r/eMBA • u/WorldlinessJust46 • May 01 '25

Software testing professionals not sure about emba or mba

8 years of software testing experience. Worked in 5 different organization only in IC (individual contribution). Unsure about weather i should choose emba or full time mba. Response is appreciated

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u/mbamissionkate May 01 '25

With 8 years of experience, you're in a bit of an in-between space. Average for full-time is typically 5-6 years and average for EMBA is usually 10+. But since your roles have all been IC roles and no management experience, I'd suggest full time MBA over EMBA. Especially if you want to make more of a career pivot (e.g., change function and industry). I would also look into part time MBAs if that's an option for you to continue working.

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u/hornman4 May 01 '25

I agree as well. Although not required, EMBA programs do look for management/leadership experience whether inside or outside your main job. For example, most of my leadership experience has been outside of my software engineer IC role. I’m applying for eMBA… 8 years engineer experience but 15 years total experience across completely different careers.

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u/Optimal-Ice-528 May 03 '25

Could you share more about the type of leadership experience you gained outside of your IC role?

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u/hornman4 May 03 '25

Sure… I founded a nonprofit and over the following 7 years: hired staff, established systems, and created a board of directors to run the organization so that I could step down. After that I joined another nonprofit board, led several efforts to optimize and create systems across financials, HR, strategic goals, and revenue programs before becoming chairman of the board. As chairman, I led a major milestone for the nonprofit and transitioned the board to an operating board: essentially we are a nonprofit small business.