Compensation for extracurricular activites

[Delayed_flight]

Being pretty inactive in participating in extracurricular activities during my BA, I have decided to compensate for it now, durin my job. Won't adcom members conclude that I do this only for MBA thing? Does this somehow reduce my chances of getting admitted?

[paulsbodine]

Delayed_flight,

They may suspect that your extracurricular motivation is not pure, but at the end of the day what matters is the quality and depth of that involvement. So start as early as possible, find something related to a genuine interest of yours (not a 'usual suspect' charity/NGO), take a leadership role (e.g., rather than being a volunteer mentor, coordinate the efforts of a group of volunteers, or sit on a board, or start an NGO of your own), and throw yourself into it so your impact stories are strong (i.e., so you can show impressive results). With extracurriculars, adcoms care more about duration, depth, leadership and impact than why you got involved.

Good luck,

[Delayed_flight]

Thank you very much for response, Mr. Paul. The problems I am facing (and probably everyone out there) is time deficiency and lack of appropriate ideas of a future extracurricular project. How to find enough time for running a project if a workday lasts from up to 9pm and the work itself requires constant presence? And perhaps you could give some tips regarding on how to come up with a good idea of a project? Thank you very much.

[paulsbodine]

Delayed_flight,

As for time deficiency, you should view the extracurriculars/volunteering issue as the ultimate test of your time-management skills. Schools won't admit you on the basis of the number of hours you commit, but based on the impact you have. So if your extracurricular role is a leadership, high-impact one, then even the time you do manage to commit will have value.

As for what projects to get involved in, you need to ask yourself what your interests are and what you care about. Then find activities that reflect those things. One way to approach it is to eliminate the large 'usual suspect' organizations or activities that everyone else gets involved in (Red Cross, tutoring, etc.). Fine something off the beaten path and close to your heart.

Good luck,

[BrusselsToBoston]

perhaps you can initiate something within your organization? is there any way for your organization to get involved in the community and contribute to society? you can create a win-win situation here...

[bizschoolprep]

.. and extracurricular may not be just some not-for-profit or community work. It could be anything, right from organizing some fun event to founding a hiking club, etc!

[mroper12]

Hi Delayed_flight. Thank you for sharing a great question!

If you are looking for a fantastic community-involvement experience that will boost your b-school profile, consider our professional group, USA Leadership Corps (www usaLeadershipCorps org) .

USALC partners with pre-MBAs who are looking to build their consulting, entrepreneurship, and/or community-involvement resumes by leading part-time volunteer nonprofit strategy consulting projects. Please visit our website to learn more.

Thank you again & good luck.

Maxwell Roper
Outreach Director
USA Leadership Corps

[eclipse]

Would volunteering to be on the Board of Directors and taking care of the maintenance and financial activities of a 90 unit Condominium Association be considered for a good extra curricular activity? Approximately USD 200,000 is involved on a yearly basis in budgeting.

[paulsbodine]

eclipse,

I would be considered a low-value extracurricular in the sense that it is directly related to your own self-interest rather than an expression of your commitment to your larger community or society. But certainly it would be taken as an indication of leadership and responsibility.

Good luck,

[bizschoolprep]

Would volunteering to be on the Board of Directors and taking care of the maintenance and financial activities of a 90 unit Condominium Association be considered for a good extra curricular activity? Approximately USD 200,000 is involved on a yearly basis in budgeting.

Will it be considered an extracurricular for resume purpose - Yes. However, how effective you can use it in your essays will depend on the extent at which you have contributed in these activities.

Good luck!