New Perspectives

Women in incoming EMBA class set new marks

Krannert’s newest global Executive Master of Business Administration class is 52 percent female, an unprecedented achievement in Purdue’s EMBA programs and in EMBA programs worldwide.

The IMM Global EMBA Class of 2017’s makeup is impressive especially when considering most EMBA cohorts have hovered between 25 and 28 percent women the past five years, according to the Executive MBA Council, an educational accreditation NGO that accredits business schools offering EMBA degrees worldwide.

“This is the first time in my 26 years of teaching in Krannert Executive MBA programs that we have welcomed a class that is more than 50 percent women,” says David Schoorman, Krannert’s associate dean for executive education and global programs. “It will give the women a ‘majority’ experience in study groups, project teams and discussions that is elusive for them in the executive workplace. We look forward to teaching, learning from and traveling with this distinguished group.”

Last year, women composed 27.6 percent of the students in EMBA programs worldwide, up slightly from 2014 when 25.4 percent were women, according to data published by the Executive MBA Council.

“Our IMM Class of 2017, with 13 women and 12 men, mirrors today’s workforce,” says Aldas Kriauciunas, executive director of Purdue EMBA programs. “We are excited by the gender makeup of this class. Fifty-two percent is unprecedented here at Purdue and in programs around the world.”

The Executive MBA Council considers its survey “the most comprehensive source of information available about EMBA programs worldwide.” The Krannert School of Management is a member of the council along with business and management programs at 12 other Big Ten Conference institutions.

Krannert’s IMM Global Executive MBA Class of 2017 launched at Purdue in March. Along with completing online coursework, the cohort’s 25 students will study and immerse themselves in the business cultures of the Netherlands, Brazil, Chile, Hungary, Turkey and China before graduating in December 2017.

Kriauciunas says Krannert’s program uses a personalized approach in recruiting, working closely with prospective students to address specific concerns and questions.

“Purdue’s Executive MBA programs are family-friendly, which is appropriate for our students,” he says. “Our students are accomplished professionals who are balancing family, career and other personal commitments. Our program format benefits both women and men with busy lives. Being away from home once a quarter over 19 months is easier than giving up your weekends for two years.”

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