Executive MBA Program Blog

Shortly after ringing in the new year, we welcomed Online Class 33 to RIT's Online Executive MBA program. During 3 immersive days of orientation, our newest students become more than classmates as they dive into their first courses, team-building activities, and experiential dinners. Our students find this opportunity to connect in person before starting the program as an invaluable way to promote growth, trust, and excitement for the adventure ahead. Students often note how remarkable it is that they arrive to campus as strangers, and leave with the bond of close friends or even family.

But don't just take our word for it; read three students' take on this year's January Orientation experience:

Another once in a lifetime International Trip in the EMBA books! This year, three cohorts and a handful of eager alum set off on an adventure to not only one, but two exciting destinations - Quito, Ecuador and Lima, Peru. These developing Latin American nations proved to be the perfect locations for this year's trip with their abundance of cultural and outdoor activities, and growing business landscapes.

The International Trip takes place in a new location each year, but the focus remains the same: immerse students in the international business world and local culture, connect each team with a company for the international consulting project, and solidify the bonds that students have built throughout the program.

Read below to find out what made Quito, Ecuador and Lima, Peru such an outstanding trip!

Orientation Experience: I feel seen. That is the biggest difference with RIT’s EMBA program

Written by Alex Sunseri, Online EMBA student:

From the warm and personal welcome from Sr. Admissions Officer, Annie Capella during the information gathering process, to the wholesome review and discussion with Program Director, Jeff Davis on where I have been and want to go - I have felt fully seen. That is truly rare in our fast paced digital world.

The personal approach matched with relevant course work, group learning based approach, expedited schedule and top EMBA school rankings made RIT a very easy choice.

I was still overcome with fear, anxiety and anticipation in the lead-up to orientation. That fear very quickly melted away as I joined my fellow cohortians for breakfast at 7:00 AM on the first day. Pleasantries and standard professional introductions initially took place. It was quickly realized that most people there were experiencing a bit of imposter syndrome and I was not alone.

Twice a year, RIT hosts an immersive EMBA Orientation experience on campus. For 3 full days, our newest cohorts bond with their classmates through teambuilding and dinner events, dive into their first courses, and jumpstart their EMBA experience. In August we welcome both an online and on campus cohort, and in January we have an additional online start. We hear time and again, especially from our online students, that this opportunity to connect in person before starting the program is an invaluable way to promote growth, trust, and excitement across the cohort. Students often note how remarkable it is that they arrive to campus as strangers, and leave with the bond of close friends or even family.

But don't just take our word for it; read below to hear from three students who are hot off the press from this year's January Orientation experience:

Each year, three EMBA cohorts embark on a 10 day journey together to a new country to learn about the international business climate first hand from industry leaders. This year's trip was one for the record books, with a total of 52 travelers including On Campus Class 28, Online Classes 28 & 29, and a group of EMBA alum who couldn't wait to experience the trip after being unable to travel in 2020 due to COVID restrictions.

Although each trip takes place in a new location each year, the focus remains the same: immerse students in the international business world and local culture, connect each team with a company for the international consulting project, and solidify the bonds that students have built throughout the program.

Panama proved to be the perfect location for this year's trip. Students learned about international finance, global supply chain, and various other local industries through business visits to the Panama Canal, Colon Free Trade Zone, and Panama Pacifico to name a few. They enjoyed unique cultural experiences like touring the Embera Village and meeting its indigenous people, cheering on Panama and the USA during the world cup qualifying match, and ziplining through the rainforest. They bonded with their teammates, cohorts, other classes and alumni over rooftop dinners and karaoke. 

These stories are best told from the students who experienced it all themselves; read below to hear from six students who left Panama with stories to tell:

Executive MBA Orientation

For three action packed days, our newest cohort made up of both Online and On Campus students met face to face to kick-off their Executive MBA experience.

Orientation is so much more than a simple meet and greet. Students learn the ins and outs of the program that lies ahead, but their experience goes far beyond that. They participate in multiple team building events including an escape room designed just for them. They receive their team assignments and begin work on the contract that will be the glue that holds their team together throughout the entirety of the program. They take an entire 1-credit Ethics course. They wine and dine, and continue to solidity their bonds into the evenings. Hear about the transformational experience first hand from three of our newest Executive MBA students who started their journeys earlier this month.