It may seem the easiest step in the MBA application process is simply making the decision to apply. But for so many talented future leaders, an historical lack of representation in everything from the MBA classroom to the C-suite can stand as a barrier to taking the first step in getting a business degree. Wherever you are in the process, hearing from those who have been where you are can be helpful. We asked women in the Full-Time MBA Program to share their best piece of advice for other women considering an MBA.
Speaker 1:
Do it.
Speaker 2:
I would say do it.
Speaker 3:
Do it is what I would say.
Speaker 4:
If you don't put yourself out there, schools won't know you exist. Don't sort yourself out of the running before you've even given yourself a chance.
Speaker 5:
A lot of people are very scared of going through what might happen if they get rejected, but I think being able to put yourself through that process makes you grow both personally and professionally.
Speaker 6:
It'll be important to be bold and not be afraid of having that ambition.
Speaker 7:
Something I've seen myself do and a lot of my female friends do is that when we talk about past successes, we tend to attribute it a lot to external factors, but we don't talk a lot about our own perseverance, and hard work and the amount of effort we put in.
Speaker 8:
When you're running for such a competitive program like Booth, it's really important to double down on your strengths and your achievements, and really just to speaking freely about your roles and what you want to achieve in life.
Speaker 9:
Remind yourself that you deserve to be there and you deserve to be in the room just as much as the men do.
Speaker 10:
Just remember the first reasons that you chose to come to school and stay true to that rather than trying to prove yourself because just by virtue of being here and excelling, you're ahead of the curve.
Speaker 11:
You're investing in yourself, your family and your kids, if you do have them, and it is only going to reap benefits for everybody in the future.
Speaker 3:
Getting an MBA will definitely make you build a community with other female leaders.
Speaker 5:
Make the effort to learn more about the women community in the school that you're applying to.
Speaker 2:
I am surrounded by really impressive women here at Booth, who I know we'll be friends for the rest of my life, and I may not have been able to cultivate those relationships without getting an MBA.
Speaker 1:
Recognize that you have a lot of strengths and the process can be very hard to apply to your MBA and go through it, but it's an amazing experience and you are definitely cut out for it.
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If you're interested in taking your career to new heights, an MBA is the right next step.
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In partnership with Forté, Chicago Booth awards Forté Fellowships to candidates who exhibit exemplary leadership, represent diverse backgrounds, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the interest of women in business.
Spotlight On: Forté Fellowship