A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that women graduates of MBA programs initially earn, on average, $4,600 less than recent male MBA graduates. The gender earning gaps for MBA graduates widens in later years.
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University is undertaking several initiatives to enhance its women graduates chances for success in the business world. The business school recently held a two-day Women in Business Conference for prospective MBA students. It holds an annual Women in Investing Conference for women interested in careers in financial sector jobs. In addition the school works with companies who seek to increase the number of women in executive and managerial positions. In partnership with the Forte Foundation, the school offers fellowships for women MBA students at Cornell.
Nsombi Ricketts, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the Johnson School states, “Women face specific challenges in the workplace, but the value they provide is critical. Our program offerings are designed to give women the tools and resources necessary to achieve a successful career in business.”
Ricketts, a graduate of Northwestern University, previously was in charge of diversity recruiting at American Express.