EMBA showcase touts advantages for women who pursue Kellogg degree

Scholarship and culture on display during September info session at the James L. Allen Center

With its variety of offerings, Kellogg is the place for women to pursue an executive MBA education. That was a message presented to those attending a September information session at the James L. Allen Center in Evanston.

About 125 people, including many prospective executive students, joined Kellogg EMBA alumni, staff and faculty for Executive Women's Evening, an event that combined academic insights with a showcase for the school's various offerings designed to meet the needs of experienced professionals seeking to advance to senior levels in their organizations.

The evening provided a glimpse into the Kellogg School's culture and academic life, with presentations by Assistant Dean and Director of Executive Education Julie Cisek Jones and Professor Leigh Thompson.  

Jones detailed the opportunities at Kellogg, including the school's Executive MBA Program, a two-year degree offering. In addition, she outlined the advantages of the nondegree Kellogg Management Institute's 9-month curriculum for those not seeking an actual MBA degree but who desire "the essence of the MBA experience." Jones also noted the value of the Kellogg Renaissance Program, a curriculum designed for MBA graduates who understand the importance of updating their management education and leadership skills to meet contemporary market challenges.

The evening's academic portion featured Thompson, the J. Jay Gerber Distinguished Professor of Dispute Resolution and Organizations. A psychologist by training and an expert in negotiation and teamwork, Thompson discussed the role of "emotional intelligence," explaining its importance and ways to improve this capacity.

Thompson's presentation raised several key points, including how decision makers traditionally were discouraged from showing emotion, as if doing so were a weakness. Today, the enlightened view holds that emotions are adaptive, functional and help organize cognitive activity, said Thompson. — MG

Prospective students seeking more information about Kellogg School EMBA opportunities may visit the program Web site at kellogg.northwestern.edu/emba or phone 847.467.7000.