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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
1. When does the next cohort begin? What is the application deadline?
2. Where are classes held in Geneva? How about the international field seminar modules?
3. Will I need to take the GMAT?
4. What is the typical demographic of the Executive MBA in Europe?
5. What makes the Thunderbird Executive MBA unique?
6. What are Thunderbird’s other connections and activities in the region?
7. Where in Europe are Thunderbird alumni?
Answers
1. When does the next cohort begin? What is the application deadline?
Answer. The next Executive MBA-Europe cohort will start in late-August 2010. Executive MBA applications will be accepted through June 1, 2010, after which time we will consider applications on a space-available basis. Provided that your online application form with essays and CV is submitted by June 1, and your documents are in process, admissions interviews (by phone or in person, once your application file is complete) may be conducted into early summer.
Complete an online information request form to receive further information about the program and our upcoming informational events.
2. Where will classes be held in Geneva? What about during the international field seminar modules?
Answer. The program is delivered in a series of one-week modules. The majority are held in Geneva at either the Conference Center Varembe (CCV), near the United Nations, or at our partner institution's Villa Barton campus on Lake Geenva. Both locations, within a 10-minute walk of each other, are easily accessible to city center hotels and restaurants. The international field seminar modules are held in various locations each term. Click here for more on the Executive MBA "global experience."
3. Will I need to take the GMAT?
Answer. The GMAT is not required of our Executive MBA applicants. However, each candidate will have three interviews with Thunderbird professors (in person or by phone). Feel free to reach out to us any time with questions about your own background, both academic and professional, to see if your profile matches our typical candidate credentials. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education (recognized in its own nation), along with applicable, progressive and relevant professional experience (8+ years), is typically the minimum for consideration.
4. What is the typical demographic of the Executive MBA in Europe?
Answer. The cohort composition is a mix of participants who travel primarily from Europe and the Middle East for the modular program. Candidates typically have more than 10 years of professional work experience (minimum at about eight years), with a few years of experience in management (managing people or major projects).
Thunderbird is committed to creating a diverse student community (gender and nationality) in each cohort. The average age is typically 37-38 and there are usually a dozen or more countries represented by the students. The cohort represents a wide spectrum of industries and global organizations.
In addition to the Executive MBA-Europe cohort, there are several shared learning opportunities (cross-cohort courses) with the Executive MBA-United States program, which draws its own international diversity from across the US. This expands your global network and provides additional learning exposure to real-time trends across industries.
5. What makes the Thunderbird Executive MBA unique?
Answer. The entire Thunderbird institution is dedicated to one task: educating global business leaders. Our vision and approach varies from other major b-schools in that Thunderbird's course sequence includes both a typical business program as well as international studies. While most US b-schools have partnerships with other b-schools in Europe, Thunderbird's partner is a school renowned for Global Economics, International Development, Political Science, etc., and has a history of developing leaders across the humanitarian fields. This complements the typical b-school approach.
The Thunderbird curriculum includes both best global practices from traditional disciplines as well as a comprehensive look at the global business environment (region by region), the interdependence of governments, economic trends and cultural influences. The program is designed to be highly practical, where skills and concepts taught can be directly applied to your work immediately following each module. This enhances your performance and helps your organization achieve its objectives.
Thunderbird provides unparalleled exposure to global thought leaders and best practices on global implications for your business, industry and career. The program is delivered by an elite group of Thunderbird faculty, who rotate through Europe for the modules. Thunderbird is also recognized among top institutions in Executive Education - and many of the same professors who teach in the Executive MBA also teach customized solutions for major companies worldwide, bringing that expertise back to the classroom.
The rigor of Thunderbird's curriculum yields long-term dividends for both individuals and their employers, and is evidenced by consistent high rankings from alumni and the corporate community in media publications.
6. What are Thunderbird’s other connections and activities in the region?
Answer. In addition to the Executive MBA-Europe program, Geneva serves as headquarters for our Corporate Learning division across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Thunderbird Europe" has extensive outreach to the corporate community, with clients from various sectors (banking, oil and gas, pharmaceutical), providing customized executive training programs which bring Thunderbird faculty on location as needed.
Thunderbird Europe also hosts other MBA student groups from the Arizona campus on short-term courses in various European destinations each year. We also serve as a link to thousands of alumni living and working in Europe.
7. Where in Europe are Thunderbird alumni?
Answer. Thunderbird has over 40,000 alumni in more than 140 countries around the world! Most T-birds seek global positions that place them outside of their home region - either on assignments or in their regular projects and travel.
Most major cities in Europe, from London to Moscow, Amsterdam to Geneva, have active alumni chapter leaders who host regular events in their area and maintain relations with the main campus in Arizona.
All applicants to the program are put in contact with alumni in their region or industry as part of the application process. Alumni chapter leaders host monthly receptions in dozens of major cities worldwide as part of our Thunderbird alumni networking community.
If you're seriously considering the Executive MBA and wish to speak with an Executive MBA alumni ambassador, we encourage you to reach out to us and we'll connect you to someone nearby, or in a similar industry.