Dimensions of lifelong learning – influence of EMBA degree on Henley Business School Finland graduates’ careers and personal development

This paper aims to research dimensions of lifelong learning worldwide and in Finland in particular. The literature from various periods was reviewed and described. The dimensions of interest were a definition of lifelong learning, its purpose, challenges, and resource allocation associated with the lifelong learning activities. Primary data was collected from semi-structured interviews with graduates of Henley Business School Finland's Executive Master of Business Administration degree. The interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of the implications and outcomes of the degree, its influence on the career and the personal development of graduates, and then compare findings with the theoretical knowledge. Lifelong learning is an important educational policy in most countries, and a need for it is indisputable in a knowledge economy. This research has indicated that lifelong learning activities have a great impact on the psychological capital of participants. The working place is an important learning environment for employees in Finland, however, there is a lack of time and support for learning at work. The “responsibilisation” process of switching the responsibility for lifelong learning to individuals was presented in the literature review, and the majority of the EMBA graduates considered the responsibility to be their own. The graduates were motivated for further learning, 90% of interviewees had plans for further learning after completion of an EMBA degree