London school holds women's-only recruitment events and formed a female leaders' network
While progress has been made on bringing women in the boardroom, there remains a gaping divide in the top ranks of business.
Education is often championed as the key to economic empowerment, but here too, business schools fall short on enrolling more women.
There is, however, much being done to redress a gender divide. For example, schools are holding women’s-only recruitment events and forming women’s networks and sponsorship programs.
Cass Business School in London is one at the forefront of the diversity drive. Women are well represented throughout the MBA program — approximately 30% of 2015-16’s cohort are women — plus the Cass Women in Business network organizes events with high-profile women speakers who are passionate about gender inclusion in the workplace.
The figures compliment a wider push to diversify the cohort at the business school, which enhances the learning experience.
Gauri Gupta is one of Cass’ many female MBA graduates. Below, she tells BB how business schools can help close the yawning gender gap in business.
Many business schools trumpet their level of gender diversity. What made Cass Business School stand out?
Growing up in three culturally diverse countries — Kuwait, India and Canada — instilled in me a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and a strong need to support gender diversity. I have always sought opportunities in both my professional and personal lives where I can mentor, nurture and support others. In choosing to invest in myself by pursuing an MBA, I was looking for an international program with a gender balance, and one that would provide opportunities to nurture and support my personal development.
Cass Business School ticked those boxes: Women are well represented throughout the MBA program, be it the faculty, the administrative staff, career services, or the cohort. Other top leading schools under consideration, such as Oxford and Cambridge, had lower numbers. The Cass MBA also has various student groups, such as the Cass Women in Business network, which organizes events with high-profile women speakers who are passionate about diversity and inclusion and are committed to helping other women find success in the workplace.
However, numbers only partly contributed to my choice. I also chose Cass Business School because of my positive experience during the application process.
When my interviewer, Dr Amanda Goodall, a senior lecturer at Cass, spoke about how the program would benefit from having more women like me and how I would benefit from being at Cass — I knew this was the school for me.
How can MBA programs help redress the gender imbalance in the top ranks of business?
While the education and experience gained from a MBA program is invaluable for future business and thought leaders, it is incomplete if we are unable to empower, improve and enrich the mind-sets of those capable of making a positive change. I firmly believe that this education can, and should, be taken a step further by expanding the MBA curriculum to include courses, projects and other ongoing initiatives on gender diversity.
They should be geared towards identifying and addressing unconscious biases of both men and women, improving emotional intelligence, and creating social awareness around challenges women face in the workplace.
It is also crucial to provide mentoring opportunities within the program. Having access to insights from women business leaders and experts through MBA networking events and electives is extremely beneficial for students.
MBA programs can also help redress the imbalance by continuing to create more opportunitiesfor women to enrol. They can do this by increasing the size of MBA cohorts, through increased access to financial support such as scholarships and bursaries specifically for women.
It is not enough to recruit women into senior roles solely in the name of gender diversity — women also need a nurturing and a supportive environment in which they can thrive. This support is possible at the grassroots level and MBA programs can provide not only a strong education, but also foster a culture of empowering men and women to support gender diversity in the workplace.
What are you personally hoping to gain from the MBA?
I chose to pursue an MBA not only to advance my career, but also to broaden my perspective and improve my skills in a global, fast-changing business world. And I expected to gain an academic education from a top global business school, collaborate on and participate in consultancy projects, and learn from my classmates through active discussions.
However, I had not expected to be elected a student representative for my cohort as well as the MBA program; to travel to Australia to represent Cass Business School at an international leadership program; to meet esteemed dignitaries such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the president of Iceland during travels around the globe; nor to form new friendships that would last beyond the MBA classroom.
The valuable insights gained from dignitaries, industry leaders, faculty members and my classmates as well as the experiences gained from my travels to Sydney, Las Vegas, Reykjavik, and South Africa, all made my MBA a holistic experience. My expectations were far exceeded in the short span of a life-changing year.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
