Building your own value: how an EMBA profile can stand out in the executive market

In the competitive executive market, differentiation is not just a matter of qualifications or experience. In collaboration with Alberto Guillion Mangilli and Vittorio Veltroni, consultants at Heidrick & Struggles, a leading company in executive search and leadership advisory, we explore how an EMBA profile can strategically build and communicate its value proposition, transforming skills, experience and networking into concrete levers for professional positioning.

Through this interview, we examine the dynamics that make a value proposition effective, the most relevant networking strategies, and the role that professional recognition plays in the selection process.

What are the distinctive elements that make an effective value proposition for an executive, and how can an EMBA profile build it authentically and strategically and communicate it effectively in the market?

In the executive job market, a solid path like an Executive MBA is a key strategic lever for your professional growth. To fully capitalise on this investment, it’s essential to know how to build and communicate your value clearly and credibly, going beyond titles or job descriptions. The real difference is made by a well-constructed value proposition that is consistent with your career path and what businesses are looking for today.

What networking strategies are most effective for an EMBA graduate who aspires to executive roles?

For an EMBA graduate, the value proposition stems from a combination of distinctive skills, relevant experience and a clear vision of where you want to go. It’s important that it is concrete and credible: we don’t need slogans, we need clear examples of results, of driving change, and of the ability to deal with complexity. Another key element is knowing how to communicate this value in the right contexts – in interviews, in public content and in the relationship with the market.

How can an EMBA graduate enhance their value proposition through networking, turning their network of contacts into a true, professional positioning tool?

Networking for an EMBA graduate can’t just be relational; it must be functional to their professional positioning. When it comes to effective strategies, it's important to participate in industry communities actively and to be part of alumni networks, contribute to working groups, offer mentoring, and share experiences and insights on a regular basis ─ not for the sake of visibility, but so as to be recognised as a valuable partner in your field. Networking isn’t just a means of “getting to know someone,” but can become a tool for giving voice and credibility to your value proposition. If cultivated over time and based on authentic relationships, the network can amplify your professional profile, thanks to word of mouth, spontaneous referrals and opportunities that arise even outside formal processes. 

How important is a candidate's network in an executive search firm’s evaluation process?

For our part, as an executive search company, we do carefully evaluate this aspect as well. The quality of a candidate's professional network is often an indicator of an ability to influence, as well as of their appeal and reputation. In addition to official references, we collect informal feedback and observe how well the candidate is recognised within their ecosystem.