Executive Education Trends 2020

The nature of executive education is changing rapidly. It’s no secret that it is becoming more global and newer subject matter is being introduced constantly.

Read: Executive Education Trends 2023

Executive Education Trends 2020

According to Andrew Crisp, founder of education research company CarringtonCrisp, the potential market for business schools is vast, but the market for learning and development is evolving rapidly. No longer is it dominated by classroom learning or executive retreats, but instead, digital is to the fore with everything from microcredentials to digital badges to stackable certificates.
*Source: The Financial Times Limited June 2019 Article – How business schools compete in a disrupted market

Here’s a look at what the executive education trends 2020 and onward will be.

Technology and innovation

Not only does this mean that there is more technology and innovation in the method of teaching but also in the curriculum. As modes of learning become more digital, technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, internet of things, blockchain, data analytics etc. are becoming more popular. While, determining potential in professionals technology will help identify who is a better prospect, who is in the position to advance, what type of training will benefit whom, etc.

Leadership and soft skills

The leadership skills required in the present market is so vastly different from what was expected of leaders a decade ago. It is also now understood that even employees who are not in leadership positions benefit from leadership skills as well as soft skills. Employees with multiple areas of knowledge instead of a focus on one. Leadership training is the answer and is quickly gaining popularity among young managers and companies looking to train new managers.

Multi-modular learning

More and more millennials hold managerial positions now than ever before. Considering the nature of millennials, they are more invested in upskilling and learning experiences than the generations before them. And the way they consume material is not like the generations before them either. While they do increasingly want the convenience of learning digitally at any time of their choosing, they also value shared experiences with their peers. This has prompted multiple multi-module programs that allow for classroom as well as online modules. Digital modules include live online sessions and webinars that give the feeling of a class but from miles away. This format of having alternate classroom and online modules not only allows for convenience, especially for senior professionals, but it also allows for participants to implement what is learned in class during the online periods and discuss it during classroom periods. This further allows for a better and more thorough learning experience.

Personalized content

We’ve already established that technology is increasingly becoming a standard feature in the dissemination of learning material. With that, content is also set to become hyper-personalized for every individual. With AI-supported systems, professionals will receive targeted information based on their likes, dislikes, career choices, goals, personality, etc. Already, executive education addresses professional’s existing work scenarios individually to solve complex problems or deal with unusual situations to give a more practical learning experience.

Upskilling

Regardless of the industry, it is becoming more and more critical for employees to have more than one skill. One must increasingly be fluent in digital skills, communication skills, and soft skills, among others. Multiple processes that used to be manual are almost entirely digital now. The demand and requirement from an employee has changed and morphed over the years, alot of which was not existent in traditional education. They are now expected to be able to multitask and manage a variety of responsibilities. This is also going to be a focus in executive education this year.

Employee engagement

It’s no secret that what is taught in a classroom is different than what is experienced in a real life situation. Executive education programs are increasingly becoming more focused on aligning with the experiences of employees to make sure what is learned in the classroom translates well in the real world. So programs are becoming less theory-led and more practical. Case studies or hypothetical situations are presented to the attendees to understand the process of solving common problems better. Industry experts are also brought in to conduct workshops and work with the class to get a very real life understanding of the real business world.

With the start of the new decade, executive education is expected to push limits and be more efficient and more promising than before. Starting with this year, 2020.

FAQs

Q. What is the importance of leadership and soft skills in executive education foresighted for 2020?

A. The leadership skills required in the present market is so vastly different from what was expected of leaders a decade ago. It is also now understood that even employees who are not in leadership positions benefit from leadership skills as well as soft skills. So more and more institutions and companies insist on leadership skills as well as soft skills.

Q. What is the significance of upskilling in executive education predicted for this year?

A. Regardless of the industry, it is becoming more and more critical for employees to have more than one skill. Companies are looking for fluency in digital skills, communication skills, and soft skills, among others. So the demand for it is increasing even in executive education programs.