Though the popularity of obtaining a business degree is
increasing and the credential can open doors to lucrative careers,
minority students are facing barriers to enter the world of
business school. Realizing the diversity gap, the Anderson School
of Management is working to boost the diversity of its student
body.
For underrepresented students pursuing a Masters of Business
Administration, graduate school may seem daunting at first.
A study by Boston Consulting Group in 2003 states, “The
MBA is on the rise as a graduate degree of choice for all students,
especially for minorities. In fact, the popularity of the MBA with
minorities is increasing faster than that of other master’s
degrees.” But business schools can put more effort into
closing the gender and racial gap.
Currently, business schools are working to recruit qualified
minority candidates into their programs. Anderson is one such
institution addressing the diversity gap. Linda Baldwin, director
of MBA admissions at Anderson, said the school’s statistics
are level with other schools across the country.
“We look for the best possible students,” Baldwin
said. For example, a variety of information sessions and forums are
held at Anderson to attract potential candidates.
This past week, approximately 50 students came to UCLA as part
of the Embracing Diversity Weekend. The program, sponsored by
Honeywell, diversified technology and manufacturing company and
privately funded by the Hagopian Fund, which covered the costs of
the event, gave minority candidates a chance to see the life of an
MBA student.
During the event, a career roundtable with alumni was held and
students had the chance to meet Anderson deans. MBA students also
shed light on the rewards and challenges of business school. In
addition, financing the degree was discussed.
Anderson has previously hosted a “Women in MBA”
information session, allowing the audience to listen to panel
discussions about why women should pursue a degree in business.
Outreach and recruiting are also led by members of various
student organizations, such as the Women’s Business
Connection and Latino Management Student Association. Members of
these groups participate during information sessions and panel
discussions.
Although Anderson is taking steps to increase diversity, there
is still more work to be done.
“According to the Diversity Pipeline Report, there is a
consistently low percentage of women and people of color taking the
GMAT every year. In the 1995-96 cycle, underrepresented applicants
accounted for 13.4 percent. In the 1999-00 cycle, underrepresented
applicants were only 14.8 percent of the total test-takers,”
according to mbadiversity.com. Web sites such as mbadiversity.com
assist potential candidates with applying to school, MBA students
with career opportunities and also employers with hiring minority
students.
According to the organization which accredits business schools,
only 7 percent of full time MBA students are African American, 5
percent are Hispanic American, and less than 1 percent are American
Indian. In addition to the under representation of minorities in
business school, women may face similar challenges.
According to Business Week, while women make up 50 percent of
the student body at law and medical schools, they only compose 30
percent of MBA students in the country, according to vault.com, a
career resources Web site. Furthermore, women only hold 13.6
percent of the executive seats at top U.S. companies, according to
the 2003 Catalyst Census of Women Board Directors.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Baldwin remains confident
that Anderson will continue to work towards a more diverse student
body.
“I think what we do is unique … our students are very
active,” Baldwin said, explaining how current MBA students
are a part of the recruitment process. “It’s a full
school effort. We can do much more with the help of alumni and
students,” she added.