Women & MBA: Realizing potential without losing balance

April 19, 2007 — After a study of 400 Canadian business leaders revealed more than half (56%) of women in senior positions believe there are multiple barriers to female enrolment in MBA programs, Queen’s School of Business hosted a networking and information-sharing event for Calgary women considering an MBA.

It seems almost counterintuitive to consider an MBA when employees practically call the shots in Calgary’s hot job market, yet, career-minded women see the value in upgrading their skills and are applying to MBA programs in droves. And Canadian business schools are eager to ensure their programs are filled with the strongest candidates possible. This means breaking down barriers for women who want to break through the proverbial glass ceiling by pursuing their MBAs.

"Women have a unique perspective on the MBA experience, and networking events such as this facilitate powerful conversations between female alumni and those considering pursuing their MBA," said Gloria Saccon, Director, Queen’s National Executive MBA. "Participants find it inspiring to hear first-hand how they can realize their potential without losing their balance in pursuit of this sought-after degree."

Held at Artists of the World art gallery in downtown Calgary, the event featured senior female executives and recent MBAs from companies like Shell and GM Canada. Panelists discussed key issues such as what they have achieved as a result of their MBA, the most valuable skills gained, work-life balance and what they learned about themselves.

Calgary event panelists included MBAs Catherine Bell, Conroy Ross Partners Ltd.; Alison Barrajo, University Technologies International; Tamara Kushnir, General Motors of Canada; and Cathy Williams, Shell Canada Ltd.

Queen’s School of Business staff were on hand to help attendees better understand the different types of MBA programs and determine which would best fit their lifestyles.

To help meet the unique needs of all program participants, Queen’s has recently introduced the Personal Learning Pathway™ into its MBA programs. The latest breakthrough in business education, the Personal Learning Pathway is an innovative assessment tool that helps determine participants’ strengths and weaknesses — and allows Queen’s to customize a package of courses and coaching to meet their individual needs.

For more information about Queen’s MBA programs, visit www.queensmba.ca.