Women’s Institute teaches business practices

A decline in female business students has caught the attention of the IU Kelley School of Business.

So, in 2006, the first Young Women’s Institute was created to reach out to young women in high schools and introduce them to the opportunities in business degrees, said Kathleen Robbins, director and founder of the undergraduate program at the Kelley School.

“We wanted the participants to feel well-educated with the choices they have in studying business and start determining the strength and interest of them in the business field,” Robbins said.

This year’s institute included two sessions, July 11 to 16 and July 18 to 23. During the program, participants attended workshops focused on major functional areas of business such as marketing, finance, operations management, entrepreneurship and strategic management.

Charitha Isananka of India, the first international student to be involved in the institute, said the program gave her an opportunity to travel alone and taste a different lifestyle, as this was her first time living with many Americans.

Being the only international student in a group of 28 girls from local high schools did not influence Isanaka’s performance in the institute’s activities. In fact, she said she mingled well with other participants, except for having to repeat her ideas due to her accent.

In a workshop conducted by Carolyn Wiethoff, faculty director for the institute, participants were captivated by the spirit of their instructor.

“She knows what she is saying,” attendee Carmen Siew said. “And you know there are times when professors do not know what they are talking about.”

Isanaka said she also enjoyed Wiethoff’s presentation.

“She is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable,” said Isanaka. “And even if you are not interested in the class, you can’t help to listen and engage with her energy.”

Wiethoff covered materials from real-life business stories, such as the McDonald’s libel lawsuit, and answered the students’ questions.

Having participants from different backgrounds and places brought more diversity, perspectives and interests to the program, Wiethoff said.

“There are students who come from a band, theater or sports, and they are collaborating these strengths in their work,” said Wiethoff.