What if I don't like community service and want to apply for a MBA?
Business schools traditionally look for community service in a MBA application for multiple reasons.
One, obviously, ethical practices and giving back have become increasingly important across the business world, and candidates with an innate interest would be a stronger natural fit for taking on extra projects that benefit the community and raise the company profile.
However, community service has a more immediate use for the business school admissions committees - for gauging a MBA applicant's fit for their program through examples outside the rigid structure of the workplace. It is a fair assumption that a candidate who demonstrates leadership, communication, initiative and focus without the incentives of monetary gain or professional advancement can truly practice these attributes and can hit the ground running for academic, personal and professional success in business school.
All this is well and good.
However, what if like the candidate below, you are simply not that interested in community service?
Below is a question series MyMBAAdmit received on one of our partner forums.
Applicant:
I don't have an interest in traditional community service. If I were to do this, it would only be to position myself for the MBA application. What do elite business schools look for in terms of community service in the MBA application?
If I were to do anything extracurricular, I am very interested in becoming an umpire/referee/Track & Field official. Would that help? What skills would I need to emphasize?
My MBA Admit:
There is no set definition for community service. Effective community service is when you can benefit the community by contributing your unique talents.
My clients have had many facets of community in their applications, including one who coached a football team for physically handicapped children. If sports are your interest and you feel you can contribute, go for it. By participating in something you are interested in, you will be more committed to making a meaningful impact rather than community service that you are doing only for the MBA application.
Thank you for your response. Now I have another question:
I just got certified to become a referee and according to league rules, I have to get paid per game (even though I would gladly do it without the compensation). Does this still count as extra-curricular activity, or would I have to list it as a second job?
My MBA Admit:
I would still think of this as an activity, versus a side job.
By participating in these activities, you are demonstrating that you are committed enough to go to the effort of getting certified and regularly putting in your time. Plus, you are building a host of soft skills including leadership, initiative and teamwork that are definitely outside the workplace. In this light, the fact that you are getting a small compensation becomes almost irrelevant. Focus instead on the benefits of this activity - both for you in terms of character-building and for those you are helping in the sports community.
In summary, as we advised this applicant, community service is what you, the applicant, makes out of it. The more time and effort you put in, the stronger is your position to achieve substantial benefits and demonstrate these in your application. However, you will be more inclined to put in the time and effort if you are truly interested. If hammering nails for Habitat for Humanity doesn't interest you, don't do it for the sake of the business school application. A less well-known cause, but one that you are truly committed to, will help both the community and you to a much greater extent.
One, obviously, ethical practices and giving back have become increasingly important across the business world, and candidates with an innate interest would be a stronger natural fit for taking on extra projects that benefit the community and raise the company profile.
However, community service has a more immediate use for the business school admissions committees - for gauging a MBA applicant's fit for their program through examples outside the rigid structure of the workplace. It is a fair assumption that a candidate who demonstrates leadership, communication, initiative and focus without the incentives of monetary gain or professional advancement can truly practice these attributes and can hit the ground running for academic, personal and professional success in business school.
All this is well and good.
However, what if like the candidate below, you are simply not that interested in community service?
Below is a question series MyMBAAdmit received on one of our partner forums.
Applicant:
I don't have an interest in traditional community service. If I were to do this, it would only be to position myself for the MBA application. What do elite business schools look for in terms of community service in the MBA application?
If I were to do anything extracurricular, I am very interested in becoming an umpire/referee/Track & Field official. Would that help? What skills would I need to emphasize?
My MBA Admit:
There is no set definition for community service. Effective community service is when you can benefit the community by contributing your unique talents.
My clients have had many facets of community in their applications, including one who coached a football team for physically handicapped children. If sports are your interest and you feel you can contribute, go for it. By participating in something you are interested in, you will be more committed to making a meaningful impact rather than community service that you are doing only for the MBA application.
Thank you for your response. Now I have another question:
I just got certified to become a referee and according to league rules, I have to get paid per game (even though I would gladly do it without the compensation). Does this still count as extra-curricular activity, or would I have to list it as a second job?
My MBA Admit:
I would still think of this as an activity, versus a side job.
By participating in these activities, you are demonstrating that you are committed enough to go to the effort of getting certified and regularly putting in your time. Plus, you are building a host of soft skills including leadership, initiative and teamwork that are definitely outside the workplace. In this light, the fact that you are getting a small compensation becomes almost irrelevant. Focus instead on the benefits of this activity - both for you in terms of character-building and for those you are helping in the sports community.
In summary, as we advised this applicant, community service is what you, the applicant, makes out of it. The more time and effort you put in, the stronger is your position to achieve substantial benefits and demonstrate these in your application. However, you will be more inclined to put in the time and effort if you are truly interested. If hammering nails for Habitat for Humanity doesn't interest you, don't do it for the sake of the business school application. A less well-known cause, but one that you are truly committed to, will help both the community and you to a much greater extent.
Posted by My MBA Admit at January 25, 2010 
Categories: Business Schools, MBA Admissions, MBA Essays, MBA Admissions Consulting
Tags: Essays General Admissions
Categories: Business Schools, MBA Admissions, MBA Essays, MBA Admissions Consulting
Tags: Essays General Admissions
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