Women and MBAs

Women with graduate degrees from business schools say a lack of female role models discourages many other women from pursuing MBAs.

Other significant obstacles include not enough encouragement by employers and the incompatibility of balancing work and family with their education, according to a survey conducted by the University of Michigan and Catalyst, a New York-based organization that promotes women in industry.

But women business school graduates say overcoming these deterrents was well worth the effort.

While one in five women surveyed felt they were perceived to be less qualified than men, the study found that MBA-equipped women who have worked full time since graduation were promoted at rates equal to male colleagues.