Return on Investment
Ask any graduate of the Vanderbilt Executive MBA program about the value of the experience and you’ll hear a common theme: the return on investment is substantial, with immediate and sustainable benefits for the individual and for the company.You benefit.
Organizational credibility
Regardless of whether or not they receive corporate funding for this program, our Executive MBA students find that they’ve earned higher standing in the workplace, resulting in frequent invitations to contribute to organizational initiatives and functions in new, meaningful ways.Recognition by those at the top
Sponsoring organizations that expect quick payback on their investment are generally aggressive about giving their student employees new challenges and opportunities. However, the program is designed to give all students—even those who are not sponsored—stretch assignments that will catch the attention of the management team and benefit the company in new ways. And, a Personal Capstone Project will encourage dialogue with executives at work.Career and salary growth
Many of our students recoup their educational investment before or shortly after graduation. For example, despite the worst economy in years, only one year into the program 26 percent of the Executive MBA Class of 2012 reported a salary increase, well above the standard cost-of-living adjustment for their companies. And 56 percent of the Executive MBA Class of 2011 received a promotion or greater management responsibility before graduation.Self-awareness and confidence
Students acquire knowledge, skills and a huge sense of accomplishment during the intensive two-year Executive MBA program. Graduates cite a dramatic increase in their time management skills as well as their self-confidence and the knowledge that they have the capabilities to set and achieve aggressive personal and organizational goals.Your organization benefits.
Immediate solutions to pressing issues
Executive MBA students are expected to contribute to both the classroom experience and their company from day one and are evaluated on their potential during the admissions process. As a result, from day one, Vanderbilt Executive MBA students are able and encouraged to apply classroom and project learning to real-time issues and opportunities at the office. Along with their own insight, they bring the best practices of their accomplished peers and distinguished Vanderbilt faculty.
An increase in the bottom line
Critical theories coupled with practical and provocative discussions prompt students to question “business as usual.” This questioning—when focused on a company’s cost structure, sales and marketing strategies and manufacturing processes—often results in million-dollar benefits to the bottom line.
Long-term loyalty of prized employees
Companies that sponsor all or part of their executive students’ tuition also gain ROI in the form of long-term loyalty. In a recent class, 33 percent of students were completely sponsored; the average sponsorship was about 40 percent of the total cost. The expected payback for their employers' investment is projected at just 24 months.
Additionally, studies have shown that graduates of the Vanderbilt MBA program for executives remain loyal to their current employers, regardless of level of sponsorship. If not through tuition, companies tend to reward these employees at a level that motivates loyalty.
Greater bench strength
Vanderbilt Executive MBAs—both as students and as graduates—offer new ideas and perspectives, new talents and vast resources in the way of access to Vanderbilt faculty, a strong alumni base and the databases and support services of a world-class business library.
Josh Anthony
Executive MBA 2009
VP, Global Nutrition and Health
Campbell Soup Company
In industry, people are often associated with their functional role. I am very proud of my accomplishments in R&D, but one of my goals was to be sufficiently versed across disciplines so that I can contribute across functional boundaries. The knowledge gained at Vanderbilt has afforded me new opportunities to partner cross-functionally, meet business challenges and grow my career in new directions.
Nancy Abbott
Executive MBA 1991
Vice President, Human Resources
GE Commercial Finance
The program prepared me to transfer to new functions by broadening my skills in areas where I had gaps and broadening my perspective in general. I also built confidence that I could take on tough, new challenges and succeed. The Executive MBA was a good investment for my company and a great one for me.
Uri Clinton
Executive MBA 2007
Senior VP and General Counsel
Baha Mar, Ltd.
Within six months of graduating from the Vanderbilt Executive MBA program, I was promoted from Senior Attorney to Vice President of Legal Affairs, with a substantial increase in responsibility. Ten months later, I accepted a position as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of a publicly traded company. That rapid career growth would not have been possible without my MBA from Vanderbilt.
Alan Applonie
Executive MBA 2008
Chief Operating Officer
Taylor Prepared Foods, Deli Division
During my first partial year at Taylor Farms Pacific, we increased earnings 152 percent pre-tax, which I think shocked the board of directors. They sent in a team of financial auditors to check and re-check the results. One incentive project alone, spawned by the teachings of Professor Luke Froeb, netted a $1.2 million improvement in direct labor costs, positively affecting our bottom line as profit. I have decided that the Vanderbilt program is not expensive, but engaging in business without it is.
Paul Frankenberg
Executive MBA 2003
Founder and CEO
FOCUS Search Partners
You come to Vanderbilt with the foundation to be successful and you are provided with the tools to achieve a high level of success, and a global community from which to develop and shape your world. I track marketing activities relative to my firm’s revenues and can firmly attest to more than 32 percent of our total revenues, since inception, coming through or from Vanderbilt alumni.
