2005 GRADUATE COMMENTS
The University of Chicago put together a fantastic program, conducted simultaneously on three continents (Asia, Europe, and the U.S.). The international content, networking, and quality of instruction in all three locations was phenomenal. Each campus had reasonably frequent interaction with the other campuses. Some professors taught at all three campuses to ensure consistency and quality of services delivered. The students had three formal times in the program to meet and countless student- generated opportunities for interaction.--Marketing
The EMBA program at University of Chicago is like no other. The cohort structure allows classmates to build strong business networks and the international component expands those networks throughout Europe and Asia. This is not a "watered down" MBA program, it is as competitive as it is collegial. As one of the oldest EMBA programs in existence, its reputation has been built over time and is the result of its exceptional faculty and graduates.--Other
On the first day of orientation, students from the Barcelona and Singapore campuses were blended in with the Chicago students to form three international groups (one-third from each campus). As people went around the room introducing themselves, they would say they were from Shanghai, or Jakarta, or Moscow, or Milan, or Cleveland, or Seattle: I knew then that I was about to embark on an incredible adventure. The relationships I made with the students from my home campus, coupled with the opportunity to meet other classmates from all over the world and to study with them in Singapore and Barcelona, made for an experience that was transformative in every possible way.--Strategy
The instructors were clearly experts in their respective fields. I could see that the professors coordinated with each other to ensure logical ties between classes pertaining to economic, investment, management, and finance theories and practices. Bottom line: the professors were not teaching in silos. A number of the professors had worked in non-academic positions, which provided "real world" instruction. Two adjunct professors held leadership positions within the Federal Reserve. I found the professors teaching a couple of the soft skill leadership classes to be only average and the material within their courses should be made more challenging. These were isolated cases for me.--Other
[Faculty strengths/weaknesses?] They were the leading experts in their fields and brought much practical real-world experience to the classroom so that many were able to learn and immediately put into practice at the office. This is a quantitative program, and if you're not prepared for it, you could struggle a lot in the beginning.--Strategy
[Improvements?] The dynamics of the all-day classes could have benefited from more of the multimedia and interactive technologies now being used in business today.--Marketing
[Improvements?] Greater access or same access as full-time MBA students to career services, career fairs, recruiters, etc.--Other
Overall, I was satisfied with the curriculum, the faculty, and the facility. If the program were less challenging, then I feel the bonds that we have as a class would not be as strong.--Other
Even though Chicago is known for being quant heaven, and that was an important factor in my choosing to study there, the benefits of having done so are not entirely quantitative. Yes, I am making more money and have more responsibility, and those things are important. But I also made friendships that I believe will last my lifetime. I studied with classmates who were from all over the world and whose life experiences were incredibly diverse. I studied in a supportive and open environment, and I learned skills that will not just help me in my profession but also in my life. The entire experience was transformative, and not a day goes by when I am not grateful for what I learned and for the friendships I made. My Chicago EMBA experience was absolutely spectacular.--Strategy
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