The Latin America Supplement
Latin America's Executive Education Advantage: A Tool for Social Mobility and Global Engagement
A talent gap in Latin America means it is underutilising its potential. How could continuing executive education build up leaders?
By Mayra Vega, Director of Executive Education, CENTRUM - PUCP Business School, Peru
“Latin America is home to dynamic economies and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, the talent gap remains a challenge, especially in digital skills, agile leadership and intercultural competencies."
As Director of Executive Education at CENTRUM PUCP Business School in Peru, I have witnessed how continuing education programmes can transform not only the leadership competencies of professionals but also their personal trajectories and the organisational cultures in which they operate. In Latin America, executive education holds transformative potential that often goes unnoticed, not only as a vehicle for professional development but also as a lever for social mobility and international visibility.
Traditionally, executive education has been associated with high-level leadership or formal postgraduate programmes such as the MBA. But in our regional context, where social and economic inequalities remain significant, continuing education for working professionals is emerging as a democratising force. Designed with flexibility, relevance and accessibility in mind, these programmes are opening doors for professionals from mid-sized companies, public institutions and emerging sectors beyond the traditional corporate centres.
In my experience, I have seen professionals from remote regions of the country participating in online leadership programmes, building international networks through COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) initiatives and leading strategic transformations in sectors such as energy, agribusiness or digital services. These stories mark a clear shift: executive education is no longer exclusive. It is expanding its reach, adopting multiple modalities and responding to the learning needs of diverse profiles across geographies and industries.
A Strategic Opportunity for the Region
Latin America is home to dynamic economies and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, the talent gap remains a challenge, especially in digital skills, agile leadership and intercultural competencies. When well-designed, continuing executive education can close these gaps through modular, timely and market-responsive programmes.
Furthermore, while countries like Germany or Australia leverage higher education as a soft power tool, Latin America has the opportunity to do the same by enhancing the global visibility of its executive education offerings. Bilingual programmes, international faculty exchanges and cross-border collaborative projects can not only improve participant skills but also boost the global reputation of our institutions.
At CENTRUM PUCP, we have implemented masterclasses with international faculty, virtual global immersion weeks and joint certification programmes. These formats not only prepare participants for competitive global environments but also position Latin America as a generator of talent and knowledge.
Closing the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity
One of the region's persistent challenges is the disconnect between available talent and real employment opportunities. While many organisations struggle to fill strategic positions, thousands of professionals are eager to access advanced training but face financial, technological or educational model barriers.
Executive education can serve as the bridge. Short courses, microcredentials and company-specific programmes allow professionals to acquire key skills without leaving their jobs. With the support of digital tools, these formats extend access far beyond capital cities and financial centres.
This approach is cultivating a new type of graduate: globally minded yet locally rooted, capable of responding with agility to the needs of their sector and applying strategic frameworks in practice. These professionals are not just filling roles; they are transforming industries and communities.
The Role of Universities
Latin American universities are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Unlike purely commercial providers, universities bring academic rigor, research-based content and an interdisciplinary perspective. Most importantly, they carry a mission of impact: to contribute to national and regional development.
To fulfil this role effectively, universities must evolve in four key areas:
- Flexibility: Offer programmes that adapt to professionals' schedules, including hybrid, asynchronous, weekend or evening formats.
- Accessibility: Provide financing options, scholarships and pricing models that allow broader participation beyond urban elites.
- Relevance: Co-create programmes with companies and institutions to ensure alignment with market needs.
- Visibility: Strengthen international alliances that position the region within global executive education rankings and networks.
Looking to the Future
The value of executive education in Latin America extends far beyond individual career growth. It is a catalyst for economic innovation, social advancement and global positioning. If we continue to view it as an elite option for a select few, we risk underutilising its full potential.
By making executive education more inclusive, strategic and globally connected, the region will not only enhance its talent pool but also build a strong identity as a leader in impactful executive learning.
This is not just about training executives. It is about empowering agents of transformation, professionals capable of facing local challenges with global insight and driving sustainable progress from within.