Frequently Asked Questions

The Executive MBA programme has been specifically designed to offer a comprehensive and solid understanding of all functional areas of global business. The first year of the programme is structured into two modules, focusing on the development of analytical skills and critical thinking. The following half-year is devoted to leadership issues, allowing students to customise their experience. RSM’s Executive MBA curriculum is continuously adapted and modified to reflect the latest global trends. In terms of elective courses, you can choose up to four in total during Module 2. This is an opportunity to focus on the areas and topics that are most interesting to you and allows for a deep dive into a particular subject if you choose to do so. 

Unfortunately, we do not facilitate credit transfers due to the programme's structure, which heavily incorporates group assignments across courses. Executive MBA students begin their studies at the same time, progress through the curriculum together, and fulfil graduation requirements as a cohesive group. This approach fosters the development of a robust network of peers and lifelong friendships.

Our Career Centre offers comprehensive guidance and support to Executive MBA students throughout their career journey, starting from the inception of the programme and extending beyond graduation. We provide various avenues of career support, including individualised coaching sessions, exclusive job opportunities accessible to RSM students, workshops, company visits, and networking events. Additionally, we facilitate connections with alumni who have successfully transitioned industries or are working within the sectors our students aim to enter.

You will have one study trip in your EMBA, and this takes place during the first module. The study trip is one week long and it will give you the opportunity to expand your understanding of business in a significantly different socio-economic and cultural environment. A typical week abroad consists of lectures, in-class discussions and company visits to gain an in depth view of the local business and social culture. In previous years groups have gone to such diverse locations as Estonia, Iceland, and Dubai.

Executive MBA students typically invest an average of 15-20 hours per week outside of classroom sessions. This time includes individual study hours, assignment work, and collaboration with study group members for group projects. While this figure serves as an average, it may vary depending on the student and the course. Additionally, as you progress through the programme, you'll develop strategies to streamline teamwork, potentially reducing preparation time for group assignments. A general guideline is to allocate three hours of study outside of class for every hour spent in class.

Rankings serve as an initial gauge to identify institutions with global recognition and prominence in business education. While considering rankings, it's crucial to explore various sources (given the abundance available) and understand their specific criteria and weightings, usually accessible publicly. Additionally, assessing accreditations is vital to ensure that targeted schools meet global quality standards set by international accreditation bodies. For a comprehensive list of our rankings, please visit: https://www.rsm.nl/about-rsm/facts-and-figures/rankings/

At RSM, we view the EMBA as a transformative journey. We strive to challenge our students' assumptions, prompting them to reflect on their approaches and consider new perspectives. Through our Personal Leadership Development programme, we assist students in leveraging their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. Employing innovative teaching methods such as in-class exercises, simulations, group work, discussions, case studies, peer reviews, and mentoring, we foster deeper self-awareness and empower students to apply their knowledge practically.

EMBA candidates engage in real-world scenarios, receive feedback on their performance, reassess their actions, and focus on areas for improvement. This process emphasises reflection, exploration, and implementation. We frequently hear from our participants that they begin to encounter more new projects, become involved in strategic initiatives, assume leadership roles, or expand their leadership responsibilities. For some, this translates into career advancement and transition.

If an organisation is offering sponsorship, it indicates their belief in your potential as an employee. Consider broadening the conversation beyond just time and financial support. Can you negotiate opportunities for challenging projects where you can apply your newfound EMBA knowledge? Are there discussions about your potential growth within the company post-EMBA? Is the organisation receptive to your innovative ideas? If you're certain you cannot commit to your company's requirements for sponsorship, you might explore self-funding. However, it's advisable to still discuss your intentions with your employer to gauge their support. Having your company's backing can significantly enrich your EMBA experience. That being said, we do have successful participants who pursue the programme without company sponsorship.

The In-Company Project (ICP) serves as an internal consulting opportunity. Projects can vary widely, addressing specific business challenges within your current responsibilities or exploring new business ideas proposed by your employer. Examples of past projects include IT outsourcing, departmental restructuring, launching a startup venture, or devising new processes for managing customer requests.

The term "MBA" stands for Master of Business Administration, a graduate programme focused on business management that equips individuals with the skills necessary, and fills the knowledge-gap, to succeed in business and management roles. At RSM, our MBA programmes are tailored for professionals who already have several years of work experience, offering them the opportunity to accelerate their careers, make seamless transitions into new roles, industries, or locations, and even achieve a triple-jump in their professional trajectory. Completing an MBA often leads to increased salary prospects and valuable industry connections. Read everything about what an MBA is here.

The cohort typically consists of around 80 students per year, divided into two sections. Each section forms working groups comprising 5-6 professionals. Both the sections and working groups are reorganised every module.