Executive women build lifelong professional bonds through unique MBA networking programs

For six days each spring, a group of 25 senior-level, female business executives  put their demanding roles on hold and sequester themselves at an offsite venue for six days to discuss management trends, develop leadership skills and, most importantly, network.

… Incorporating networking skills into formal and out-of-the-classroom education is also a priority at the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University, where the goal is to go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Culture and gender play a role in how people network, which is why the school developed a women’s mentoring program in 2006.

“Right after they started classes, we matched students with successful women based in the cities where they hope to work after graduation,” says Marie-Jose Beaudin, executive director of career services at Desautels, “and they work on building networks, and discuss issues like work-life balance, and the glass ceiling.”

Read full article: Financial Post, November 26, 2012