Executive Programs and Career Advancement

The academic programs carried out at graduate-level business schools worldwide for executives, business leaders and functional managers are termed as Executive Programs. Executive programs are basically certification programs and are generally non-credit and non-degree-granting programs. There are two types of executive programs-

1.    Customized executive programs:

The customized executive programs represent the fastest growing segment of the market as these programs are structured and offered to executives of a single company. These programs help an organization increase management capability and develop new knowledge, skills and attitude, by combining the science of business and performance management into specialized programs.

2.    Short executive education programs:

Short executive education programs focus on specific roles or industries, or on improving specific leadership skills, such as persuasion, negotiation, teambuilding or communication.

Career advancement using executive mindset:

•    Focus on your current job responsibilities:

A deep focus should be made on the current job responsibilities that are allocated by the organization. You should exceed current job expectations to get promoted, so focusing on current job responsibilities is necessary.

•    Think independently & look for ways to contribute:

Working in the organization using executive mindset will help you to think independently and contribute into the organization by all possible ways. You should always try to do something extra than what you are asked for. You need to contribute your ideas in the organization and be aware of the most important problems facing your organization, recognize the opportunity and determine a solution.

•    Find ways to say yes:

You should always be ready to take new responsibilities and find time to do extra tasks when you are asked for. You should not respond in a negative manner whenever anyone asks you for other task. Saying yes will develop a strong relationship and demonstrate your ability to deliver, your dependability and your commitment to the success of the project.

•    Learn:

You should always try to learn something new in whatever you are doing, no matter what it is. You should always try to grasp knowledge, information, relationships and new challenges- as you never know when you will need it.

•    Find something that you are passionate about:

Executive mindset leads you to excel to the opportunities that you have been offered, but if you are not passionate about your career, you will have to struggle for it. Find the field that excites you and grow your expertise in those areas in which you want to excel. You should develop your interest in the areas you like to and then grow your expertise in those areas.

•    Build relationships:

Building a career using executive mindset assists you on building new relations in your organization. There is no need to just do your work and leave from the office. You should be able to build new relationships, especially with senior colleagues, who may help you in advancing your career. They can help you by connecting you with the new opportunities that align with your interest.  Secondly, you can observe your seniors while behaving with the clients and colleagues and try to learn from them by emulating the good and eliminating the bad.

•    Take ownership of your career:

You should research in your field of interest and learn about various career path options and professional growth opportunities available to you. You will not be guided by anyone in getting better career opportunities unless and until you try to mould your career as you want.

Author’s Bio: This post is written by Wilson who regularly delivers seminars on Executive Programs and Executive Careers. After doing research on the topic, he wrote some general guidelines on career advancements.