<p>What kind of ECs do Top MBA programs look for in an undergrad? I'm basically asking what kind of ECs should I do as an undergrad, activities Top MBA programs like to see?</p>
<p>Honestly, top programs are going to care a lot less about the ECs you were involved in as an undergrad (unless they are ECs that show a tremendous amount of leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and/or organizational ability – not just membership in a group), and a lot more about what you do after you graduate while you are working full time.</p>
<p>If your resume is really good, your ECs won’t even show up on it.</p>
<p>I would actually beg to differ. While I think it’s true that the fact you were in band camp in high school doesn’t really play a role, but I believe that top MBA programs are looking for those who take a leadership role in their communities, in addition to the workplace. They want you to be a contributor to the community after you get your MBA, and not just the business world. So in that sense, extracurricular activities are pretty important. Well, at least that’s my understanding of it.</p>
<p>By time you apply for an MBA program, if you are gunning for a top one, you should be removed enough from college that your ECs mean 0. If you have good work experience, your ECs shouldn’t even make the cut for your resume.</p>
<p>The best ECs are the ones that help you land the best job out of undergrad. ECs in the field you want to go in (research for engineering, investment club for finance) are good signals to future employers. An EC where you have a leadership position and responsibility is also good. A better part of an EC are the connections you make and the networking opportunities. If you are part of a frat (business or social) or big club, you can make connections and enter into an alumni network that might help you get your first job. If you just join stuff for the sake of joining though, you won’t make a lot of friends in the group and won’t be able to use the connections or networks to your advantage.</p>
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<p>The only thing we really differ on is the definition of ECs. Given that the students mainly use this term, my definition is: “Being outside the regular curriculum of a school or college” while yours also includes: “Being outside the usual duties of a job or profession.” </p>
<p>To clarify, I was referring to undergrad ECs.</p>
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<p>I’m not thinking of college ECs, unless, of course, they are the very spectacular kind. Instead, I’m thinking of professional activities while working, like leadership positions in professional organizations, speaking engagements, community service projects, leadership positions in one’s church/synogogue/mosque, etc., involvement in self-improvement clubs (like Toastmasters) and even college alumni activities. These kinds of activities are important to show that an applicant is multi-dimensional.</p>