- Pre-Module: Remote study before the residential session. The objective of pre-module learning is to make sure that all participants have at least a passing familiarity with concepts to be discussed during the residential session.
- Residential Session: Intensive learning in a classroom environment. Residential sessions are predominantly case-based, but also feature lectures, guest speakers, company visits and activities. They include on average four classes per day.
- Distributed Learning: Remote study that complements academic content, visits and lectures imparted during residential sessions. Participants connect via a technological platform called the Global Campus to discuss cases, take tests and exams, submit projects and work with their teams. Distributed learning requires approximately 15 to 20 hours of study time per week.
Teams comprise 5 to 7 members and are carefully assembled to ensure a rich diversity of cultural, functional and sectorial backgrounds.
The entire GEMBA experience is designed to foster a stimulating exchange of ideas, experiences and viewpoints, so we you also have numerous opportunities to interact with other teams, classmates and faculty members.
- Minimum of 10 years of work experience, with relevant managerial experience
- An accredited university degree or its equivalent (in exceptional cases, demonstrated professional competence will suffice)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Steady career progression
- Solid analytical skills
- Ambition and drive
- 2 Letters of Recommendation. These can be submitted with the online application. However, for your convenience, we can send you a separate Letter of Recommendation form, on request. This is a Word document, which can be forwarded to your referees immediately for easy completion. Upon completion, the Letter of Recommendation form should be sent directly to the IESE Global Executive MBA Admissions Department. The contents of your recommendation letters will remain confidential.
The letters of recommendation are an important tool for us to learn more about your professional development and capabilities at work. For this reason, the first letter of recommendation should come directly from your employer or director supervisor. The second letter of recommendation can be obtained from someone else who has worked with you (colleague, client, etc.) who can testify to your professional capabilities and development in a working environment. Letters of recommendation from friends, acquaintances or relatives are not accepted. - University Transcripts. University transcripts should be sent to us in an envelope sealed by the university. Transcripts should reflect coursework, results and degree awarded. Certified translations are required for transcripts in a language other than English. If a transcript is unobtainable, a notarized copy can be sent.
- Letter of Company Support. Your employer should indicate that it understands the time commitment and travel necessary to complete the program. Your company should also indicate whether it is prepared to provide some financial support in order for you to take on the program; if such sponsorship details are not finalized at the time of submission of the letter of company support, these can be provided later.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation. These can be submitted with the online application. However, for your convenience, we can send you a separate Letter of Recommendation form, on request. This is a Word document, which can be forwarded to your referees immediately for easy completion. Upon completion, the Letter of Recommendation form should be sent directly to the IESE Global Executive MBA Admissions Department. The contents of your recommendation letters will remain confidential.
While the letter of company support is not essential before your admissions interview, it must be submitted at least a month before the beginning of the program, in order for you to be able to receive your pre-module materials and start the program. We can provide you with a sample letter of company support upon request.
- 1 digital photograph or passport-sized photograph
- GMAT. The Admissions Committee considers a number of criteria when making the decision to admit a participant to the program, with the GMAT being just one of these. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) measures language, quantitative and writing skills. It provides an independent and objective measure of your skill level to help us assess whether you have the basic ability to keep up with the rigors of the program. For information on where to take the GMAT, visit: www.mba.com. The GMAT is waived if a candidate has more than 15 years of experience, however, in exceptional cases, the Admissions Committee might still request it.
- English Language Test. Fluency in written and spoken English is an absolute necessity; therefore an English language test is required for all candidates who are not native English speakers. The requirement may be waived for those with a minimum of 2 years professional experience in an English-speaking country. We accept the following English proficiency tests:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 600 on the paper-based test (more information: www.toefl.org).
- TOEIC: Minimum score of 950 (more information: www.toeic.org) Cambridge Certificate or proficiency in English: Level A or B (more information: www.cambridge-efl.org).
Please speak with your Admissions Mentor about the advisability of requesting an English Language Test waiver.
Participants are responsible for their own internet access while they are physically away from the campus.
If you needed to miss an individual class, this would have to be pre-arranged with the professor and a member of the program management team. Should circumstances force you to miss a residential session, you may discuss with the program management team the possibility of deferral to the following year.
- Weekly Format: This Executive MBA format which historically has only been offered in Madrid is now being offered on the Barcelona campus. Classes take place on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. There are also three intensive residential weeks during the first year and two during the second.
- Biweekly format: Offered exclusively on the Madrid campus, there are classes all day on Friday and in the morning on Saturday. Additionally, there are 7 intensive 1-week modules.
The Executive MBA requires a minimum of 5 years work experience, fluency in Spanish, and the ability to commit to weekly or biweekly class presence.
In contrast, the Global Executive MBA has a modular format, with residential sessions held in Barcelona, New York, Silicon Valley and Shanghai + 2 out of 4 elective modules. The program is taught entirely in English. With at least 10 years professional experience, the Global Executive MBA participants generally have a more senior profile and must, in addition, have an international component to their responsibilities.
An MBA is probably one of the most important investments you will make, and we encourage you to do your research thoroughly. Besides consulting our brochures and websites, you can attend our events, and speak to as many people as possible about the program to get different perspectives. We highly recommend:
- Informational interviews. These are individual meetings with the admissions mentors to address your informational needs regarding the program. They can usually be scheduled before or after our events around the world.
- Residential Module visits. During all our residential modules, these visits are individually arranged, in which you can witness a class, enjoy a presentation about the program and interact with participants and professors over lunch.
- Alumni contact. Let us know if you’d like to get in touch with alumni of the program. They are a good source of insights!
- Admissions mentors. They are on hand to guide you along your decision process. Feel free to contact them anytime. To sign up, visit: globalexecutivemba.iese.edu/events/.