Prospective Students
Welcome! McCombs offers a rich and diverse environment that values the contributions individuals make to the student community. Our true strength comes from the diversity of our female students – women from different backgrounds, careers, and locations – whose leadership abilities have a strong impact on the program. Our current membership includes over 100 women representing different academic concentrations, 27 states, and 13 nations.

Visiting McCombs? If so, email GWIB to connect with one of our members while on campus.

McCombs and GWIB are dedicated to enhancing the experience of McCombs women, confirmed by their commitment to the Women in Business Leadership Conference, the Forté Foundation, and the National Association of Women MBA.

Membership

Membership is open to all women enrolled in the McCombs full-time MBA program. Benefits of membership include:

Invitation to participate in all GWIB functions, including Professional Development, Networking, and the Women in Business Leadership Conference
Access to companies interested in recruiting women through exclusive GWIB events and resume book
Opportunity to publish your resume within the National Association of Women MBAs resume book

Preview Weekend Event

GWIB hosts a dinner for admitted women during Preview Weekend to allow incoming students to meet our members and get a sense of what life is really like at McCombs. Coming to Preview Weekend? Please contact us if you’d like to meet one-on-one.

Mentoring Program

GWIB pairs incoming students with second year women during the summer to answer questions about life and academics at McCombs. Second year mentors are available to help with questions about moving to Austin and adjusting to the rigor of business school. Please contact the GWIB Mentoring VP for more details.

Fall Orientation

To ease the transition from the professional world to graduate school, GWIB plans a series of events designed to welcome first-year women to McCombs. Events include the annual boat cruise, speed networking, and concentration-specific dinners with second-year women. Contact the GWIB Events VP for more details.

Women in Business Leadership Conference

Every February, McCombs and GWIB host the annual Women in Business Leadership Conference. The mission of the Conference is to cultivate and enrich the MBA women's academic experience, enhance career networks for women, and celebrate the remarkable strengths women bring to corporate America. We bring together motivated MBA students, alumni, successful corporate businesswomen, and thriving entrepreneurs from all over the country to connect, discuss, and learn more about issues facing women.

Forté Foundation

McCombs is a founding member of the Forté Foundation—a national non-profit organization designed to increase the number of women business owners and business leaders. We have joined other educational institutions, businesses, and non-profit groups to build awareness of business education among young women, to increase the number of women entering business, and to support the careers of women through business networks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The following questions address some of the most common concerns had by prospective students. Please contact us if you’d like to speak with one of our members.

What is the career recruitment atmosphere at McCombs?
The recruiting process is straightforward and uncomplicated. A variety of companies, from technology start-ups to large industrials, recruit for all functional areas, from retail marketing to energy finance. The Ford Career Center website lists the companies that currently recruit on campus. Recruiting at McCombs is collaborative—classmates are supportive, and often help each other prepare for interviews.

What is the Cohort system?
The Cohort system places you in a group of approximately 60 students who take four courses together during the first semester. It infuses the benefits of a small, intimate program with the advantages of a large school. Through this program, you will develop a sense of camaraderie with your classmates that allows you to test your skills in a safe environment.

Is there a mentoring network for first years?
Yes. GWIB assigns first-year women a second-year mentor to help navigate through classes, choose professors, develop study habits, and acclimate to Austin. Mentors are available for everyday questions, networking, and support during your first year.

What is life like outside of school?
Austin is one of America’s most livable cities, with lively nightlife and a climate that allows for a very active, outdoor culture. Austin residents are friendly and often eclectic, well-educated, and interesting. The city maintains 30 miles of scenic hike and bike trails and is nestled against a series of lakes. Housing options are varied and affordable, ranging from downtown lofts with access to nightlife to leafy neighborhoods with good schools.

Austin Apartments Link

Whether it be Thursday night "Think and Drinks", UT football and tailgates, the Cohort Charity Challenge, 6th Street, intramural sports teams or quiet nights with friends, there is something for you – should you choose to “keep Austin weird” or not!

What should I expect during Orientation?

McCombs offers a week-long orientation before classes begin with planned activities designed to introduce you to your classmates, McCombs technology, professors, and career services. The week also offers professional seminars to improve your communication, teamwork, and self-awareness skills. Activities take place during the day and evenings. Orientation is a busy week, but a great opportunity to meet people and have fun before serious work beings. It is preceded by an optional week-long Accounting Bootcamp.