Extracurriculars and W/E - picky questions

[Daniell]

Hi,

I've got a couple specific questions on ecs and w/e, in my case.

1) During my time at university, I was working & studying (both full time), therefore didn't have time to participate in extracurriculars through university and externally, but since then I've filled in that gap.
Do B-Schools, especially the top ones, prefer extracurricular activities engaged while at school or is it ok if it was after one finished their undergraduate studies?

2) B-Schools usually quote 'relevant' work experience. I graduated with a business degree, majoring in marketing. Yet, I've been working in the financial services sector, doing finance related work with some marketing, but not quite the pure-marketing experience. Is that an issue, or generally, is any good w/e alright?


I'm pretty picky on words, so maybe I'm just over-thinking these requirements. But just to be safe, please let me know if that makes any impact.

Thanks for any advice,

Dan

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Dan,

I think you are honing in on too narrow a definition of these words, but that is ok. Better to ask your questions and know how to present your background effectively, then not ask and go in the wrong direction. To answer your questions:

1) Extracurriculars during college are important, but it is actually what you have done since that is more meaningful. Like when you look for a job, it is the more recent items on your resume that are given the most scrutiny. Since most people are the opposite (less ECs since college), I think it will be a strength in your profile to show that you have grown in your ability to manage your time and incorporate a balance of work and activities. Schools like well-rounded folks with a life outside of work.

2) Relevant refers to not just the degree you earned, but the career you want to pursue post-MBA. So, what matters here is that you have full-time, professional work experience--not that it is in a narrow role related to your degree. A large number of folks pursue careers that are different from their degrees; it is the type of work and how they have progressed in that career that matters most. Likewise, how relevant the experience is to your career goals post-MBA, meaning are your career goals realistic based on your past experience plus an MBA.

Hope that helps to clarify meaning and give you a sense of what you need to focus on in presenting your background. Best of luck!
Lisa