Management and Human Resources
Management refers to the organization, oversight and coordination of people and activities in a business or organization so that it meets it objectives or vision.1 Management broadly encompasses creating corporate policy and strategy, and setting objectives, and then organizing, planning, controlling and guiding an organization’s people and resources in the achievement of these objectives or vision. Leadership include those individuals in who lead the organization and provide the direction to achieve its goals or vision.2
1 Source: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/management.html
2 Source: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/leadership.html
Human Resources
Human Resources is the part of a business that relates to employees. These activities include:
- Recruiting and hiring
- Orientation and training of new employees
- Overseeing employee benefits such health and life insurance, retirement savings plans and other benefits
- Training and retention of current employees
Getting an MBA
A Masters of Business Administration, also referred to as an “MBA” is a graduate degree in business studies. Generally, MBA programs are two years with a summer in between the two years for a summer job. Typically MBA programs include multiple courses of study in business including management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations. In addition to the MBA program course, many business schools offer specialized master’s programs including Finance, Business Analytics, Human Resources or many other specializations. Many schools also require the GRE and GMAT for admissions. The application process requires introspection and can be time-consuming, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. To determine if an MBA or other program is right for you should consider:
- Contacting alumnae through The Hive to learn about their experiences
- Exploring different schools and visiting campuses, ideally while classes are in session, to determine the best fit for you
Resources
Suggested reading
- Wall Street Journal — business & finance newspaper available in Clapp Library
- Fast Company
- Bloomberg Businessweek
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders by Linda Carli
- The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary New Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen
Other Resources
- Wellesley Women in Business: Wellesley’s pre-business association to help women build a strong network, find career direction and achieve ambitious goals
- Coursera and EdX: online courses including in Management, Leadership and Human Resources
- Poets and Quants: news website for information about business schools and MBA degrees
- Forte Foundation MBA Launch: program that supports women in applying to business schools
- Catalyst.org: global non-profit that works with CEOs and leading companies to build workplaces that work for women
As always, please use your best judgement when using third party services.
