Completing a Master of Business Administration used to signal the end of most business people's academic careers but a range of higher qualifications are now available for professionals wanting to boost their knowledge outside the boardroom. The Executive MBA offered by the Hong Kong branch of the Richard Ivey School of Business attracts middle to senior level professionals such as managing directors, vice-presidents, chief financial officers and marketing directors, said Kathleen Slaughter, associate dean of Asia. Professor Slaughter said an EMBA, which takes 18 months to complete on a part-time basis, could help professionals update their skills and knowledge. Some graduates change jobs after completing the course while others set up their own business. While many EMBA students are already successful in their chosen fields, Professor Slaughter said demonstrating that you were in a 'continuous learning pattern' could impress recruiters. 'I think that's attractive for most organisations,' she said. 'It also brings people into the learning mode. They start being able to teach people within their own organisation. They become better coaches, better mentors ... I think that's valuable to the organisation.' For those wanting to pursue a higher academic qualification, there is the Doctor of Business Administration. Hong Kong Polytechnic University is among those offering this. Professor Judy Tsui, dean of the university's Faculty of Business, said the DBA studied over three years part time, was designed for people who had completed an MBA and had a number of years of work experience at a senior level. 'It gives a much higher level of intellectual rigour than an MBA or EMBA,' she said. Professor Tsui said students who chose PolyU's DBA programme, which was first offered 10 years ago, came from a range of industries. 'Many of them are already chief executives. Some of them are senior vice-presidents or chairman,' she said.