[akg_67]

Based on my own experience in EMBA program and then finally dropping out 2/3rd of the way. I also know several people who have gone to top-rated EMBA program and have good idea of their results before and after EMBA program.

Goal ---- If you are interested in entrepreneurship/startup, EMBA is not worth a penny. You are better of taking the EMBA fee, spending some on buying a few book focused on starting a company and investing the rest in your startup. But if you are corporate type in large organization, the EMBA degree might help you get up the ladder.

To give an example, couple of my classmates decided that they wanted to build a business based on the idea and business plan they developed in the entrepreneurship class. After finishing MBA program, they invited me to join the dinner to discuss about getting started with their idea and next steps. They were interested in bringing me on the team. The outcome of the meeting was they wanted to rewrite the business plan document already written during the program. That's when I knew these guys will never start the business and declined to join them. And, they never did start! They wanted to plan first. They kept planning and strategizing and never executed.

Knowledge --------- If you are the type who can self-learn and don't need external stimulation/kick in the behind to get started, you can learn on your own what you need in business. EMBA program will actually be drag on your learning. These programs are much more appropriate for people who need to be fed information in small bite-size chunks.

Majority of the information I received during my time in EMBA program was something that I already knew and/or rarely have used. But couple of my fellow classmates have really benefited from the structured way of delivery of information, the basic business knowledge program provides and training on developing framework/process to evaluate and address issues.

Networking ----------- Over-rated. Majority of EMBA students are mid-career level and corporate type either trying to move into management or move up the management chain with limited future upside potential. The homogeneity of the type of students makes networking with them not as rewarding to both parties because everyone in the same boat. In addition, with family and job pressures, you/they are least likely to go out of the way to respond/help/meet after the program.

[hyperliner]

So why did you quit?

or better, why did you enroll?

[akg_67]

>Why did you enroll?

In hindsight, it was a mistake. I should have listened to one 'lone' dissent voice from a Wharton EMBA graduate who had said that I most probably be disappointed with the program if I am expecting to meet intellectually smart people, interested in learning, interested in startups/business growth and that program will impart any "significantly" new business knowledge or insights.

>Why did you quit?

Finally, I realized that by quitting, I can save enough money by not paying rest of the tuition and put it toward my business. Previously, I kept going because I kept getting convinced from classmates and other EMBA acquaintance that things will get better but by 2/3rd of the way I pretty much figured if things haven't improved by now they never will.

I believe I had mis-impression of what program will offer and how it may help my career and things I want to do. A better job by the programs of selling and poor judgement on my part to buy most things I heard.