This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
LEADERSHIP ROLES & ACTIVITIES
Our community at Anderson is defined by three core qualities -- we share success, think fearlessly and drive change. When you apply to Anderson, your extracurricular activities and leadership roles in your college, workplace and/or community can help to show us how you have exhibited these qualities to leave an impact on others.
Overall, we are looking for the quality of your involvement and leadership roles, NOT quantity. Your past is a good predictor for how involved you will be on Anderson's student-run campus. Did you know that our 40+ student clubs and leaders help to host over 400 events every year? Recruiters and employers also see your past leadership experiences and involvement at Anderson as signs of your future leadership interest and potential in their organizations.
You may have been involved in activities you've since forgotten or have had varying levels of involvement in depending on other events in your life. Here are some great examples to hopefully jog your memory (or inspire you to get involved again. It's never too late to start!):
University/College Activities
- College athletics: Team captain? Most Valuable Player? Operations manager?
- Leadership role in a campus club, non-profit organization, sorority or fraternity
- Writer or Editor of a campus publication
- Mentor for high school students
- Orientation leader or campus tour guide
- Volunteer missions
- Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
- Case competitions
- Peer tutor
Post-College Activities
- Leadership role in an alumni association
- Continued involvement/role in non-profits or professional organizations
- Workplace engagement teams
- Volunteer team leader
- Public speaking or teaching roles
- Active role in political organizations or local campaigns
- Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) role
- Founder of a non-profit or community event
One of the most common questions we get is why college activities might still be of relevance or interest to the admissions committee given that they may have happened 5-10 years ago. If you think about it, college life is similar to MBA life in that once again, you'll be balancing academics with career recruiting and social activities. Your past involvement gives us some indicator of your ability to contribute to your community while succeeding in these other areas at the same time. If you didn't balance it well in college, let us know how you have grown professionally and personally to be able to manage effectively as a student. In the end, we value all contributions, big and small, that our students make to create the amazing environment and culture that we have on campus!
Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!
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