Listing technical skills on resume instead of volunteering?

Depends on the technical skill. If it's CFA Level III candidate and you are looking to transition into finance then sure by all means include it. However if it's something like C++, Java and you are looking to transition into tech, I would say not so much. It's not a resume for a job, it's an MBA application resume. Unless you can be slightly more specific it's hard to say one way or the other.

I would say though most admissions teams do want to see well rounded individuals. So spending a couple of lines detailing your EC accomplishments would demonstrate you have an active interest in the community outside of work.

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Hmmm personally I would not put those in instead of your ECs. Having experience with a Bloomberg terminals is not a huge plus whereas it would definitely be a negative if you do not include any ECs. For sure I would try and sneak that info somewhere on your application as a whole but, in my opinion, not at the expense of ECs (especially if you state 1 or 2 EC achievements). Start a couple of threads in the ask admissions consultants section, they may be able to chime in and give you a better steer.

For an MBA to be honest, the technical skills aren't that useful to have in your resume. It won't help you boost your profile or get you in, no matter how impressive. So much better is to use that space for MBA stuff... if not volunteering, then leadership, teamwork, achievements.... something that WILL help.

I whole heartedly agree with Jon. Technical skills are absolutely irrelevant when it comes to an MBA resume. Actually, they're irrelevant when it comes to MOST resumes. Unless you're applying for a very specific job that lists certain skills as necessary, they add very little to a resume.

Additionally, your previous experience with Bloomberg, etc. won't help you get into MBA programs. Most programs have training programs on this anyway. So if you don't have it going in, you'll have it coming out. The time to add those skills is when it comes to RECRUITING for internships and full time offers.

Remove it. Definitely include your volunteering activities. Also, don't discount a truly personal statement to soften up the resume. Do you have a dog that means the world to you? Perhaps you're a proud uncle or aunt? Or maybe you play paintball every week. Whatever it is, allow the reviewer to connect with you as an individual. Your abilities at Bloomberg don't allow for that.

Bhavik