Dear all,
hello!

I am in the process of choosing a post-grad Executive program from the leading universities in Europe.
I have short-listed:
IESE - PMD program (https://www.iese.edu/executive-education/program-management-development/)
INSEAD - https://www.insead.edu/executive-education/general-management/transition-general-management
IMD - https://www.imd.org/management/tbl/business-leadership-training/

I am also considering:
Singularity university - https://www.su.org/executive-program/
WHU and Oxford Said for some specific courses.

Having originally considered an eMBA, I am leaning towards shorter programs as I have only 2024 to dedicate to this.
A few words about myself - I already have an MBA and over 16 years of experience, incl. 8 in corporate marketing and business development.

Objectives for me are to prepare for the next career step in a new organization.
I would like the executive program to give me a boost in terms of latest know-how as well as to enjoy the company & network with some talented people (hence not an online, but in-person or blended program). Additional services such as coaching are certainly being seen as a benefit of each program.
As I am based in Germany, it's important that the program combines strong international reputation with relevance for the German/ DACH market.

I'd really appreciate your feedback, advice on this.

Many thanks in advance.

Since you are in Germany, the obvious choice might be ESMT. It has one-year options that lead to a postgraduate diploma in management and, in the Zuegniss-madness of Germany, that helps. https://esmt.berlin/execed/open-programs/postgraduate-diploma-management
IMD also has a few diploma options.
- https://www.imd.org/digital-excellence-diploma/
- https://www.imd.org/governance/diplomas/overview/

Hello Duncan,
I've had an issue with my browser - couldn't reply sooner.

Thanks a lot for your feedback.
I saw your earlier post in one of the threads that you'd generally recommend IMD over ESMT due to a much stronger name.
Would you say this is still the case?

If the Zeugnissmania was less of my concern, which of the executive programs would you strongly reccomend?
IMD, IESE, INSEAD, LBS?

Thanks a million.

Since you are in Germany, the obvious choice might be ESMT. It has one-year options that lead to a postgraduate diploma in management and, in the Zuegniss-madness of Germany, that helps. https://esmt.berlin/execed/open-programs/postgraduate-diploma-management
IMD also has a few diploma options.
- https://www.imd.org/digital-excellence-diploma/
- https://www.imd.org/governance/diplomas/overview/

I went though a similar process and ended up looking at the IMD BPSE, ESMT ETP and INSEAD's flagship blended programme, Lead the Future. Similar investments and all alumni status. I chose Insead because of start dates and more alumni in my target EU markets. If you don't see a big difference in content value then which school has the best network?

I went though a similar process and ended up looking at the IMD BPSE, ESMT ETP and INSEAD's flagship blended programme, Lead the Future. Similar investments and all alumni status. I chose Insead because of start dates and more alumni in my target EU markets. If you don't see a big difference in content value then which school has the best network?

The IESE PMD stands out as much more comprehensive.

The IESE PMD stands out as much more comprehensive.

Yes, the IMD program is the better option for strategy and execution. the AMP is really a senior leadership program, and it lacks the sort of general management toolkit you get in FBL. However, I don't anymore see anything about the PED leading to the EMBA. Hasn't Future Leaders replaced that pathway?

I just spoke to an admissions advisor at IMD. So, things have changed now that IMD has accreditation as a Swiss university. Previously the PED was the first two modules of the IMD EMBA. Now you take FBL and either go into the EMBA AMC course or into TBL (and thus complete PED, which now leads to a certificate rather than a diploma). TBL no longer counts against the EMBA.

[Edited by Duncan on Feb 14, 2024]

Hello Duncan,
many thanks for your insight and help.

It is true about TBL being separate from the EMBA, whilst FBL could be (along with a couple of other programs). I am actually considering to go for the FBL sometime soon.

I did complete the TBL in May and am happy to share my experiences, if this could be of value for you and/or someone on the Find MBA board.

Please, let me know if you have any interest and/or specific questions.

Wishing you a great week ahead,
Egor

I just spoke to an admissions advisor at IMD. So, things have changed now that IMD has accreditation as a Swiss university. Previously the PED was the first two modules of the IMD EMBA. Now you take FBL and either go into the EMBA AMC course or into TBL (and thus complete PED, which now leads to a certificate rather than a diploma). TBL no longer counts against the EMBA.