Ask not what your college can do for you...

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:22 am

Ask not what your college can do for you...

by CPA2011 » Sun Aug 07, 2011 8:21 am
I've asked many a question regarding service/extracurricular activities recently as this is the area where I am most lacking. I do not volunteer regularly, mostly due to my hectic work schedule, but I have finally found something that I feel like I can actually devote some meaningful time to (i'm still 1 year out from my application time of summer 2012 to begin in fall 2013). However, I'm worried that this may not seem "diverse" enough an activity to round out my application.

I've recently found an organization related to my alma mater through which I can, on a regular basis, give presentations and participate in panel discussions for the benefit of undergraduate business students. Not only does the timing of these events work well with my hectic work schedule, but I'm also very interested in this and would get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Taking into account that this is something very closely related to my undergraduate college, does this seem like a "weak" volunteer/service activity? I know it's a far cry from building schools in sub-Saharan Africa or being the VP of an international non-profit, but it is something that I'm passionate about (business education, financial literacy, etc) and something that I won't be forcing myself to do, I actually WANT to do it.

That being said, from a purely MBA application perspective, does this seem like a solid way in which to contribute to my community or is this at the level of "better than nothing"??

Any input is greatly appreciated.

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 288
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:23 am
Location: Los Angeles/NY
Thanked: 58 times
Followed by:11 members

by PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal » Sun Aug 07, 2011 12:44 pm
CPA,

If you are passionate about this project, then that energy will be evident in the essays and interviews. My question is how often will you participate, and is there any way to not just present but to also organize and shape the organization? Is there a formal leadership role?
Alex Leventhal
Harvard MBA, 1998
Prep MBA Admissions Consulting
www.prepmba.com
[email protected]
(323)424.3178