Some degrees are universal — no matter where you go in the world, the applications and results essentially stay the same.

But when it comes to ever-evolving industries like finance, retail, technology, or healthcare, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it.

During your career, you’ll encounter different cultures, mindsets, processes, and mannerisms from around the world.

The best way to prepare for a global experience is to earn your executive MBA in a program that’s centered on diversity.

Why It’s Crucial to Get Your Executive MBA From a Diverse Program

Executive education programs that bring together participants from all races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and religions provide students with the hands-on experience they need.

Not only do these programs offer opportunities to learn information and applications you might not otherwise have exposure to, but they also help you restructure how you approach tasks and relationships.

Teaming up with people from different backgrounds will broaden your horizons, allowing you to recognize different ways of thinking or viewing subject matters. Diverse cohorts provide perspectives and real-world comparisons you wouldn’t have the opportunity to explore with a group of peers with similar backgrounds.

This exposure will give you a competitive edge once you graduate — you’ll be better equipped to handle cultural differences in the workplace and you’ll be more innovative, flexible, curious, and resourceful, making you a more effective business leader.

Furthermore, connecting with a broad range of individuals widens your opportunities for networking in the future. After graduation, you’ll have an expansive alumni network to turn to for advice, business opportunities, or partnerships.

---

Which business schools earn top marks for providing a global experience?

---

5 Executive Education Programs With the Most Diverse Cohorts

 

1.  The INSEAD Global Executive MBA

Ranked number one for global experience, the INSEAD Global Executive MBA program is the perfect option for those interested in a diverse, expansive experience.

The program features module-style courses that take place in either Asia, Europe, or the Middle East over a 14- to 17-month period.

The 2019 class profile featured some impressive statistics, with an 80% range in age and 60 nationalities represented. Of those nationalities, 36% were from Asia-Pacific regions, while 32% were from Europe and 25% were from the Middle East and Africa. The current alumni pool includes more than 58,000 people, located in 176 different countries across the globe.

 

2.  EMBA-Global Americas and Europe

This well-regarded program was ranked number one for prestige and number two for career advancement and global experience. The EMBA-Global Americas and Europe is a joint program between Columbia University and the London Business School. It features a 94% rate for diversity in regard to nationalities, as well as the option to attend classes in either New York or London over a 20-month period.

A typical class profile from this program includes representation from 36 countries and 61 cities. Cohorts come from all types of business backgrounds, including finance, manufacturing, consulting, retail, marketing, IT, and energy or engineering, with titles ranging from general manager to business developer.

 

3. LBS Executive Education Programmes

 With 83% of its class represented by international students, as well as over 100 faculty members from different countries, the LBS Executive Education program is ideal for those seeking an array of hands-on, comprehensive instruction. This school implements diverse approaches in everything from their locations (such as Dubai) to their curriculum, offerings focuses like women in leadership and global business strategies.

 

4.  London Business School Executive MBA

Ranked number six in the world for global experience, the London Business School Executive MBA program offers a diversified opportunity for students to engage with a range of cohorts. About 81% of entrants are international, with backgrounds in finance, oil, construction, and telecommunication. The program takes place in either London or Dubai over the course of 20 months.

 

The London class profile brings together cohorts of all experience levels, from six to 25 years in the workforce. On average, each cohort has 35 nationalities represented, including 30% from Europe, 12% from the Middle East, 6% from the Oceania regions, and 26% from the United Kingdom.

The Dubai class profile includes cohorts with experience ranging from five to 25 years in the workforce. About 22 nationalities are represented, with 26% coming from Asia, 40% from the Middle East, 12% from Africa, 17% from Europe, and 5% from the United States.

 

5.  The Cornell Executive MBA Americas

For those seeking a more flexible education path, the Cornell Executive MBA Americas program is ideal. With courses typically occurring on weekends for a 17-month period, this option provides the perfect opportunity to further your career with a diverse group of cohorts while continuing to advance in your current position. Students gain access to industry leaders at Cornell University and Queen’s University while staying close to home. The Cornell Executive MBA Americas offers the prestige and academic rigor of an ivy league education with the convenience of 10+ locations in North and South America, including cohorts in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. There are also three residential sessions, which provide opportunities for all students to meet in person for 7 to 15 days.

Over half of the cohorts at this school are international, with degrees ranging from the government and public sector to utilities. The large class sizes offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in unique perspectives, ideas, and methods. And with an office purely focused on ensuring the diversification and inclusion of its program, the Cornell Executive MBA Americas guarantees a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn.

---

Learn more about executive education by visiting the 2019 Best Executive MBA Programs ranking by Ivy Exec members

---

Investing in an executive MBA program that prioritizes diversity is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your values — not only as a business leader, but as a world citizen.

With so many qualified options to choose from, all you have to do is decide which executive education program best suits your needs.