Title:
INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT FOR IMPROVING RETENTION OF FEMALE MBA GRADUATES IN POST-MBA CAREERS

Authors:
Courtney Jane, Bhaskar Sinha, Douglas P. Roberts, USA

Abstract:

Many female graduates of the top-10 MBA programs in America opt out of their post-MBA careers within 5-10 years after graduation because they are not educated about the reality of work-life balance in a post-MBA career, and they are not able to identify the key factors that would mitigate this issue. The purpose of this study is to answer the central research question(s) utilizing a qualitative study that incorporates an action research methodology utilizing pre-and-post instruction focus groups to provide insight into the effectiveness of a two-hour instructional unit for a sample of women entering top-10 MBA programs, the instruction being aimed to help this sample plan for the post-graduation career-family balance they might encounter. The over-riding conclusion of the study was the finding that women who participated in the focus groups increased their knowledge and awareness about how they may be better prepared to stay in their careers by planning for the career-family journey. This conclusion lends itself to the opportunity to do further research on the use of instructional units in helping women better plan for their post MBA careers in the long-run.