Learning doesn\u2019t only happen in the classroom. Modern colleges and universities are encouraging extracurricular activities more than ever before, in a continuing effort to broaden teaching, embrace holistic education, and cultivate comprehensive development.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent years, a great deal has been said about undergrads using\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fto improve their chances of getting into the\u202fMBA program\u202fof their choice. Although there has been less focus on\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fwhile pursuing an MBA,\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fare, or should be, a key part of the colligate experience at all levels.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Study after study has shown that an \u201call work and no play\u201d mentality is unhealthy and unproductive in the long run. Meeting with a club or devoting time to a hobby is a great way to refresh yourself, reduce overall stress levels, and prevent the burnout that plagues far too many students in demanding and difficult MBA programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The advantages of\u202fextracurricular activities\u202faren\u2019t limited to helping you get admitted into and then completing an\u202fMBA program. Before we examine these specific benefits, let\u2019s take a moment to examine the particulars of extracurricular engagement through a practical lens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the average MBA student, there are no shortage of\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fto choose from. Depending on your interests, availability, lifestyle, experience, and goals, you may want to consider\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pursuing an MBA is challenging and time consuming. Devoting extra time to\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fwhile keeping up with your studies won\u2019t always be easy and may have\u202fnegative effects. Just bear in mind that you won\u2019t be able to do\u202feverything you\u2019d like to and choose your\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fwisely. Also remember that the advantages of\u202fextracurricular activities\u202ffar exceed the negatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although MBA academic curricula can be rather restrictive,\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fgive you leeway to try things that you are passionate about. Whether it connects directly to your studies or not, you can learn something from extracurricular engagement that will stay with you for the rest of your life. By honing your skills in various areas, you can gain key values and personality traits that will enhance both your professional and personal life in ways that just may surprise you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The skills you build through extracurricular participation can also boost your academic performance. Among a wealth of research that supports this fact, a\u202fTexas A&M University<\/a>\u202fstudy showed that students who embrace\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fwere significantly more likely to achieve positive academic outcomes and better final grades. From improved memory and critical thinking, to enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills,\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fcan boost academic performance in a variety of ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of extracurricular engagement aren\u2019t limited to the college campus. At minimum, balancing a healthy academic and extracurricular life aids in the development of time management skills, and effective time management is a key trait in successful people of all kinds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Relationship building and communication skills are areas of development that are particularly helpful in all aspects of professional and personal life. According to Clear Admit MBA admissions expert Alex Brown, the single most\u202fimportant\u202fadvantage of joining an MBA club or committing to an extracurricular activity is \u201cengaging with like-minded students who are members of the same clubs and therefore share similar interests\u2026 as well as potentially networking with leaders in industries in which you are interested.\u201d In short,\u202fextracurricular activities\u202foffer ample opportunities for networking while sharing ideas and learning from a group of people with common interests. Alex Brown goes on to single out clubs as an essential job search resource. \u201cSome industry-related clubs will develop their own resume guides, conduct mock interviews, and undertake various other activities to compliment the work of career services,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Related to the importance of networking, the value of improving your reputation in your industry or market of choice cannot be underestimated. Whether you want to continue your education or broaden your career horizons,\u202fMBA program\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fdo more than simply pad your resume. The key is engaging with\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fthat dovetail with your specific wants, needs, and goals. In the words of Alex Brown, \u201cFor some career switchers, the career clubs are very\u202fimportant. While a business plan competition might be a good platform for entrepreneurs, for someone seeking more leadership experiences, a trek up a mountain with other students might be revealing. Those who aspire to develop their cultural intelligence will be more focused on seeking out international trips, maybe even a study abroad program.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are pursuing your MBA, you likely have a significant aptitude for business as well as academics, but securing your MBA is a daunting task regardless. If you want to be successful in your\u202fMBA program\u202fand in your unfolding business career, a healthy level of confidence is an absolute must.\u202fExtracurricular activities\u202fgive you a unique opportunity to do something well because you are passionate about it. This is a surefire way to self-awareness, self-satisfaction, and self-esteem. If you develop self-esteem by reaching\u202fimportant\u202fgoals in a field that you enjoy, you are well on your way to reaching your life goals while maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good\u202fMBA program\u202fwill match your academic requirements and your lifestyle while advancing you toward your ultimate professional goals, and extracurricular activities\u202fare a big piece of that puzzle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The University of the Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)\u2019s\u202fGary W. Rollins College of Business<\/a>\u202foffers a number of distinct benefits that go far beyond the classroom. As you make your\u202fMBA program\u202fchoices, you owe it to yourself to take a close look at what the UTC MBA Program<\/a> has to offer. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learning doesn\u2019t only happen in the classroom. Modern colleges and universities are encouraging extracurricular activities more than ever before, in a continuing effort to broaden teaching, embrace holistic education, and cultivate comprehensive development.\u00a0 How Important Are Extracurricular Activities During an MBA Program?\u00a0 In recent years, a great deal has been said about undergrads using\u202fextracurricular activities\u202fto… <\/p>\n3. Broaden Social Skills and Increase Networking Capabilities\u202f\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Impress Future Business Partners and Employers\u202f\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Boost Self-Esteem\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finding an\u202fMBA Program\u202fThat Meets Both Your Academic and Your Extracurricular Needs\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n