By Kelly Ogiba
At UCLA Anderson, it’s not so much the quantity of your work experience that counts, but the quality. Non-traditional students may have work experience prior to the start of their undergraduate career, and we note this on an individual basis. Do not forget that military service is considered work experience, contributing greatly to development of leadership and decision-making.
Your work experience should be reflected in your essay, interview and, especially, in your résumé. The admissions staff is looking at your overall career trajectory, and the decisions you took along your career path. Promotions, title changes and increased responsibilities demonstrate your growth within an organization. If you have led projects or supervised individuals, include details like the number of people and project duration. Discuss cross-functional experience, as this will show your increased business acumen and understanding of additional functions of business.
If you have changed jobs, be sure to highlight new responsibilities and leadership opportunities you accepted — especially in areas that have given you skills necessary for your post-MBA goals. You will be asked why you switched jobs, and how these experiences led you to your career aspirations. Your employment narrative, often known as “your story,” is unique to you, so make it original!
A common question we get at recruiting events is, “Do extracurricular activities really matter?” Yes! Anderson has a culture rooted in involvement, where relationships flourish into friendships. It is important for the admissions staff to see that you value community engagement, and that you have other interests that give you work/life balance. Hobbies and interests speak to who you are and what you find important in life. This area can also predict your future involvement at Anderson and your initiative to take a leadership role within student organizations. Employers will be curious to see how you added value to the Anderson environment. Take a look at our student organizations (which are split into identity, interest and professional clubs), and reach out to our current students. Gather detailed information about the organizations’ events and activities. This will make for great talking points during your interview.
It can be challenging to find free time in your daily life, especially when you are working full-time and applying for an MBA program. If you find yourself at work until late at night, see what committees or groups you can join within the office (this can include staff appreciation committees, and heading volunteer groups).
The admissions staff enjoys getting to know you, and learning how you spend your professional and free time. We even get a few suggestions from students about new hobbies to take on — but I’ll pass on BASE jumping for now!
Kelly Ogiba is associate director of UCLA Anderson MBA admissions. This blog was adapted from her most recent post in the MBA Insider’s Blog.
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