Shake hands. Exchange business cards. The traditional take on networking may not result in the lasting and significant connections that really make a difference for business leaders.

EMBA students, though, enter their programs with two important networking forces on their side. First, they move through their EMBA Programs with the same group of students, working with them side-by-side, which forms a network of much deeper connections. Second, the students in that network are already highly successful business leaders from diverse industries, which increases available talent and expertise in the network.

EMBA Programs also support ongoing networking from the very start of the program, during orientation when students first meet each other and begin to form teams. The program continues to encourage student bonding in both academic and social ways throughout the program, which results in strong peer learning and continued relationships.

As a result of these bonds, EMBA students often form lifelong friendships and make connections with business leaders that can help advance their careers and that they can continue to tap throughout their careers. Students frequently say that the network is one of the most valuable aspects of the program. Networking takes place in small and large ways, and occurs countless times during the program and after the program as well.