Fast-Track Your Career with Executive Education

By Lawrence Abeln, Deputy Dean, Learning Enterprise 

In a world defined by constant change, continuous learning has become one of the most important investments professionals can make in themselves. Technology is evolving faster than ever, organizations are being reshaped by global competition, and the expectations placed on leaders have never been higher.

At Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, our Executive Education programs are built around one central idea: empower professionals to create immediate impact—in their careers, in their organizations, and in the world.

Designed for Real-World Application

Each year, Thunderbird offers more than 20 short programs across a broad range of subjects, from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to strategic management, finance, negotiation, crisis management, and even space policy.

Our participants come from diverse backgrounds and industries, both public and private, and they share a common goal: to strengthen their leadership, gain actionable skills, and apply what they learn to achieve measurable results.

Thunderbird Executive Education programs are intentionally flexible (available in person, online, or hybrid) so that learning can fit around the schedules of busy professionals. But what truly sets them apart is their practical orientation. Every course integrates case studies, current examples, and peer discussion to ensure the lessons are relevant and applicable from day one.

I’ve often seen participants take what they learned in class and apply it the very next week. That immediacy—the ability to turn new ideas into tangible outcomes—is what defines Thunderbird Executive Education.

A Global Perspective That Sets Thunderbird Apart

Thunderbird has always embraced a deeply international mindset. It’s embedded in our history and central to our identity. In today’s interconnected economy, the ability to think and lead globally is nothing less than a necessity.

We are proud to be ranked #1 in the world for Global Trade (QS 2025) and among the Top 25 Customized Executive Education Providers (Financial Times 2025). But what matters most is how our participants experience this global perspective in practice.

Our faculty bring academic rigor and real-world consulting experience into the classroom, encouraging professionals to examine complex global challenges and cultural dynamics. Through this, they learn how to navigate ambiguity, manage diverse teams, and lead organizations that operate across borders.

When executives from the Sultanate of Oman visit Europe to study sustainability models, or when aerospace professionals from South Korea join us in Washington, D.C., to explore space policy and leadership, these are not isolated academic experiences. They are living examples of Thunderbird’s mission to educate and connect global leaders who will shape a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive world.

Return on Investment: Value for Professionals and Organizations

Executive Education is not a pause in one’s career—it’s an acceleration. Participants consistently tell us that Thunderbird programs gave them the confidence and tools to pursue promotions, pivot to new industries, or deliver greater value in their current roles.

For their organizations, the impact is equally strong. Leading employers around the world, including many S&P 500 companies, invest heavily in learning because they understand its strategic importance. Continuous education helps employees adopt new technologies, embrace innovation, and align their teams around shared goals.

At Thunderbird, we see learning as a multiplier, strengthening both individual capability and organizational performance. Our programs help participants and their companies move faster, think broader, and lead smarter.

Equipping Leaders for a New Era

Leaders today are navigating rapid digital transformation, information overload, and constant disruption. Many come to Thunderbird to gain clarity and learn which technologies, platforms, and strategies best support their business goals. They also want to know how to guide teams through change with confidence.

Through our courses, participants develop a sharper understanding of how to compete and thrive in this environment. They leave with the ability to use data more effectively, manage change, foster innovation, and develop a competitive value proposition for their organizations.

Our mission is simple: to empower professionals to lead with purpose and agility in a complex global economy.

Thunderbird EE Graduate Testimonials – Real-World ROI

Many of our graduates are proud of what they’ve learned in Executive Education programs at Thunderbird. Here’s what they have to say:

Ahmed Al Dughaishi – REFED Capacity Building Program (Oman)

“The program boosted my self-confidence and broadened my knowledge in leadership and innovation. Seeing how theory translated into practice during our Amsterdam and Rotterdam field experiences made it even more impactful. It was truly transformative and will guide me as I contribute to Oman’s future.”

MoHUP (International Program – Netherlands Cohort)

Participants in Thunderbird’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning (MoHUP) program described it as “hands-on, globally relevant learning that connects strategy to impact.” Their Amsterdam and Rotterdam site visits showed them real-world examples of sustainable development in action.

Gilbert Mora – Crisis Management Program

“We learned techniques and frameworks for building resilient, robust systems within our operations. I actually faced a crisis during the class, and what I learned helped me manage my team and mitigate the situation. I’d highly recommend it to anyone in operations—you gain a lot from it.”

Kelly Van Dahm – CommonSpirit Health, Crisis Management Program

“The professor had real-world experience that enriched our discussions and tied everything together so we can be better prepared for crisis situations. It was very hands-on and valuable for anyone new to crisis management or looking to refresh their skills. I highly recommend it.”

KASA and GNU Cohort – Space Leadership Program (Korea)

Participants from the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KASA) and Gyeongsang National University (GNU) joined Thunderbird’s Space Policy and Leadership course in Washington, D.C., applying insights from global experts to the challenges of space governance and innovation.

Shaping the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Thunderbird Executive Education continues to expand its reach and impact, empowering individuals and organizations to meet the demands of a world that never stops changing.

As I often tell participants: the real measure of success isn’t what you learn during the course—it’s what you do with it afterward. Our programs are designed to help you lead confidently, act decisively, and make a meaningful difference in your professional journey.

Whether your goal is to earn a promotion, pivot industries, or reimagine what’s possible for your organization, Thunderbird provides the global perspective, tools, and network to help you fast-track your career, and your future.

Explore Executive Education at Thunderbird or connect with us to learn more about how you can start your own global journey.