Graduates always offer key knowledge about the EMBA experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask a few simple questions of Gael Peron, Kedge Global MBA graduate in 2011 who is currently living and working in the United States. Here’s the advice and helpful information Gael has to share with those targeting an Executive MBA.
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K: What objectives should an EMBA candidate have?
G.P.: I think the most important objective a candidate should have is to know what to do with his MBA moving forward. In other words, what are they looking to get out of it? Is it for a promotion? Is it to change industry? The answers to these questions will help them tailor their curriculum and achieve their goals.
K: Why is the EMBA experience a great time to focus on personal/professional development?
G.P.: The MBA allows you to compare experience. It pulls you away from your “bubble” and opens your horizons. You’ll be getting out of your comfort zone and be challenged in many ways.
K: How can an EMBA candidate best position him/herself for success during the MBA experience?
G.P.: I think it is important to understand the level of work and the time it requires. Most importantly, it is a great time to experiment outside the office.
K: What are examples of successful goals/objectives?
G.P.: The MBA is really meant to allow you to become a generalist. It teaches you to have an holistic approach that many functional managers lack to access the next level.
K: What are some common “danger areas” for EMBA’s during their MBA experience?
G.P.: Going through an MBA is time consuming and most of the candidates have a job and a family. Your family should be aware of the time it is going to take and you should be comfortable with not spending as much time with them as you’d wish. Same with work.
K: What factors can “side-track” a participant while doing their MBA?
G.P.: I began the MBA and noticed a close colleague getting distracted at some point with work. It’s up to the individual to determine which one comes first, but I think it is important to have that personal discipline once you commit to it. Set priorities!
K: What can a candidate do, prior to starting the MBA, to increase their chances of success?
G.P.: There are many books and articles to read. I would encourage anyone to get familiar with fast reading techniques.
K: In 20 words or less, what advice would you give an EMBA participant?
G.P.: Just do it. Commit and be ready for a transformational experience.
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Gaël Péron joined Charter Medical in late 2010 and was appointed General Manager in 2014. As General Manager, he has been focused on improving the Company’s overall performance and profitability, including the development of the bioprocessing and cell therapy customer portfolio. Prior to joining Charter, Mr. Péron held various management positions in Sales and Marketing at companies supplying the biopharmaceutical industry. Mr. Péron holds a MS in Biotechnology Engineering from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Technologie des Biomolécules de Bordeaux and an MBA from the Kedge Business School.
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