Outside of Work Activities for Top MBA Program

I'm currently an associate in a middle market, commercial lending group of a super-regional bank. As I plan the next few years of my life, I'm wondering what type of things I should be doing outside of work in order to help my candidacy at a top MBA program. Ideally, I'd like to go to Columbia, Stern, LBS, or Wharton. Since my hours are very favorable (45-60/week) I feel like it would be good to do something outside of work besides lift weights a lot, rank up in Halo Reach and perfect my quoting of American Psycho.

Brief background in case this also plays a factor in how active I have to be outside of work as an "adult" now: 3.804 GPA (3.96 in Finance) at a well respected, large research university (although the business school is only top 50/top 75). Lots of extra curriculars and leadership positions in undergrad. Study abroad experience in London.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2 Comments
 

Iusto similique perferendis cumque similique nobis eligendi. Veniam modi id voluptatibus facilis non sunt laboriosam. Iure beatae doloremque mollitia ut sint. Consequatur aut odio odit illum id enim repellendus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (27) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”