How much do firms ACTUALLY care about Extracurriculars?
Hey guys, I just finished my first year of uni, and I have a very packed extracurricular schedule for next year:
- President of the school’s investment society
- Director of the students’ association
- Varsity athlete
- Cofounder and co-chair for a few national student competitions / conferences
- Team Canada for a global business competition
- 2 part time jobs and many other things lol
Do you think firms will actually care that I’m doing all of this, or will they disregard it and keep me to the same work experience / GPA standards as someone with no EC’s? Curious what everyone thinks, thanks!
Firms do care about extracurriculars, but the weight they place on them depends on the context and the role you're applying for. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Extracurriculars as Differentiators: Extracurricular activities can make you stand out, especially if they demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative. For example, being the president of an investment society or co-chairing national competitions shows leadership and organizational skills, which are highly valued.
Leadership and Impact Matter: It's not just about being involved; it's about the impact you've made. Firms are more likely to be impressed if you can showcase tangible results or achievements from your roles, such as growing membership, organizing successful events, or winning competitions.
Holistic Evaluation: While GPA and work experience are critical, extracurriculars can tip the scales in your favor, especially in competitive industries like investment banking or consulting. They help paint a picture of a well-rounded candidate who can handle multiple responsibilities.
Relevance to Career Goals: Activities that align with your career aspirations (e.g., investment society for finance roles) are particularly valuable. They show genuine interest and commitment to the field.
Balance is Key: While your packed schedule is impressive, firms will still expect you to meet GPA and work experience standards. Extracurriculars are a complement, not a substitute, for strong academic and professional performance.
In summary, firms do care about extracurriculars, especially when they highlight leadership, impact, and relevance to your career goals. However, they won't overlook GPA or work experience, so aim to excel in all areas.
Sources: Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Get an edge on the competition - ask Vantage Point MBA your business school application questions, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Ask Natalie from Accepted about Business School Admissions, Does GPA matter for Private Equity?
Imo GPA standard will remain the same. Don't over load yourself if it's going to negatively impact your GPA.
Focus more on the president of the investment society: that imho has the strongest value-add to your application.
Every hiring manager is different
I will actively discriminate against you if are part of a finance society or have any demonstrated interest in finance.
I will actively support you if were a varsity athlete who can maintain top grades.
My ideal candidate is a varsity athlete (swap for excellence in an extracurricular field), excellent grades in a non finance major, who didn’t know IB existed until they met me
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