Numbers of women studying MBA at all time high

Women now make up almost half of the students who are currently enrolled on the full-time MBA course at the Business School.

Dr Anjali Bakhru, MBA Programme Director at the Business School, suggests the reason behind the surge in women is that they are deciding to invest in their careers as the UK economy improves, which is in sharp contrast to the traditional image of men outnumbering women on MBA courses.

Dr Anjali Bakhru, MBA Programme Director at the Business School

Dr Bakhru said: “I am really positive about a big increase in women students enrolling in the MBA programme. It is a real step forward. Perhaps we are reaching a tipping point where we will see an end to the biased gender representation on MBA programmes as more women evaluate their careers and decide to invest in their future.”

Equality among men and women in the business world has recently received a boost with the European Union proposing that FTSE 100 companies must ensure that women account for at least 40 per cent of non-executive board members.

Current full-time MBA student Kara Settle believes that this could be an essential step forward to ensure female representation.

Kara Settle,current full-time MBA student

She said: “I think that the best person should always get the job but the reality is that the glass ceiling will often prevent the best person from getting the job if they are a woman.  Boardroom quotas would be a sad but necessary step to make a quantum leap forward in the way that women are perceived in the workplace.”

Current student Vasso Chatzivasileiou, believes that these initiatives are needed.  Vasiliki has worked for nine years in the telecommunications sector and she feels that more work needs to be done to ensure a level playing field for men and women in many sectors of the business world.

Vasso Chatzivasileiou, current full-time MBA student

“Judging from my professional environment it was rare to see women in leading positions. The technology and telecommunication companies are traditionally seen as a male environment and as a result women are losing their voice.”

Dr Bakhru adds: “This initiative by the European Union creates a unique opportunity for women to get ahead in business, but having an MBA will give them the tools they need to take on these top roles with confidence.”

The Business School is addressing the challenges that women face in rising to the top jobs via a range of new initiatives via the MBA course. These include inviting business leaders, many of which are women, to come and talk to MBA students about their careers. In addition, the Business School is providing some tailored coaching for female students to prepare them for challenges such as dealing with discrimination, negotiating pay and how to step up to leadership roles.

Dr Bakhru also believes that mentors are key tool in helping more women further their careers. 

She said: “Finding a mentor is also likely to be extremely valuable way for women to learn how to progress their careers, especially in many male dominated environments. Women need to work together to change outcomes for themselves.”