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Excelling as an Executive

Male student and female student sit together at laptop

Denis Jordao and Fernanda Turco, both from General Motors, are building high-level leadership skills and strengthening their business knowledge in Oakland’s weekend Executive MBA program. Photo credit Garret MacLean

icon of a calendarAugust 5, 2019

icon of a pencilBy Michael Silverstein

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With a laser focus on leadership and professional development combined with a curriculum that covers executive-level business functions and global understanding, the revamped Oakland University Executive MBA (OU EMBA) is designed for experienced professionals with clinical, technical, or engineering expertise. In less than two years of alternating weekend classes,

OU EMBA students graduate with the skills, credentials and confidence to lead in a dynamic global business environment.

“The Oakland EMBA is for working professionals already in or aspiring to leadership roles,”
says Donna Free, EMBA faculty director. “Our EMBA students learn with experienced colleagues whose professional and personal diversity adds valuable perspectives to classroom discussion and projects.”

The 21-month cohort program meets Friday afternoons and Saturdays on alternate weekends. The all-inclusive EMBA tuition includes assistance registering for classes, books and meals delivered in class, and the full schedule set at the start of the program.

“The majority of our EMBA students are mid-career executives preparing for senior management or executives enhancing their business and leadership skills,” adds Free. The average Oakland EMBA student has 15 years’ professional experience; and 62 percent hold advanced clinical or technical degrees.

With dual bachelor’s degrees in engineering and law and proven global product development experience and cross-functional team leadership, OU EMBA student Denis Jordao, GM senior
product engineer, knows an MBA is essential to fuel his career trajectory.

“Learning alongside experienced, high-potential professionals in a cohort model enhances the business and leadership curriculum,” he says. “Discussing concepts with classmates from
different industries, countries and roles brings the concepts to life,” adds Jordao. “The emphasis on case studies and real-world situations means I’m able to apply what I learn the next day.”

The program’s focus on leadership and career development piqued Fernanda Turco’s interest. While seeking to deepen her business education and experience, she recognized that strong
leadership skills deliver the power to boost careers.

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