FAQ

The main difference between the GEMBA, EMBA, FTMBA programmes lies in the career stage of the participants. FTMBA typically caters to early-stage professionals seeking significant changes in geography, industry, or function. In contrast, EMBA targets mid-career professionals aiming for career acceleration, while GEMBA is designed for senior-level executives, including those on the brink of joining executive boards. This difference in career stage is reflected in the programme's approach to learning. FTMBA often poses hypothetical scenarios for discussion, EMBA deals with real-time challenges professionals are facing, and GEMBA focuses on reflecting on past decisions in light of actual experiences. Furthermore, as participants progress through the programmes, courses delve deeper into various managerial issues and challenges, aligning with the increasing expertise and maturity of the cohort.

There are different characteristics to the kind of students that are doing a GEMBA. To have a better understanding of the class profile, click here.

The GEMBA programme doesn't have an official ranking yet because it's relatively new. However, with this year (2024) marking its third consecutive successful run, the programme becomes eligible for ranking. It's worth noting that RSM’s Full-Time MBA is currently ranked 61 globally, and the GEMBA programme shares the same faculty and environment.

The existence of three different MBA programmes is primarily driven by the tools, knowledge, and attitude (TKA) required for your current and future roles. Your TKA needs often vary at early, mid, and senior levels. Therefore, we provide you with the appropriate TKA tailored to your current and near-future circumstances.

To make your choice clearer, consider the following guidelines: 

• If you’re in the early stages of your career, say between 3 to 5 years, then consider inquiring about the FTMBA.
• If you're at a mid-career stage, around 5 to 8 years of experience, and you're aiming for or already in a junior managerial role at an operational level, the EMBA is likely the best fit for you.
• If you're at or beyond the senior-career stage with 10 years or more of experience, and your background includes senior managerial responsibilities or you're about to delve into strategic decision-making, then the GEMBA programme is probably your ideal choice.

In any case, reach out to us if you are not clear about your choices, we will gladly help you determine the best possible match.

A GEMBA class is inherently composed of senior individuals. Usually international and intimate, with around 25 – 30 students often including senior decision-makers. Discussions in this setting are primarily centered around broadening leadership, strategic, and global perspectives. Additionally, a GEMBA class is characterised by inspiration, non-technical, highly structured, and a focus on investigating concepts and their practical application. Rather than dwelling on theory endlessly, the emphasis is on understanding and discovering practical applications for the topics discussed.

It's advisable to attend a GEMBA class after completing a preliminary qualification or CV assessment and having a consultation session with the Admissions & Recruitment Manager. This ensures that both parties are confident that you will benefit from attending the class. Reach out to rmaduro@rsm.nl to have a conversation about this.

Absolutely. Our faculty consists of prominent thinkers, researchers, and practitioners in the realm of global business. Their research is regularly featured in top academic journals, and their expertise is frequently sought after by prestigious publications such as the Financial Times and Harvard Business Review, as well as leading newspapers and media outlets worldwide. RSM professors delve into the most pressing and relevant aspects of global management, and their thought leadership significantly influences the decision-making processes of C-suites and boards within some of the world’s foremost business organizations.

No, its not perse only for C-Suite individuals. It’s also tailored to groom individuals who are on a career trajectory towards Senior Leadership and/or the C-suite.

There is no fixed way to calculate an ROI on the GEMBA. It's about the effort you put in, not just the financial or time investment you make. However, there are factors to consider, such as reputation of the programme, your career aspirations, your industry, and how dedicated you are to applying what you learn. Typically, RSM’s GEMBA programme offers a substantial ROI for individuals committed to seizing its opportunities and applying their acquired skills and knowledge to advance their careers. 

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) courses aim to offer you a contextual understanding of business. These courses focus on four distinct sets of concrete strategic challenges commonly encountered by C-suite executives, either presently or in the near future. The GEL structure includes interactive content sessions addressing specific strategic challenges or decisions, guest speakers at the senior level who have dealt with such challenges, company visits, and travel to global hotspots. The GEMBA programme offers four GELs in total.

A GEL spans 5 business days, always from Monday to Friday. Typically, we start our day with morning lectures at our partner university in the designated destination. Following that, we visit companies that are aligned with the corresponding GEL topic.

This year we have selected the following four topics and destinations:

• Leading Digital Transformation: Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
• Leading Entrepreneurship & Venturing: Stockholm, Sweden.
• Leading Corporate Strategy & Development: Washington, USA.
• Leading with impact in Developing and Emerging Countries: Cape Town/Johannes burg, South Africa.

No, remote participation is not possible.

The following items are included: study materials (books, etc.), meals during your residency at the RSM campus, hotel accommodations, transportation, and meals during GELs. Please note that your flight ticket to the GEL destination is not included.

Generally, we do not require standardised tests or assessments. However, we reserve the right to request one if we believe it could enhance your success in the programme.

This year we offer a 5000 Euro early bird reduction for applicants who apply by May 1^st, 2024.

Unfortunately, we are unable to grant transfer of credits.

Please stay tuned for updates on this matter.