I wish I could do it again: It was a special time in my life and career. The class of 2003 became extremely close and shared great chemistry. The relationships and teamwork that resulted are irreplaceable. I do realize now that other top 10 programs perhaps afford more professional networking opportunities but UIUC is addressing this need and so UIUC remains my top choice.--Sales
The program was not flawless, but very close to being flawless.--Accounting
Bad experience with study group, would look for an independent program. Would also not attend an extension campus.--Engineering
The staff, professors and students make this program a powerful learning experience.--Finance
I live in the State of Illinois and have the opportunity to choose among several
high reputation schools for an Executive MBA. The University of Illinois is the best value, best-kept secret in regards to EMBA programs in the Midwest. --Operations
[Faculty strengths/weaknesses?] Most had very good exposure to businesses via consulting and their own businesses. All of them were very open and supportive. They were very flexible to support busy professionals. --Marketing
Professors in the EMBA program are among the best in the University. They enjoy the challenge of teaching professionals because it allows them to learn as well. The professors who could bring real-life work experience into their teaching were the best. There was one professor who was a good teacher in every way but one. He was technically challenged (didn't use e-mail) which made communication between student and teacher difficult.
One of the strengths of the rest of the staff was their accessibility and willingness to spend time with students outside of class, sometimes even advising students regarding projects at work.--Sales
[Faculty strengths/weaknesses?] Strength: Ability to correlate theory with practice. Weakness: Too much emphasis on theory.--Information Technology
[Improvements?] More class time to increase dialogue between the executives relative to the given topic. Time is the premium.--Sales
The day-to-day experience was good. The staff handled our needs when we required assistance.--Marketing
[Improvements?] The biggest challenge was the fact that part of the class was remote, viewing a video connection. This sometimes made class discussion and interaction a little challenging. However, putting lectures on video was a big bonus from the perspective that they could be viewed remotely if traveling or could be reviewed a second or third time to clarify a point.
Next year's program will all be in one site, but the video portion will be maintained for the extra benefit provided.--Sales
[Improvements?] Career services to generate job interviews. I lost my job while I was at the program and I did not receive any support from the MBA program to generate additional contacts and interviews.--Strategy
Looking back, I thought that the University did an excellent job with the program. Courses were well balanced each semester so that workload away from class was manageable. I had a 3-hour commute to and from class each week. Luckily, I was able to carpool with another employee and use this time for review of concepts and completion of the homework. However, some of the professors weren't considerate of this commute in planning of class activities.
As for further improvement, I feel that the program needs to be more stringent in terms of the level of talent accepted into the program. I also feel that there is a need to introduce new instructors to the program, as the ability level of teaching and industry experience of some of the instructors could be improved.--Project Management
[Improvements?] I can't really think of any. I was very satisfied with the whole program.--Manufacturing
The classroom experience was very good. Our class had a very good mix of students that added to the experience.--Marketing
[Improvements?] A bit more focus on leadership techniques and theories would have been useful. On the other hand, an EMBA program expects that the students are already in leadership positions and have leadership experience.--Manufacturing
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