How executive education programs support women in leadership roles
By: Doug Wintemute, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Published: April 17, 2025
Executive programs for women in leadership can help participants gain the skills and confidence to overcome the many barriers in the workplace and progress into the top levels of management. Learn more about these programs and what benefits may come with them.
What's the goal of women's executive leadership programs?
Women's executive leadership programs typically feature a series of specialized courses designed to support and help women in advancing into leadership roles. The training aims to enhance participants' leadership and strategic decision-making skills while also exploring the unique barriers that women face in the workplace.
These programs often run in a condensed format and include interactive experiences, individualized mentorship, and networking opportunities for professional growth.
Women's executive education curriculum
Women in leadership curricula can vary by program, but they usually share a few focus areas, such as personal development, leadership, and building strategies and solutions. Some courses may explore specific skills, including persuasive communication, negotiation, and feedback strategies.
Participants may also learn how to improve their executive presence, build productive networks, and develop and implement their vision. The training incorporates practical guidance and real-world situations to help students apply their knowledge effectively.
Benefits of executive education for women in leadership
Executive education programs for women in leadership can provide several key benefits, such as:
- Career advancement: Executive education programs can help women in leadership carve out a pathway to C-suite positions and the salaries that come with them. According to the 2024 Women's Report from ON Partners, executive women earned an average salary of $452,000 in 2023.
- Professional network: Participants in these programs have the opportunity to create relationships with experienced leaders from many industries and locations. Some programs even run networking events for students long after the program has ended.
- Accelerated and flexible schedules: Executive education programs run in a condensed format, typically spread across just fix or six days. Some programs run intensive, full-day sessions over a single week, whereas others require just a few hours per day, once a week.
- Personalized approach: To encourage organization-wide growth, many programs provide incentives to organizations registering small groups or entire teams. For these industry partners, some programs even customize the training to their unique business and goals.
How to choose an executive education program for women in leadership
Picking the right executive education program for women in leadership is a personal decision. As you compare options, consider the following:
- Is the curriculum relevant to your goals?
- Do you meet the entrance requirements?
- Do the class times work with your schedule?
- Can you meet the in-person requirements?
- Does the delivery format fit your learning style?
- Are the instructors specialists in your industry?
- Is the tuition cost comparable to nearby competitors?
- Is financial support available?
Is a women's leadership program right for you?
Executive programs for women in leadership typically accept mid- to senior-level professionals. Many programs look for women with at least 10 years of professional experience who are pursuing the highest-level positions in their organization or industry. Most programs do not have strict educational requirements, but participants usually have a bachelor's degree at minimum.
These programs are generally most valuable to women in leadership who have strong foundational skills but need guidance to advance to the next level.
If you are ready to polish your skills to reach senior roles, take the next step with an executive education program for women in leadership from edX.