First post ever, go easy on me.
I'm exploring Penn's EMBA (in SF). I'd be targeting class of 2023, and would be in my mid-30s at program start. Delayed application related to Covid, GMAT prep, and a busy period coming up at work.
I'm not sure if it is the right move for me - thoughts?
Career Snapshot
- ~8 years of work experience (all start-up); ~10 years by EMBA start
- Currently Director in Corp Finance (at a very high growth company)
- Comp: >$175k, plus equity / great benefits
- Top 5 undergraduate uni (but no secondary edu)
- No indication that I'm hitting a ceiling... yet
Why I'm considering an EMBA
- I'd like to break into the C-suite (CFO or CMO) in 10-15 years and worry that I'll hit a ceiling
- My undergrad was pure social sciences, and non-quantitative; I have no formal financial training (all learned on the job)
- I am no longer picking up skills at a high velocity or caliber, and would benefit from structured, social learning
- I enjoy learning, and would like to expand my business / financial perspective beyond startup land
- I am a little low on gas and unsure about what's next, in part because I don't have a rich understanding of what else is out there
Other relevant notes
- I respect that EMBAs are not optimized for career switchers; I would not be pursuing this degree to change jobs.
- I am pretty sure the FT MBA train left the station (age-wise), and in any case, I can't stomach the lost wages.
- Perhaps I'm being naive, but I'm also not terribly concerned about some of the networking downsides (compared to FT). My current network is good, and I'm not trying to radically change industries (i.e., breaking into Finance with an "F"), as I would prefer to build/work at a company.
- My current company is highly unlikely to sponsor me, though I can afford it on my own if I'm still working.
On my mind
- My career trajectory / background doesn't resemble the 2020 EMBA candidates I stalked on LinkedIn - were I to be accepted, would I mesh with the group?
- Ex 1: WEMBA's SF crew looks like they're mostly coming from tech / engineering roles, and looking to up-level to strategic management positions
- Ex 2: WEMBA candidates that aren't engineers - though obviously a talented group - aren't coming from the highest ranked schools (virtually no top 5, though plenty of 10-20). What am I missing? If this about finally getting the brand? And if so, does that diminish the experience?
- I'm struggling to figure out how the market views EMBA (reputation-wise) - i.e., would an executive search firm ding me for not being FT? Degree seems respected, but overall less prestigious (I suppose because of the difference in competitive set...?)
- Quality of education (which I don't doubt) aside, I am irked by the idea that the high acceptance rates of EMBA programs reflects a pay-to-play arrangement...
Thanks!
