Tidying up my bookcase yesterday I came across a year old copy of 'Insead Quarterly' I have collected somewhere. I didn't have time to read it during the application process, so I decided eliminate this defect.
There was an article 'How business schools can bring more women into business', a part of which I want to share with all the readers of this blog:
Get 'em when they're young
One of the most obvious challenges that women face at top business schools is the age at which you are supposed to attend them. Since most schools want students to acquire a few years of business experience first, the average student age is around 28. It would be hard to imagine a more difficult time for women. By the time they graduate, they will be around 30, and will be looking for a job at the same period they're thinking of - or actually starting - a family.
It would be better to accept younger women into business school, and not just a year or so younger. Women should be encouraged to apply as early as possible. Two of the authors of this article entered business school at 21 or 22 and managed to launch their careers a decade before they launched their families, giving them time to learn and travel and work, concentrating on the professional dimension, before learning to juggle and balance between family and work. (It's easier when you've gotten better at your job.)
I agree with every word written here. I just wonder - does INSEAD walk the way they are talking?
UPD: I've been linked by Stacy Blackman Consulting. They have posted a very interesting interview 'Stanford's view on the age of applicant', check this out.
12 comments:
This is very ironic because INSEAD has one of the lowest % of women among top 20 schools (if not THE lowest...)
Those were the thoughts going through my head when I planned my MBA path. I wanted to be married out of grad school and hope to give birth to my first child by 30. I have seen many women in programs already with a family & children - but I didn't want these responsibilities as a student. Is this what you thought about while you planned for school too?
Those are the words of the authors of the article. I doubt if INSEAD with a generally higher average age keeps this consideration in mind. After all, they offer a much shorter program. Wouldn't they be biased towards more matured students with a 5-6 yrs work experience?
I totally agree with the article as well. I am not sure any of the admissions policies make any sense though.
I remember answering in everybody's blog, except for mine :)
Anonymous
Yes, INSEAD has the lowest percent, and that is why I think they are publishing the articles like that one. And - maybe - thay are working on the subject :)
I_will_make_it
Yes :) Absolutely. It's natural for men to have family and children while receiving an MBA, but as for women... maybe it's not natural for women to have an MBA after all :))))
Chillpill
You are right. But this is the article from their official journal ;)
Marina
Nice! :)
It's absolutely true, it's not the best timing for women, especially the 2 year programs are difficult. It's tough to invest $60,000 in a degree and then start a family instead of leveraging the degree directly.
Luckily for you, rusgirl, you'll still be very young even next year, right?
Recently, more individuals are concerned about being too old, as the rumor is that younger applicants are more desirable. Just RusGirl addresses one aspect of the age issue, as it pertains to women, in Women in business schools.
http://blog.stacyblackman.com/2006/05/18/stanfords-view-on-age-of-applicant/
you going to Said for sure ?
Stacy Blackman Consulting
Thanks for the link. You have a very helpful blog!
Forrest
I have never applied to Said, so I'm not going there - for sure :)
I have been admitted to Master in Computer Science. But I'm not sure I will go - as far as I know I haven't got any scholaship.
oops....i surely am growing old, and forgetful....
have a great weekend.
very interesting...after reading that, i agree they should let younger applicants apply. women business owners do have to work at both their personal and work life. It would be easier to at least get a start on the business aspect.
Nice Post
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article rewrite
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