An executive MBA is a specialized MBA program, designed for professionals who are already into a line of profession and have amassed sufficient experience by holding management responsibilities. This type of course gives a good leeway to participants of the program so that they can easily assume work along with studies. The professionals remain employed in their jobs and can apply their learning judiciously in real life situations at work. The participants of an executive education program bring to the table their extensive experience and help enrich the learning experience of their fellow classmates. There is immense peer learning in such programs.

Another advantage of the extensive work experience of the participants is that they can help build contacts and official associates for their study group and benefit from mutual connections. The average age of a class in such programs is generally towards the higher side. The executive education courses are different from correspondence and distance learning programs as in the case of executive programs students attend classes and work on projects as a group. It is important to consider the following factors in order to draw maximum benefits out of the executive program you choose.

First and foremost, considering the educational background is a must. The educational background of the participants of an executive program varies immensely. However, if a person has earned a bachelor's degree in the same field, it is always beneficial. In case of executive MBA programs especially, the participants come from a diverse range of domains. From engineering to law to medicine, the executive MBA class is a mixed bag having candidates from different fields.

Another factor to be taken note of is the current employment status of the candidate and the policies of the workplace. An Executive MBA program fetches maximum benefit if the participant continues working while assuming course and keeps applying the knowledge in a dynamic work environment. In order to achieve this, the person's work place and organization must be accommodating enough to allow some leeway and make it convenient for the person to pursue the course while working. Unless the person is self employed, it is required that the person gets enough support from his / her employer.

A good Executive MBA candidate is motivated from within and is ready to take on challenges. He is not a whiner and does not intend on complaining about tight schedules. He takes things in his stride and keeps in mind that his efforts in the present will pave his way to a brighter future.