Forte Forum

Question

One of the schools I'm applying for is coming in town for the Forte Forum. I know this is mainly for women, but do men regularly attend this event?

I don't want to look like some idiot who's clueless about this kind of stuff.

mediamindy · Answer

This is a lady event. I am sure everyone would like to go, but it is a lady event.

gmatclb · Answer

This is so sexist.


Where's the men's meeting?

aaudetat · Answer

I hope you're kidding.

Business school, for the most part, is and has been a men's meeting. I am not talking about Duke; I am talking about b-school in general. Look at the stats: women aren't signing up for b-school at the same rate as men. Many companies and organizations would like to see that change. Forte and other groups work to get women more interested. Really, do you think any industry will be better off by ignoring 50% of the population? When you decrease your pool, you decrease your quality. Anyone who has hired can say they'd rather have a big pool - it increases your likelihood of getting a better applicant.

Praetorian · Answer

Careful gmatclb -- no need for any such statements.

gixxer1000 · Answer

As a minority I agree with you that it is excellent that there are programs that help increase the interest of groups that are in the minority(I'm referring to sex and ethnicity). What I dont agree with is when these programs do so by excluding other groups. The main focus of most of these programs is their fellowship. It helps the minorites to be apart of a network since they may have been shut out from regular ones. In my opinion it makes more sense to allow majority members to become a part of these networks for two reasons.

The first is that they may be just as qualified or even more qualified to help the progression of minorites. For example a scholarship could be given to a minority who then does nothing to help other minorites. Whereas the same scholarship could be given to a majority who then dedicates a large portion of their time and resources to helping minorites. The focus should be the overall greater good. 

The second reason is that while I have been getting involved with many of these programs in my pursuit of b-school acceptance I have noticed that my involvement has increased my network of people also in the minority. The problem is that it has not been very good at what I feel is the real problem which is increasing my involvement with majority members. Sure, there are mentors here and there but for the most part everyone involved is a minority member as well. It turns into a place where people can network with people like themselves. I feel this can become counterproductive and help to isolate the minorites more. 

I know gender and ethnicity can be touchy subject but from what I have seen on this board everyone has been very repectful of others. These are just some of the shortcomings I have seen from my personal experience.

nervousgmat · Answer

Is anyone here going to the Forte event in New York today?

Maybe we could meet there?

PM me if you are interested...

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