Best Advice For Executive MBAs … From Top 2025 Graduates

Trust the Process.

That’s a coach’s rallying cry for young and inexperienced teams. It is a reminder to be patient – to listen and learn – and focus on living in the moment and improving each day. In the process, teams will regularly fall short. Sometimes, they’ll wonder if they are even making progress. In the end, Trust the Process means never losing sight of the outcome…or faith in teammates. It is a commitment to grinding it out, never doubting the formula will ultimately work.

There is a process to adjusting to business school, particularly for older learners. There are the weekend commutes and midnight readings, punishing workloads and family emergencies. And there is the discomfort that comes with being student – and being an amateur wrestling with the unfamiliar. The Executive MBA process comes with fatigue, guilt, and doubt. With every class, students gain confidence. They master that intricate valuation method enough to tutor a classmate or apply that inventory framework that minimizes deadstock on the job. Over time, they adopt a routine that fits them because they know the process eventually works. Just ask Neeraj Govil, a 2025 graduate of the National University of Singapore.

‘DON’T HOLD BACK’

“Some days you’ll feel on top of the world; other days, you’ll wonder if your brain has left the building,” explains Govil, Marriott International’s COO for the Asia-Pacific region. “That’s normal. Every case, every debate, every last-minute submission is quietly stretching you in ways you won’t fully appreciate until later — kind of like going to the gym, you won’t see the value right away, but over time it will be worth it.”

To get the full return, says Jillian Pascoe, professionals should adopt a gym mentality. That means embracing what’s potentially embarrassing or even agonizing.

“Do it! Then don’t hold back,” urges the May graduate of Michigan State’s Broad College. “Say yes to the things that intimidate you the most, speak up even when you’re unsure, and lean on your cohort, as they will become one of your greatest sources of support and strength. Simply put, the more you put in, the more transformation you’ll experience.”

In fact, Amélie Lyon, an ESCP Business School EMBA, advises prospective MBA students to enroll before they think they’re ready. Even more, Lyon reminds them never to underestimate the people they might meet in business school.

“They may just become your co-founders, or lifelong friends. The diploma is just the beginning.”

What other advice could prospective and current EMBA students receive from graduates? This year, as part of Poets&Quants’ Best & Brightest Executive MBAs of 2025 story, we asked 68 graduates from 58 of the highest-ranked EMBA programs to share their advice on how to make the best of their business school experience. Here are the 10 best pieces of advice from the Class of 2025.

1) Come In Knowing What You Want Out of an EMBA: “It’s not enough to have a nebulous sense of wanting to learn and build networks to get the most out of this kind of opportunity. You must enter it with a clear set of learning objectives and personal goals. If you know why you are there, you will gravitate to people who are best equipped to help you, and you’ll ask them the right questions.
Fabien Dumont, CEIBS

“My primary advice is to deeply understand your “why” for pursuing an MBA and identify the community where you will thrive. Returning to school while advancing your career presents significant challenges, demanding effective management of competing priorities and commitments. Your “why” will serve as your anchor during challenging moments, reminding you of the value of your sacrifices. While top business schools may offer similar career outcomes, their cultures and on-campus opportunities differ significantly. For me, I sought a fully immersive on-campus experience, one that went beyond just classes and networking, encompassing campus life, sports, and robust leadership development. Understanding your personal “why” and the community that best aligns with your goals is crucial in making the right choice, with a community of amazing people supporting you every step of the way.”
Jonathan Jean-Pierre, Duke University (Fuqua)

2) …But Don’t Get Too Fixated on the Outcome: “Approach it with an open mind rather than fixed expectations about specific outcomes. The most valuable aspects of an Executive MBA —unexpected insights, serendipitous connections, and personal growth—often come from areas you didn’t anticipate. Be genuinely curious about your classmates’ diverse backgrounds and experiences, as they’ll teach you as much as the professors.

Fully immerse yourself in the experience. An Executive MBA is truly transformational, but only if you’re willing to be vulnerable, challenge your assumptions, and embrace the journey with both an open mind and heart. If you let it, an Executive MBA will not only grow your career, it will grow your character and deepen your understanding of what success truly means.”
Duygu Gozeler Porchet, University of Oxford (Saïd)

3) Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: “Go to every class with an open mind so you can learn new perspectives. Take classes outside of your comfort zone so you can be exposed to new ideas. Listen to your classmates’ responses during class discussions so you can broaden your understanding.”
Yamicha Stephenson, Columbia Business School

4) Get Loved Ones and Friends on Board: “There will likely be weekends where you can’t go to that fun dinner or you’ll miss a family event. You’ll feel conflicted about why you’re willingly subjecting yourself to this. Having your friends and family firmly in your corner will be immensely helpful when you need that external support to push through. And it will help lighten the load when they are understanding during those times that you need to prioritize schoolwork.”
Katie Anderson, Arizona State (W. P. Carey)

5) Accept There’s No Perfect Time to Start: “If you are waiting for the ideal moment to begin, it may never come. The important thing is to make a decision, commit to it, and trust that you will find a way to make it work by being solution-oriented, flexible, and open to adjusting along the way. “
Lisa Dalik, Wharton School

6) Never Lose Sight of What Matters: “Everyone’s journey is unique, and the MBA offers more than you can absorb in two years. The key is to focus on what matters most to you. Prioritize wisely—whether it’s leadership development, understanding concepts, or networking—and lean into those areas. You cannot do it all, so make deliberate choices that align with your professional and personal goals. Three essential pillars for success are creating value, Teamwork, and communicating effectively. To thrive in an executive MBA program, focus on three key principles:

1. 1. Be great at what you do.
   2. Be passionate about what you do.
   3. Teamwork, Teamwork, Teamwork.”

Prateek Singh, Cornell University (Johnson)

“The Executive MBA is an intense and fast-paced journey—it flies by before you know it. To truly make the most of it, you need to be intentional with your time and presence. One of the most rewarding aspects for me was being fully present during class—listening actively, engaging in discussion, and leaning into debate. Blocking out work obligations during class hours was key to immersing myself in the learning.

The coursework—cases, simulations, group projects—is thoughtfully designed and reflects real-world challenges. Take the time to reflect and apply what you learn. Rotman’s faculty are incredibly supportive and understand the demands of balancing work, life, and study. So don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek flexibility when needed. Most importantly, lean into peer learning. Be open, be curious, and be willing to be vulnerable. For example, I experimented with more expressive presentation styles for our Capstone project, something well outside my comfort zone. The encouragement and feedback I received from my peers helped build not only my confidence but also a new dimension to how I communicate.”
Mahtab Soin, University of Toronto (Rotman)

7) Go All In: “The time in school is temporary, and it GOES FAST. Participate in social events, professional events, and anything and everything you possibly can while in school. Develop relationships and truly commit to this moment in time, where you get to be in school again.”
Ashley Landay, Cornell University (Johnson)

8) Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself: “Remember to give yourself grace. By the nature of the program, you  are already an established working professional. There will be a constant push-pull of competing priorities. You will not be able to do all things at 100 percent. You will have to prioritize, remember your non-negotiables, and strategically assert your energy. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
Karen Pfister, University of Virginia (Darden)

9) Be a Solid Study Group Partner: “When life throws curveballs—like it did for me—having a dependable team you can lean on, and who can lean on you, is essential. It’s all about transparency and accountability, hold yourself to a high standard and be there for others.”
Todd Wetmore, University of Texas (McCombs)

“Prioritize Your Study Team. Your team can be one of the most crucial success factors in the program. Make it a habit to meet at least weekly, come prepared and on time, and communicate openly and frequently. The relationships you build in this environment will not only support you academically — they’ll become one of the most valuable aspects of your MBA experience.”
Patrick Garvey, Rice University (Jones)

10) Make Everything in School about Your Work: “Evaluate your current issues as if they were cases: you have a group of classmates who could really help you see your problems from another perspective. Use them!”
Eduardo Paredes, IE Brown

DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST EXECUTIVE MBAs: CLASS OF 2025

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