In celebration of Mother’s Day, we connected with current Boothies who decided to embark on their MBA experience after entering motherhood. Read on as Full-Time MBA students and current co-chairs of the Parents of Little Ones group, Rae Liu and Naama Leibovitch Cohen, discuss their challenges and successes as mothers at Booth.
Rae studied pure mathematics and financial economics in undergrad at the University of Waterloo and spent six years working in investment management before deciding to join Booth. Feeling torn between pursuing further growth in investment management or exploring new business ventures, she decided that business school, particularly at Chicago Booth, presented her with the perfect solution: an opportunity to reflect on her career path, determine her true passions, and access numerous resources to help turn her dreams into reality.
Naama moved to Chicago from Israel nine months ago after deciding she wanted to pursue her MBA at Chicago Booth. Before Booth, Naama was a senior associate at a law firm specializing in high-tech and venture capital funds. As she became increasingly involved in her clients’ product and technology aspects, Naama realized she wanted to be on the other side of the table, which ultimately led her to Chicago Booth. Naama is happily married to Moshe, the mother to an 18-month baby boy named Omri, and has a beloved dog named Nela.
Rae: Choosing Chicago Booth was a deliberate decision for me. Beyond the rankings, Booth's unique character resonated with me deeply. In my eyes, Booth embodies a blend of intellectual curiosity, ambition, creativity, and ethical values. This strong sense of personal fit and connection with Booth's culture set it apart from other programs. I felt confident that pursuing my MBA at Booth would not only provide me with an outstanding education but also immerse me in a like-minded community of individuals who share my values, interests, and drive for success.
The opportunity to grow alongside such an exceptional group of people, while learning from renowned faculty and leveraging the vast resources available, ultimately solidified my decision to join the Chicago Booth Full-Time MBA Program.
Naama: Before choosing Booth, I was introduced to a couple of alumnae who went through the MBA with young children. I also talked to mothers at other schools, and I immediately noticed the difference. The ability to create your own academic schedule and navigate the workload is huge when you have a family. Experiencing this today, as a student, I would say it enables me to be the present mother I want to be for my son.
Rae: Balancing parenthood and pursuing an MBA has undoubtedly been challenging; however, I am incredibly grateful for my husband's unwavering support throughout this journey.
The social aspect of the MBA experience requires a more deliberate approach as a parent. It's crucial to set realistic expectations and make a concerted effort to participate in social activities. While it's natural for parents to miss certain events, I strive to attend any events I can. Navigating parenthood while working towards an MBA is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also a rewarding experience that strengthens one's ability to adapt, prioritize, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. With a supportive community and a clear focus on personal goals, it's possible to thrive both as a parent and as an MBA student at Booth.
Naama: It can definitely be hectic to balance family time with academics, recruiting, and social life. I think every MBA student shapes their own experience and has different priorities – I love that. For me, I prioritize family time over parties and trips, and yes my MBA experience is different, but it is so rewarding. My experience gave me the opportunity to focus on my career path and do soul searching I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. It brought new friendships and mentors into my life, and I feel incredibly supported.
Other Boothies, even though most of them are not parents, are very accommodating – when I have to cancel last minute because I got a call from daycare, or when I have to bring in my baby over a zoom call. I remember one instance, in a professional live workshop, I had my baby on me and I said something like, “I’m sorry my baby’s here,” and the Booth alumna who guided the workshop simply replied, “Never apologize.” Slowly the concept of receiving help and understanding from others sunk in.
photographer: Caty Lamadrid
Rae: Being involved with POLO has significantly enriched my MBA experience in multiple ways. My family and I have truly enjoyed the various events organized by the club, such as last year's Halloween party at Harper. These occasions provide a fantastic opportunity for parents to socialize with one another while their children have a blast together.
As the co-chair of POLO this year, I am both excited and grateful for the chance to shape the direction of this relatively new club. There is a substantial parent community at Booth that deserves more attention and support. Our primary goal for POLO this year is to create more opportunities for parent students to connect and learn together in a family-friendly environment, without worrying about their children. We aim to offer a diverse range of activities that cater to families and children, fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie.
Naama: POLO has been a big part of my experience. Spending time with fellow MBAs who are parents – they just get what you’re going through! We arrange social gatherings, both with and without kids, for parents to form a strong community. POLO creates space for families to hang out together, which means my family gets a taste of my world at Booth. Personally, I can attest that my baby got the Booth experience outside of POLO too, and tagged along on several social gatherings. There’s no better conversation starter than having a baby in a carrier!
Rae: When considering an MBA as a mother, it's crucial to recognize the support systems available at your chosen institution. Schools like Booth offer academic and professional resources and clubs like POLO to help you navigate the complexities of parenthood and academia. Seek out opportunities to connect with other parents and share experiences, as this support network can be invaluable in overcoming challenges and celebrating successes.
In summary, my advice to mothers considering an MBA is to embrace the opportunity, set realistic expectations, and lean on available support systems. With determination and the right mindset, you can thrive both as a parent and as an MBA student, ultimately setting a strong example for your child and enriching their future prospects.
Naama: I want to encourage all mothers out there – it is possible to pursue your dreams and have a family. In most families, mothers today still take a hit on their career when having kids in a way that fathers don’t, so working towards an MBA gives you a career boost in spite of that. I don’t think you can be 100% at everything (and you shouldn’t strive to), but balancing, making the tradeoffs, and carving your own path will give you meaningful experiences and opportunities that are worth it. Make sure you get an adequate amount of support from your loved ones and the community at Booth will be there to cheer you on.
photographer: Oran Bukelman Arnon
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