The number of women at b-school is rising but may mean more women hitting the glass ceiling
While more women than ever are applying to and entering business school, the signs for women moving up the corporate ranks are less encouraging.According to GMAC, the administrators of the GMAT, there has been a 55 per cent increase in female applications for full-time MBA programs between 2005 and 2009.
“In 2009, 40 per cent of GMAT examinees were women. That’s driven by age… younger people are deciding to stay on [in education] and they’re disproportionately women,” says David Wilson, CEO of GMAC.
Last year’s GMAC data shows that for 25-and-under examinees, the ratio of male to female candidates was 52:48 and the number of female GMAT examinees surpassed 100,000, an increase of 36 per cent over the last five years.
According to the FT Global MBA rankings, George Washington School of Business and University of Pennsylvania: Wharton have 40 percent or more female students enrolled on their program.
Making the jump from the cosy confines of b-school to gritty corporate life is where women encounter difficulties.
Although there are more women than men in entry and mid-level jobs from the MBA classes of 2000 to 2009, the figure drastically drops at senior and executive level. Only 19 per cent of women hold senior management positions compared with 27 per cent of men. Just 4 per cent of women have executive status compared to 8 per cent of men, according to GMAC.
“Women are often relatively under-represented at the most senior levels of many organisations, and they also tend to be concentrated more heavily in particular areas,” says Dr Louise Ashley of Cass Business School.
“There are many competing explanations for this situation. One... is that organisations have not made the kind of fundamental structural changes that are arguably necessary in order to help women successfully combine both their work and family responsibilities. This is arguably particularly problematic in the context of the type of ‘long hours’ culture that thrives in the City of London...”
The situation is further aggravated when women are prescribed roles based on their gender. According to Dr Ashley’s research this leads to women "sometimes not [receiving] the same opportunities to develop the required skills," which hampers their career progression.
To address this, “firms must acknowledge the existence of this type of bias in their particular organisation, and then develop targeted strategies to deal with it,” says Dr Ashley.
Breaking the Mould
Florence Barkats, a London Business School (LBS) MBA student, also feels gender stereotypes persist.
The former molecular biologist “received background noise” from friends and family when she decided to go to b-school. “A lot of people questioned: why aren’t you getting kids?” she recalls.
In contrast, when Barkats asked mock interview questions to a male colleague he revealed that within 5 years he wanted to start a family. “That might give him Brownie points to be hired but as a woman I could forget the dream straight away,” says Barkats who chaired the Women in Business conference at LBS earlier this month.
How Women View their Career
Another barrier to women progressing is how they envision their career paths. Barkats argues that men tend to think of their career in terms of setting milestones in order to reach their goal. Whereas women take a vaguer approach to their career, which sometimes “limits them as it does not come across as ambitious,” says Barkats.
With rankings listing the rise of women CEOs – there are now 13 in the Fortune 500 -you’d think that women have little to worry about. There’s even data showing that ‘Generation Y’ believe gender diversity is no longer an issue. Have we become too complacent?
“I do think that there is a danger that because of the increasing visibility of women in the workplace, organisations and individuals believe that the problem has already been solved,” warns Dr Ashley.
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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!
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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.
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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
