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At Imperial College Business School, we’re committed to encouraging talented women to consider MBA programmes and ultimately increase female leadership in business. As proud partners of Forté, we’re able to offer a range of exciting opportunities and initiatives to support women who are considering studying an MBA programme.
What is Forté?
Forté is a non-profit organisation of leading companies and top business schools working together to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, professional development, and a community of successful women.
Aoife Considine, Full-Time MBA class of 2020-21 and Forté Fellow
"Despite coming from an engineering background where women represent only about 12% of the UK engineering workforce, it wasn’t until I decided to pursue an MBA that I realised how underrepresented women are in business in general. For example, only 6.6% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. Forté recognise this as a problem and are doing something proactive to address it. As a Forté Fellow, I am lucky to receive a scholarship towards my MBA fees which has made the year viable. It’s the mentorship and access to a network of likeminded women however that’s my biggest takeaway."
How are we involved?
Throughout the year, we attend and speak at a range of Forté Forums which enable candidates to meet us and find out more about studying an MBA at Imperial. This year we’ve attended forums across North America, the UK and Latin America and while it’s been a little different attending these online, we’ve had some great conversations with fantastic candidates!
We’re also pleased to offer weekly virtual office hours to participants of the Forté MBALaunch programme as well as Forté Fellowships to students joining our Full-Time MBA programme.
Olivia Xu, Full-Time MBA class of 2020-21 and Forté Fellow
"Forté is a strong coalition of women in business, and I'm so happy to be a Forté Fellow. It was through a Forté panel that I found out about Imperial, and what urged me to apply here in the first place. In addition, it gave me resources to connect with other like-minded women; I've chatted with current, past, and prospective MBAs from all over the world through the Forté Slack channel! Additionally, having this scholarship from Forté has meant that I can fully focus on my studies, connecting with new people, and overall, just enjoying my time in London".
The Forté Fellowship
Each year, we offer awards of up to up to £26,750 to candidates who exhibit exemplary leadership, represent diverse backgrounds, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in business. In addition to the financial support provided, Fellows gain access to incredible resources from Forté including participation at the annual Forté MBA Women’s Leadership conference, access to exclusive networking groups of Forté Fellows and e-introductions to Forté sponsor companies.
Morgan Mixon, Full-Time MBA class of 2020-21 and Forté Fellow
"Without Forté I wouldn't be at Imperial this year. The Forté Fellowship Award created the financial breathing room I needed to be able to pursue an MBA - and for that I'm truly grateful. Beyond the pounds and pence, Forté has linked me into a global network of driven, collaborative business leaders with invaluable insights and experience which I can tap into throughout my career. Forté's support helps me stand taller, take up more space and feel more confident in what I bring to the MBA cohort. My advice for prospective students is simple, go for it!"
Forté’s MBALaunch
This 10-month programme provides a structured road map for applying to business schools, including step-by-step application guidance and supportive peer groups. It offers live virtual events that will keep participants connected and engaged as they build their best MBA application, including tailored GMAT preparation and the support of MBA alumni advisors.
As a partner school, we offer weekly office hours, which enable participants of the programme to connect with university admissions and recruitment advisors, to help them put together a great MBA application.
How can you get involved with Forté?
Becoming a Forté member is free and once registered, members gain access to a huge range of webinars, events and articles covering hundreds of topics. If you’d like to be considered for our Forté Fellowships, please check the scholarships page of our website for the latest updates on scholarship criteria and deadlines. We also run a number of events throughout the year, focused on women and leadership so please sign up to our newsletter to receive all of the latest updates.
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