Extracurricular Activities - Politically criticized ORG-

Question

Hi! I am applicant from Asia(Japan)

I have a question about extracurricular activities that I would like to put on my resume. There are some famous NGOs, such as Greenpeace and Amnesty international. I am doing a volunteer on one of those NGOs concerning fair trade business for few years, in order to contribute for the society, expecially for those who are financially weak. However, I am not sure how my activities are regarded by MBA admission, because those NGOs are sometimes criticized of their aggressiveness and their strong left-wing political position. I know that not every one agrees to those NGOs political mission. Some people may think that nuclear power plants are necessary for economic growth, and some people think that protecting whales are not necessary. I think I am politically moderate. However, are there any possibility that I will be regarded negatively by attending on those NGOs?? I just wanted to know how generally these activities are regarded by US universities, and how applicants express their extracurricular activities effectively. In Asia, generally even weak political belief or activity may be regarded as "dangerous" people by companies, because traditional companies usually dislike those kind of activities. They want employees to work cooperatively without strong opinions. If this is the same in US MBA admissions, I may not express my activities too much. Thank you so much for your advice in advance!! :-D

mgg234 · Answer

Amnesty International is viewed as a very good organization in America, Greenpeace is more mixed.

astoria17 · Answer

Thanks for your comment. Do you mean, Greenpeace might affect the applicant negatively to admissions?

mgg234 · Answer

The issue with Greenpeace is that they do some explicitly illegal things in the name of saving the planet, I'd be interested in hearing some other people's opinions on this though. I think the benefit of showing leadership in it would outweigh any risk of negative association though. America is pretty much the antithesis of Asian culture, in that everyone speaks out about their beliefs constantly...

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

This is great question and @mgh234 has provided a great perspective. We've dealt with this situation - with Green Peace as well as other political organizations - with our clients before. The fact of the matter is, it's a part of who you. You're involved in this organization because you believe in what you're doing and that doesn't mean what you're doing is the illegal stuff.

There is a balance to be struck here - between who you are and what's important to you on one side and being aware that the person reading your application is another human being on the other. But that shouldn't mean that you leave it out. If you were involved and held an impactful or leadership position, then you should tell the adcom that.

The last point @mgh234 made is pretty spot on - strong opinions aren't discouraged in the US. Abrasive people are. You can have a strong opinion or belief and not be obnoxious about it, right? You can be abrasive without a strong opinion, actually

What exactly you share and how you share it will be unique to your position. However, the broad response to your question is for most applicants including something that people may have a belief about one way or another isn't a reason to hide it.

Bhavik

What exactly you share and how you share it will be unique to your position. However, the broad response to your question is for most applicants including something that people may have a belief about one way or another isn't a reason to hide it. Bhavik

FortunaAdmissionsMJ · Answer

Hi there,

That is terrific you've been volunteering for both of these well known organizations. You will absolutely not be judged and disregarded in any way because of your engagement with them so not to worry about including them in your application. Of course there are exceptions if for example your roles and activities are unethical but I'm sure that's not the case. As long as you clearly state what you've been doing for them, you're all set. US schools will be happy to see that you've been engaged in other activities outside of work.

Regards,

domotron · Answer

I get the impression (rightly or wrongly) that most admissions comittees are liberal-leaning, so I really don't think you have an issue there. So any organisation that has a mission to better the world or planet will almost certaintly not hurt your candidacy.

astoria17 · Answer

Thank you so much for the great comments! I understood the culture in US and I really respect for not having prejudice only on what kind of organization one participate in.

Extracurricular Activities - Politically criticized ORG-

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