"An entrepreneur tends to bite off more than he can chew, hoping that he will quickly learn how to chew it". So said California State Senator Roy Ash.

While this might be a cheeky way of characterising the daring and determination that make an entrepreneur successful, it reflects some of the characteristics of such an individual.

Who is an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur has the ability to recognize opportunities that others may not, and are equipped with the confidence and ingenuity to tackle them when - or before - they arrive. Entrepreneurs also have a doggedness and discipline that others may not and are not easily deterred by obstacles or challenges.

While the stereotypical image of an entrepreneur is one who successfully sets up their own business, in reality, an entrepreneur is not always self-employed. There are many business roles within organizations that require and/or permit high levels of entrepreneurial skill and abilities.

This innovative quality is an integral part to any successful business, big or small, and an entrepreneur is the person to bring such innovative ideas to life. This requires hard work and a certain level of business skills. It is not surprising then that many an entrepreneur seeks to further his or her skills, knowledge base or business network with an Executive MBA.

EMBAs for entrepreneurs
The terms EMBA and entrepreneur are becoming intrinsically linked. Most business schools which offer an Executive MBA either provide specific entrepreneurship modules, a specialisation track or even a dedicated EMBA program for both budding and existing entrepreneurs.

EMBA students who focus on entrepreneurship have the opportunity to add a new dimension to their business acumen and are able to try out ideas and strategies in a realistic but somewhat controlled and ．safe・ environment during the program. The EMBA also equips the entrepreneurial student with strategies that allow for greater flexibility and a confidence to identify opportunities, find ways to realize them and hone a sense for innovation and ideas.

However, it・s not just the budding entrepreneur who can benefit from an Executive MBA but also those who are already engaged in an entrepreneurial endeavour - whether it be their own start-up or a joint venture. By doing an EMBA, entrepreneurial students not only learn valuable core business skills necessary for the start of a successful business, such as accounting or marketing, and how to put together a good business plan, they also gain valuable credentials that will aid in securing financial backing or winning clients.

The time to study
Any time is a good time for an entrepreneur to embark on an EMBA. For those who are setting out on their entrepreneurial journey, the degree can provide the relevant hard and soft skills to approach entrepreneurship successfully, while bestowing a certain confidence which is important for the realization of new and perhaps daring ventures.

Yet an EMBA could be equally beneficial to the already successful entrepreneur as he or she seeks new grounds, projects or spheres for business endeavours. The opportunity the business school environment also provides to establish and build valuable new contacts and business networks cannot be underestimated for the savvy entrepreneur either.

Furthermore, the degree・s reputation is one that stakeholders will immediately recognize, thus enhancing an entrepreneur・s credibility. This is important for securing finances and trust from a client base and why the degree is becoming of increasing value to entrepreneurs all around the globe.