Women and the MBA

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Women are going to b-school in greater numbers than before. In fact, roughly 40% of GMAT® test takers are women.

Knowing that a graduate business degree such as an MBA is a great way to achieve career and personal objectives, women are going to b-school in greater numbers than before. In fact, roughly 40% of GMAT test takers are women.

Still, graduate business schools want more qualified female applicants. Admissions officers say there are still many myths that keep women from applying to business schools that would accept them.

Myth: An MBA is best suited for those who want to work for a big company.

Reality: An MBA can help you to be successful in almost any organization.

Many MBAs are successful executives in large corporations, but there are just as many working in nonprofits, healthcare organizations, higher education, arts management, the military, and government. Some people get MBAs so they can start their own businesses or manage a small family business. Surveyed just before graduation, 38% of the management graduates from the class of 2009 said they planned to work in organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees.

With an MBA, you can pursue a career in a wide range of industries and in different types of organizations, from a big business or a business of one.

Myth: The business school culture tends not to be supportive of women.

Reality: There are big differences among schools, and some are better than others at attracting and supporting women on campus.

All businesses are not the same, and neither are all business schools. Talk to school representatives, current students, and alumni to see if the school offers the culture and kind of experiences you want