Why get a Master degree in Business?

Increase your earning power

Salaries earned by MBA graduates significantly outpace those of other professions and those of undergraduates. According to the "Global MBA Survey 2002" of the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) a typical MBA program graduate earns 56% more after obtaining an MBA.

Advance Your Career

Whether you are a real estate agent, a pharmacist, an engineer or a lawyer, a graduate business degree can prepare you to move into a managerial position within your field or to start your own business.

Change Your Career

If your current career path is a less-than-perfect fit for your aptitudes and interests, an MBA can give you the opportunity to explore a wider array of options and train you to change careers entirely if needed.

Get Paid Training (and then get a raise, too)

As today's marketplace evolves and becomes increasingly complex, many employers are choosing to balance the need to retain good employees with the need to fill managerial positions with candidates possessing advanced-level knowledge and skills. To do this they subsidize and even outright pay the costs for selected high-potential employees to attend a business school.

Start Your Own Business

Interested in starting your own business, but not sure you have the necessary expertise? An MBA can prepare you to do everything from writing a business plan to obtaining capital to manage a business. Research has shown that the failure rate for small businesses started by MBA graduates is about 50% lower than the average failure rate.

Develop Technical Expertise and Business Savvy, Quickly

Can you advance to a managerial position or launch your own business without the benefit of an MBA degree? Sure. You can certainly learn a lot through on-the-job training, and employers certainly value work experience. But an MBA program will put you on the fast-track to career advancement by offering you the chance to develop a wide range of general business knowledge and a broad base of technical skills in a relatively short period of time, as opposed to the years of trial-and-error that tend to characterize knowledge and skills learned on-the-job.

Become a Leader in a Marketable Field

Various "niche" Master programs, such as the MSc in Finance or the MSc in Business Management give you not only a firm grounding on the fundamentals and innovative in-depth training in specialized areas that differentiate you from the crowd, but also offer unique skills to handle particular situations, such as the management of a family business.

Gain Access to a Valuable Network

Networking is a key benefit. Teaching methods at ALBA&ACT encourage and develop teamwork, and over the course of a program you will develop important relationships that can serve you well throughout your business career. Moreover, you will be able to tap the network of alumni employed across a wide range of companies in positions of influence; this is something that is not only useful for job search but also for mentoring and professional contacts.

Enjoy Greater Job Security

MBA graduates are sought after in any job market and their credentials have global appeal. An MBA degree can give you the opportunities you need to advance in the business world.

Why should I choose a Graduate Business Program offered by ALBA & ACT?

The ALBA&ACT Programs combine the educational experience, high quality and international recognition of ALBA Graduate Business School and ACT (The American College of Thessaloniki). The university division of Anatolia, a non profit educational institution with over 120 years of experience, is an American university accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and ALBA, also a non-profit educational organization, operates under the auspices of the Federation of Greek Industries, the Hellenic Management Association and the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its graduate business programs are accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). Participants in the ALBA&ACT Programs are exposed to a unique educational experience since they attend courses taught by internationally renowned professors with distinguished research records and remarkable “real-life” business experience. The courses themselves incorporate the latest trends in business education, balance effectively both theory and practice, and are taught through innovative 1 teaching techniques in world-class facilities at ACT. The learning experience is further enhanced by the diverse nature of the participants themselves. Finally, upon graduation, participants enjoy remarkable professional advancement through exposure to an array of job opportunities, as well as access to an expansive business network comprised of alumni and sponsor companies in Greece, Southeast Europe, etc. All in all, graduating from an ALBA&ACT program becomes that springboard for a successful career in business.

What is the international recognition and accreditation of the two Schools?

Both ALBA and ACT are committed to rigorous scholarship in both research and teaching. The institutions’ accreditation by two of the most demanding and highly respected international accrediting organizations attests to this commitment. All graduate degree programs offered by ALBA are accredited by The Association of MBAs (AMBA), which was established in 1967 and is the advocate for MBA education, whereas ACT is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE). Founded in 1885, the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. (NEASC), is the oldest regional accrediting association in the U.S. Both AMBA and NEASC accreditation boards are very rigorous and demanding in the accreditation process they follow. This evaluation process depends on the quality of the offered courses, the research and teaching record of the faculty that teaches these courses, the supporting environment of the Program participants, such as libraries and computer labs, the relationships and recognition of the educational institutions by the international business community, the quality and professional advancement of the graduates of the Programs and finally the ties the institutions maintain with the business community. It’s worthwhile to note that for the last 30 years AMBA has accredited only 137 Schools that offer MBA Programs worldwide, while NEASC has accredited some of the most renowned universities and colleges in the U.S. such as Harvard, Yale, ΜΙΤ, Brown, etc.

Does ALBA&ACT provide support its graduates in finding a job?

Both ALBA and ACT have very active Career & Alumni Relations offices that effectively support program participants while in the program and throughout their careers. In other words, once a member of the family, always a member of the family. Not only do the schools maintain strong ties with the business community but the network of alumni itself is a tremendous resource. It's not surprising that the large majority of the graduates of the two Schools find jobs within three months of graduation.

Which Program offered by ALBA&ACT is the most appropriate for me?

ALBA&ACT currently offers three graduate business Programs: The Executive MBA (EMBA), the MSc in Finance and the MSc in Business Management. The EMBA is directed towards the educational needs of working executives with several years of professional experience. The Program is very selective and aimed at successful executives who wish to advance beyond a certain division or functional area of responsibility and move to more strategically oriented general management positions. The Program helps students to develop strategic managerial skills and a global perspective for their company, industry and the marketplace. To achieve the objectives of the Program, it is important for students to have several years of working experience at a managerial level. The MSc in Business Management is suitable for recent university graduates or professionals who need to develop broad business management skills to help them start or run a business. Those currently practicing a profession (Pharmacists, Architects, Lawyers, etc.) who want to develop a business perspective for establishing or running their offices and those who own or manage a family or small/medium sized business will find this program particularly beneficial. The MSc in Finance is most suitable for recent university graduates or professionals who wish to pursue a targeted career in finance and develop in-depth expertise on the subject. The Program is highly quantitative as it prepares participants to pursue professional advancement through the ranks of financial managers, portfolio managers, financial managers, etc.

What is the difference between the EMBA and the MSc in Business Management?

The EMBA Program is suitable for executives with some professional experience who need to have a holistic understanding of the interrelations among the various divisions and functional areas of a complex business enterprise in order to make informed strategic decisions. In contrast, the MSc in Business Management is a better choice for recent university graduates or working professionals who need to develop the fundamental managerial skills and broad understanding of the various functions (e.g. marketing, accounting, human resource management, etc.) involved in running a small or medium sized business, including dealing with the particular challenges of running a family business. 2

My family owns a business which I will be called upon to head one day. Which ALBA&ACT Program is suitable for me?

The MSc in Business Management program is tailored to this need. The Program helps students to develop the fundamental business management skills and also gives emphasis (through certain elective courses) on dealing with the unique issues faced within family businesses (from financing and ownership issues to human resource challenges).

I don't want an academic degree but would like to take a series of courses in a subject that's particularly important to me. Does ALBA&ACT offer non-degree Executive Education Programs and seminars?

Both ALBA and ACT maintain strong ties with the business community and thus understand the training needs of companies and their business executives. As a result, ALBA&ACT offer executive training Programs (non-degree) that are custom-tailored to the needs of the specific companies and business executives. Both institutions have long experience in executive education and have developed Programs for companies such as Abbot Laboratories, Carrefour, DEH, EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Ernst&Young, Frigoglass, Larco, Motor Oil, Novo Nordisk, Philip Morris, Shell, Viohalco, Vodafone, etc. Interested individuals may also take advantage of 'course-packs' or certificate programs offered as part of the regular degree curricula.

Who teaches in the ALBA&ACT Programs?

Courses in the ALBA&ACT Programs are taught by ALBA and ACT professors, as well as professors that are invited from top Universities such as the Boston College, the London Business School, INSEAD, University of Miami, Washington University, etc. ALBA&ACT faculty are distinguished academics and highly experienced practitioners that teach or have taught at leading international business schools in Europe, the U.S. and Greece. Most combine extensive teaching, research and consulting experience and a strong publication record in top-ranking academic journals with practical business experience in their respective areas of expertise. This practical experience brings added credibility to the classroom, enriching the learning experience. (You may visit http://www.act.edu/alba_act/index.jsp?newsType=AA6 for details and profiles of program faculty)

What are the tuition fees to attend an ALBA&ACT Program?

Both ALBA and ACT are not-for-profit educational institutions. This means that the tuition fees to attend any of the ALBA&ACT Programs cover pretty much the expenses that occur for the Schools in offering the Programs. At the same time, the long experience ALBA and ACT have in business education, the international recognition of the two institutions and their strong ties with the business community guarantee a successful career of the ALBA&ACT Program graduates that represents the best 'return-on-investment' business education proposition in the market. The tuition for the ALBA&ACT Executive MBA is €16,500, including all the books and notes of the course.

I don't think I can afford the cost of the program. Is there a possibility for a student loan or scholarship?

ALBA&ACT search for the most outstanding individuals who demonstrate the highest potential and who can make a difference, irrespective of their financial status. Both Schools, therefore, are committed to helping Program participants finance their studies. Applicants may apply for scholarships and/or financial aid, once accepted in the program. In addition, for students requiring support in self-funding their studies, ALBA&ACT can help them secure student loans with favorable terms, as part of special agreements with major banks.

Where are the classes of the ALBA&ACT Programs being held?

The classes of the ALBA&ACT Programs are being held in the state-of-the-art facilities of ACT's campus, in Pilea, Thessaloniki.

I am a working professional with a very busy schedule. Can I really attend one of the ALBA&ACT Programs?

The long experience of ALBA&ACT in business education dictates a basic principle in offering graduate business Programs: 'Adjusting to the learning needs of the Program participants'. We recognize that businessmen have busy and unpredictable schedules and may travel a lot. Therefore, ALBA&ACT programs are scheduled at times and dates when program participants can easily attend classes and 3 thus gain the most from the educational experience. For example, all courses in the EMBA Program are offered strictly on weekends and courses in the MSc and MBA programs are scheduled on evenings during the week and on weekends.

How many courses do I have to take and how often do classes meet?

Students of the EMBA Program normally take two courses per term (i.e. 2 months long) for a total of 56 class hours, meeting four weekends (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) during each term (i.e. every other weekend) for 24 months (except during summer holidays on July-August). Participants that attend either the MSc in Finance or the MSc in Business Management also take two courses per term (for a total of 56 hours class hours), meeting twice per week (usually on evenings or weekends) for approximately 12 months. However, a fundamental dimension of the teaching philosophy at ALBA&ACT is to maximize the learning and educational experience of the Program participants. As such, participants can adjust the number of courses they take according to their professional needs and responsibilities by taking fewer or more courses per term whenever possible.

Which educational institution grants the degrees of the ALBA&ACT Programs?

The degree is jointly issued by both ALBA and ACT.

What are the benefits for being an ALBA&ACT Alumnus?

Graduating from one of the ALBA&ACT Programs you automatically become a member of two very strong alumni networks, those of ALBA and ACT (as well as Anatolia). Besides the fact that these networks are very well established in the business community and can assist you with a job search with a very wide geographical reach, networking, mentoring, and professional contacts overall, they also organize social events as well as lectures, seminars and high profile events on which their members have priority in participating (For more information please visit http://www.alba.edu.gr/alumni/, or http://www.act.edu/alumni.jsp). 4