This International Women's Day, we spoke to business leaders from McKinsey and female MBAs from Chicago Booth and Stanford to learn about their key strategies for success.
While increased representation in MBA and master's programs is a positive step, it is clear that more can be done to ensure that women have access to the same opportunities and development as men.
One way we support female business school students is through insights and advice from successful female business leaders, fellow students, and collaborators.
If you're starting business school in 2024, here are some top tips to help you succeed.
1. This trick will develop your confidence
We've all been at a work meeting or conference and noticed that the people asking questions are primarily male employees. Not only is a reluctance to ask questions a sign of a lack of exploration in women, but it can also be caused by a lack of confidence or imposter syndrome.
“In both academic and professional settings, don't be afraid to ask questions, interject, or take on tasks outside of your normal job scope,” says Ampla Accounting Manager and Master of Accounting in Data Analytics. Kate Reasons says. program at Villanova Business School.
If you avoid these all-important questions, you'll be missing out on a great opportunity to learn and increase your confidence at the same time.
“You may be able to demonstrate your skills and passion by being curious or trying a new job,” she added.
A 2022 study by Henley Business School found that studying an advanced business degree, such as an MBA, increases women's confidence, self-efficacy and motivational energy.
This is the case for Joy Jones, CEO of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and Stanford MBA alumnus.
“that [MBA] I surrounded myself with talented and ambitious people who understood business and the workplace in a different way than I did. “This experience opened my mind to possibilities I couldn’t have imagined otherwise, such as business data analysis,” she recently wrote in US News & World Report.
2. What to do when you reach your limits
Once you get into business school, you may think that you need to work independently all the time so that you don't show any signs of incompatibility with the rigorous nature of an MBA. But asking for help is never a weakness. In fact, it's a surefire way to identify areas for improvement and hone your existing knowledge.
Simone Ruiz-Vergote is an Executive MBA graduate from the Frankfurt School of Financial Management. She is also Executive Director and Global Head of ESG and Climate Regulatory Solutions for MSCI ESG Research.
“I personally benefited a lot from my coaching and self-leadership efforts, which I continued after the program ended,” she says.
What may be worth considering is the Forte Foundation MBA Fellowship, which provides scholarships, conference access, and networking opportunities to students accepted to affiliated business schools.
“It's important to understand industry developments and trends and set clear career goals early on. Aim to secure a high-quality internship that provides practical experience and valuable networking opportunities. It is relatively easier to find an internship than a job,” says Rupali Deshpande, a graduate of Hult International Business School and Global Partner Business Manager for Healthcare at NVIDIA.
Unfortunately, women face limitations in the workplace, so regardless of career level or experience, women in business can use some help along the way. Even if it's just someone to get a second opinion on the direction of your career.
3. These are the people you need to meet
There are many women-centered business networks out there, so you should take advantage of these opportunities from the very beginning of business school.
“One of the biggest benefits for me was meeting so many inspiring and hard-working female colleagues at business school,” says McKinsey & Company engagement manager and Chicago Booth MBA alumnus. says Rachel Enright.
One great way to network before starting business school is to attend business school networking events. GMAC MBA and the Masters Tour partner with the Forte Foundation to host Women in Business Breakfast in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
“When you look at what other people have done, [at business school]what they did and how they thought about things while being present as supportive peers was extremely valuable,” Rachel added.
On the other hand, there are always societies and groups centered around women in business schools. For example, Warwick Business School has a Women's Professional Network that aims to bring together alumni, students and staff who are invested in supporting women and underrepresented groups in business.
“You'd be surprised how your network will grow organically by having authentic and curious conversations,” says Warwick MBA student Gene Cilliers.
So, celebrate this International Women's Day by supporting the women and underrepresented groups around you. Also, support your future career by connecting with inspiring female business leaders and seeking as much advice as possible.
