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n03
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Peace Corps and MBA admissions 22 Nov 2011, 13:55
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Not exactly sure where to post this, but...
I noticed that some schools have fee waivers for Peace Corps alums, and this got me thinking - how would serving in the Peace Corps affect B-school admissions? Especially if the candidate doesn't have significant prior work experience? Are there certain schools that would have a particular liking for Peace Corps alums? Thoughts?
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Jacksparrow1906
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Peace Corps and MBA admissions 22 Nov 2011, 20:27
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There are peace corps volunteers at all the top schools, Duke and Columbia especially, are magnets for peace corps volunteers. You will have to create your story like anyone else and explain how your peace corps experience relates to your future aspirations. It will be difficult to be honest if you didn't have any work experience beforehand, but if you are pursuing an MBA, then you just have to focus on why it makes sense.
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Peace Corps and MBA admissions 22 Nov 2011, 22:59
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Hi n03,

Top business schools are always interested in recruiting diverse classes, and this includes candidates who have pursued non-profit initiatives. One non-profit, Teach for America, is particularly popular in business schools.

If you can properly express your goals and discuss how your experiences in the Peace Corps helped you develop as a future leader, top business schools will consider your candidacy. If you are interested in a case study of a non-profit candidate, I have posted one below:

https://www.stacyblackman.com/2011/06/16 ... ess-story/


Best,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
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jazzman
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Peace Corps and MBA admissions 02 Jan 2012, 05:47
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I've would think Peace Corps experience is looked on favorably in MBA Applications. Given increasing globalization, two years abroad in a developing country has to be valued by business schools looking to increase student's global awareness.
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Peace Corps and MBA admissions 02 Jan 2012, 08:00
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From what I've seen Peace Corps alums who are successful applicants tend to also come from top tier schools and have additional blue chip work experience. I'm not saying all have this background, but many do.
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asimov
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Peace Corps and MBA admissions 03 Jan 2012, 07:49
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Schools are looking for leaders who don't just follow the crowd but want to change the status quo. Many of my classmates who volunteered at programs like Peace Corp, TFA, WorldTeach, etc. usually gave up high salaried jobs in order to volunteer. They bring a certain mentality and experience to the class that other may not have.