Experiential learning in MBA programs is a major feature that students look for. Last month, I co-presented at the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) conference in Panama City, Panama on how VCU’s EMBA program plans and deploys experiential learning for students.
As a prospective MBA student considering a part-time or weekend program, you should ask about the type and quality of experiential learning activities. Here is the slide I talked about highlighting the types of experiential learning.
From a student perspective, you will want to know which are team versus individual and whether they are graded or a participation exercise(e.g., the Ropes Course). Also, are they faculty-led or is it a vendor(e.g. a software simulation) managed activity? Is this done in person or via a remote technology (Zoom) modality?
Here is the list of experiential learning activities at Virginia Commonwealth University’s EMBA programs that I manage.
I will describe two of these activities, Scott’s Addition tour and the international trip. Scott’s Addition is a historic area in Richmond Virginia that was formerly industrial and is now mixed use that includes light industrial manufacturing, commercial offices, breweries, distilleries, and high-density housing. At the start of their fourth semester, EMBA students have had courses in the core MBA subjects and are preparing for their capstone project. Students leave campus after breakfast by bus for Scott’s Addition. During the day they will meet with 3-5 organizations’ C-level leaders. They will hear about the organization, their challenges, and a very cool Q&A session. Management faculty curate the trip and attend all the meetings. After a long day, we returned to campus.
The international trip is part of the FMBA 607 Global Challenges course and is a faculty-led trip. You can read about my trip posts from the 2024 trip to Chile and Argentina here. Each year, the faculty selects a destination and defines an academic theme. When we went to England & Ireland in 2023, the theme was Brexit. In Chile & Argentina, the theme was sustainability. For 2025, VCU will be going to Denmark and France with a theme of consumer spending in the entertainment and luxury goods industries. We are planning a visit to the Lego HQ outside of Copenhagen and meetings with luxury brands in Paris. Each day students will participate in a cultural event or business meetings. The faculty has defined both team and individual assignments.
As you consider part-time or weekend MBA programs, be sure to ask about their experiential learning activities. They can provide a wonderful learning alternative to traditional class lectures.
I co-presented with Dr. Jana McQuaid, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success at VCU’s School of Business.