Blackman recommends two ways to strengthen an MBA application with volunteer work and extracurriculars. “Start by brainstorming things that you enjoy doing in your personal life and seek out related organisations”, she writes. “Perhaps you can expand one of your lifelong hobbies within a group setting. Are you a cycling enthusiast? Consider volunteering at an advocacy organisation working to improve the cycling environment in your city.”

Her second advice is to focus on quality: “Seek out leadership opportunities in your existing activities or find an organization that can benefit from your management skills. Taking charge in your extracurricular interests is great material for any leadership, management or teamwork-themed essay.”

The reason for business schools to put weight on these extracurricular activities is that they are looking for individuals who are concerned about their work and improving the world around them. The activities also prove that applicants are self-aware about their own role as a leader and their abilities to influence and change.

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