Aese Escola De Direcção E Negócios

AESE — Escola de Direcção e Negócios is Portugal’s first dedicated business school, founded in 1980 as a private, non-profit institution focused on executive education. Its mission centers on forming leaders through rigorous management training, grounded in humanistic and ethical principles. Rather than offering broad academic degrees, AESE concentrates on strategic leadership development for experienced professionals.

Based in Lisbon, with activity also in Porto, AESE delivers open programs, custom corporate training, and joint offerings supported by its partnership with IESE Business School. The institution maintains a long-standing alumni network of more than 7,000 executives and is recognized nationally for its leadership-focused education.

AESE emphasizes leadership progression and network-building over traditional placement services, reflecting its executive-education profile. Participants are typically established professionals seeking accelerated advancement, and the school’s active alumni community offers numerous continuous-learning and peer-exchange opportunities through thematic sessions and executive events.

Corporate partnerships connect participants with senior business leaders, guest speakers, and company-specific learning paths. Graduates frequently transition into board positions, senior management roles, or public-sector leadership. AESE’s close ties to Portuguese industry and its international collaborations support career mobility, consulting opportunities, and enhanced visibility within senior professional circles.

AESE appeals to executives seeking values-driven leadership development backed by Portugal’s longest-standing business school tradition. Its humanistic and ethical orientation sets it apart, emphasizing integrated personal and professional growth over purely technical management instruction. Programs are designed for high-impact learning compatible with demanding executive schedules.

The school’s strong ties to Portuguese industry, combined with its enduring academic alliance with IESE, deliver relevant insights and international perspectives. Participants benefit from a tight-knit community, continuous-learning culture, and direct corporate engagement that supports strategic decision-making and organizational impact.

AESE contributes significantly to executive development in Portugal through pedagogical innovation, particularly in the use of the case-method, leadership simulations, and sector-oriented programs. Its collaboration with IESE strengthens faculty development and enhances program quality, enabling advanced approaches to strategic and ethical leadership training.

The school supports digital transformation in learning with blended formats and online sessions, expanding access for remote executives. It incorporates sustainability, ethics, and responsible leadership into curricula, influencing governance practices across industries. Impact is reflected in alumni advancement, strong corporate partnerships, and national recognition in executive education rankings.

Who are AESE programs designed for? Programs target mid-career and senior professionals seeking strategic and leadership development. Participants typically hold managerial or executive roles and pursue advanced decision-making capabilities.

What languages are used? Most programs run in Portuguese, with some sessions or modules delivered by international faculty in English, especially through IESE collaboration. Custom modules may be available in English upon request.

Does AESE offer job placement? As an executive school, AESE focuses on progression and networking rather than entry-level placement. Internships or company links may support younger participants, but career entry should be managed independently.

Admissions vary by program but generally require a CV, professional experience, references, and an interview for flagship offerings such as the Executive MBA and PADE. Short courses accept rolling applications throughout the year, while annual programs follow specific deadlines listed on AESE’s event calendar.

Tuition depends on program type, with executive MBAs and top-leadership programs at higher levels. AESE provides scholarships, corporate-sponsored seats, and alumni discounts for selected offerings. While no on-campus accommodation is available, the school offers logistical support for stays in Lisbon or Porto during program modules.