit that filled the air. The passionate faculty, industry experts, and fellow visionaries from around the globe shared their knowledge with unwavering enthusiasm."
Student
Verified
9/10/2024
On Campus
Exceptional Experience
HEC offers an exceptional experience that I highly recommend. The small-town setting allows for a unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement. The peaceful campus and close-knit student body create a warm environment. Proactive engagement with professors yields valuable guidance. Friendships may blossom slowly, but persistence pays off. The city's beauty, scenic views, and diverse eateries near campus enrich the experience. University dining may not impress, but it's decent.
