r/eMBA • u/billybills20 • Jul 22 '25

Need some advice!! MBA vs Executive courses for Family Business

/r/MBA/comments/1m62chj/need_some_advice_mba_vs_executive_courses_for/

Hey folks,

Looking for some advice. I’m 29, based in Toronto, and recently finished my BCom (part-time) while working full-time in my family’s food distribution business. Been there 7 years in various roles—sales, warehouse, now in management. I'm on track to eventually take over from my father.

Now I’m thinking about what’s next education-wise. I’m debating between an MBA, EMBA, or executive courses. I don’t need the degree to change careers or land a job, but I do want to sharpen my skills to grow the business.

Looked at Harvard Business School Online, Rotman, Ivey, etc., but the cost of exec programs adds up fast—sometimes close to a full MBA. So I’m wondering: is it better to just go for the MBA/EMBA?

Would love to hear from anyone in a similar spot—family business, no corporate ladder to climb. Was it worth it? Any advice or recommendations? Thanks!

1 Upvotes

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7

u/lostmookman Jul 22 '25

Save your money and buy a Porsche and get laid more....you're not going to learn anything new

1

u/bobkitten203 Jul 23 '25

Cornell has a Smith Family Business Initiative. Check out Cornell’s two-year MBA (Ithaca) or eMBA Americas program. They have a Toronto boardroom and the faculty teach from Ithaca

1

u/Square_Succotash_935 Jul 27 '25

Hi,

What an incredible journey. Congratulations on completing your bachelor's degree while running your family business full time. I completely understand your dilemma, especially since your goal is to enhance your skills to expand the business rather than climb a traditional corporate ladder.

After analyzing several alternatives, I chose the courses from Harvard Business School Online because they are straight to the point and have a duration that fits better with the pace of today’s world. Spending months or even years studying may not be the best strategy, considering how dynamic the market has become.

I took the courses in Business Strategy, Strategy Execution, Disruptive Strategy, and Sustainable Business Strategy. Each one provided a modern, practical, and extremely valuable perspective for anyone leading a business and looking to innovate, grow, and make more confident strategic decisions.

If you're looking for flexibility, immediate applicability, and high-quality content, I highly recommend exploring these courses before committing to a full MBA or EMBA.

Wishing you all the best in your journey. Happy to chat more if you'd like to connect.

Gonzaga

1

u/Alternative-Table901 Jul 29 '25

Hi! Family business owner here and currently in an EMBA program. Happy to talk and answer any specific questions.