Q: Should the 3-5 years of work experience rule to enter MBA programs be lowered or even dropped for women to encourage more female applicants?
| posted by Fast Company staff
Nop, there are plenty of competitive-business driven women with 3-5 years of experience out there.
Additionally, having at least 3-5 years of experience allows MBA students to undertand how to better apply the concepts they learn at class
This question was maybe asked previously, but I want to ask it again.... Its career orientated; If there is no company who wants to give a "new" employee or person a chance at a certain field for which he/she studied for, how can one then get the necessary "experience"????
The 3 to 5 year gate is there because the value of an MBA raises as the student has real world experience. It has nothing to do with gender, race or occupation. After going through an MBA program, I would have considered it a waste of time and resources for me to enter an MBA program with zero work experience. I would consider a graduate from an MBA with no experience in a much different light for hiring than one who has work experience with the degree.
No. The 3-5 years of work experience ensures that students have a rich dialogue with "real" life problems/resolutions to learn from. An MBA program worth its weight in gold will require work experience as a tenant for delivering a successful program.
I tend to think that the playing field appears to be equal. Not being a woman, obviously my perspective is from a mans point of view. It is important to bear in mind that no woman or man should be discriminated against. All opportunities including the educational system should be equal.
As a woman that completed her MBA, I do think the question is ridiculous. I would have been really disappointed if I ended up attending class with a group of individuals that had little or no work experience. I would have questioned why the school could not attract talent that had broad work experiences. Bottom line is you don't know what you don't know so even if you are the smartest person in the world the application of an idea is still the best learning.
No. Experienced students leads to deeper discussions and better, real-life understanding of the topics. As an experienced woman in an MBA program in the late 90s, I garnered considerable knowledge and understanding by being able to apply the concepts to my real-world experience (even if my experience came from 4 years of retail management after college).
10 Total
May 7, 2008 at 10:45am
Nop, there are plenty of competitive-business driven women with 3-5 years of experience out there.
Additionally, having at least 3-5 years of experience allows MBA students to undertand how to better apply the concepts they learn at class
May 6, 2008 at 1:44pm
Jacques NortjeThis question was maybe asked previously, but I want to ask it again.... Its career orientated; If there is no company who wants to give a "new" employee or person a chance at a certain field for which he/she studied for, how can one then get the necessary "experience"????
May 5, 2008 at 3:05pm
Marshall AshworthWould more female applicants be an improvement and if so can you explain why?
May 5, 2008 at 2:55pm
Jennifer StentzThe 3 to 5 year gate is there because the value of an MBA raises as the student has real world experience. It has nothing to do with gender, race or occupation. After going through an MBA program, I would have considered it a waste of time and resources for me to enter an MBA program with zero work experience. I would consider a graduate from an MBA with no experience in a much different light for hiring than one who has work experience with the degree.
May 5, 2008 at 2:16pm
Jesus RiosNo. The 3-5 years of work experience ensures that students have a rich dialogue with "real" life problems/resolutions to learn from. An MBA program worth its weight in gold will require work experience as a tenant for delivering a successful program.
May 5, 2008 at 11:16am
Mark SalinasI tend to think that the playing field appears to be equal. Not being a woman, obviously my perspective is from a mans point of view. It is important to bear in mind that no woman or man should be discriminated against. All opportunities including the educational system should be equal.
Mark Salinas, Viscom Technology Group Inc.
May 4, 2008 at 9:50am
Jennifer TracyAs a woman that completed her MBA, I do think the question is ridiculous. I would have been really disappointed if I ended up attending class with a group of individuals that had little or no work experience. I would have questioned why the school could not attract talent that had broad work experiences. Bottom line is you don't know what you don't know so even if you are the smartest person in the world the application of an idea is still the best learning.
May 4, 2008 at 9:25am
Tonia WhitneyNo. Experienced students leads to deeper discussions and better, real-life understanding of the topics. As an experienced woman in an MBA program in the late 90s, I garnered considerable knowledge and understanding by being able to apply the concepts to my real-world experience (even if my experience came from 4 years of retail management after college).
May 3, 2008 at 1:23am
ankit shuklano i dont think so but who know marketing they do everything and commu. skill attraction. smartness sharpness of mind
May 2, 2008 at 9:18pm
Ray GardnerHow would it sound if someone said "Women need extra help since they are not capable of doing better on their own accord"?
It's just as asinine as the posted question, but not euphemistically worded.
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