Balancing the demands of an MBA with the responsibilities of parenthood is no small feat, and London Business School alumna Kirsty Clafton knows this challenge all too well. She studied the LBS MBA program between August 2022 and July 2024.
In this insightful interview, Clafton, a former army officer, reflects on her journey of pursuing an MBA while raising two young children, including a neurodivergent son.
She shares the motivation behind her decision to pursue an MBA, the challenges of managing an intense academic program alongside family life, and the vital role her support network played in helping her succeed.
Clafton also offers advice to prospective MBA parents and provides thoughtful suggestions for how business schools can better support students with children.
Ultimately, her story underscores the importance of flexibility, planning and leaning on a strong personal and academic network to navigate the unique pressures of juggling both parenthood and higher education.
What inspired you to pursue an MBA while managing parenthood, and how did you gear up for the challenge?
I saw the MBA as an opportunity to improve my CV, gain new skills and explore career opportunities, while we were living in London due to my husband’s job. Coming from a military background and aspiring to transition to human resources (HR), the MBA felt like the right way to shift my career.
Balancing it with parenthood was a challenge, especially since I had just finished maternity leave and my older, neurodivergent son had recently turned three. Preparing involved a lot of planning around childcare, knowing it might be unpredictable, and working closely with my husband to share the load.
What support did your MBA program offer for students balancing parenthood?
London Business School offered flexibility through timetabling weekend and evening classes, which helped balance work, studies and family life. There was also a representative available to address any mitigating circumstances, like unexpected childcare issues.
My study group also played a key role in helping me manage the workload and explaining the academic content. They were flexible about meeting at times that worked best for my family, which made a big difference. There’s also an informal parents’ network, set up by students for MBA parents and their families. This was a useful network to share in a journey which can be difficult at times.
How did your personal support network help you balance parenthood and business school?
It was essential. My husband took on a lot more responsibilities at home, especially with bedtime routines, and stepped in when childcare arrangements fell through. When our nanny quit unexpectedly during my third week of the program, my parents and mother-in-law would come to stay for a few days or weeks to help with the children. I also had plenty of babysitting offers from friends on the MBA. Without this combined effort, it would have been nearly impossible to manage both parenthood and the MBA.
What advice would you give prospective MBA students who are parents on managing the stress and time demands of both roles?
Surround yourself with as much support as possible, both at home and within the MBA. Childcare can be unpredictable, so having backup options is crucial.
Communicating openly with your study group and program administrators can also help alleviate pressure. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help — it’s a challenging balance, but with the right support system, it’s manageable.
What advice would you give MBA programs to better support students with children, based on your experience?
MBA programs could offer more flexibility, such as relaxed attendance policies for parents dealing with emergencies. Partnering with childcare providers or offering support in finding reliable childcare would be beneficial as well. More advance notice of scheduling at the start of the program and for exams would also be beneficial to allow parents to better plan for childcare from the outset.
Program administrators should also emphasize the importance of study groups and foster a culture of understanding among students, as my study group’s flexibility and support played a key role in helping me manage my family responsibilities alongside my studies.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in managing both parenthood and your MBA program?
In hindsight, I would have focused on securing more reliable childcare earlier on. The unpredictability of it added stress that could have been avoided. I also learned the value of communication, both with my family and within the MBA program. My study group was extremely supportive, and if I’d asked for help earlier, it might have made things easier from the start. Overall, having a solid plan for support at home and being open with your study group and program administrators can make all the difference.
