Importance of Leadership experiences?

[Amrazzz]

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I'm currently a rising junior and I haven't had any solid leadership experiences apart from TAing a class. I have a strong volunteer and research background, and maintained a 4.0 sGPA (3.98 comm). How much will the lack of leadership hurt me?

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Personally, I wouldn't say a lack of leadership will "hurt" you...I'd say that "having leadership will help you".

If you can get some sort of leadership position, it means you have a commitment to doing something and are also active/involved. If you don't have one, it doesn't mean you DON'T have these things..just means you don't "shine as brightly" as someone who does.

 

[apumic]

Personally, I wouldn't say a lack of leadership will "hurt" you...I'd say that "having leadership will help you".

If you can get some sort of leadership position, it means you have a commitment to doing something and are also active/involved. If you don't have one, it doesn't mean you DON'T have these things..just means you don't "shine as brightly" as someone who does.

In med school admissions, I'd say "not helping" is the same as "hurting" due to the level of competition.

That being said, someone with literally NO leadership experience (of any kind) by the time s/he graduates college doesn't have much chance in any career (considering that most college graduate entry-level positions have a track into some sort of role that either starts with or progresses into leading/supervising other people, to include sitting on committees that make decisions or recommendations to the organization). OP, I am sure you have had some sort of leadership experience (talking situational leadership here -- not necessarily positional leadership). I'd suggest you find opportunities to lead people and get that experience if you haven't already had it. Keep in mind that TA'ing can easily become a leadership experience (start leading study groups, etc., or working with your prof to find other ways to lead). Go get a part-time job. That could offer some opportunities (esp. if you can snag a shift lead or mgmt position).

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

In med school admissions, I'd say "not helping" is the same as "hurting" due to the level of competition.

That being said, someone with literally NO leadership experience (of any kind) by the time s/he graduates college doesn't have much chance in any career (considering that most college graduate entry-level positions have a track into some sort of role that either starts with or progresses into leading/supervising other people, to include sitting on committees that make decisions or recommendations to the organization). OP, I am sure you have had some sort of leadership experience (talking situational leadership here -- not necessarily positional leadership). I'd suggest you find opportunities to lead people and get that experience if you haven't already had it. Keep in mind that TA'ing can easily become a leadership experience (start leading study groups, etc., or working with your prof to find other ways to lead). Go get a part-time job. That could offer some opportunities (esp. if you can snag a shift lead or mgmt position).

Ya, just for clarity..I was referring to positional leadership, such as board positions at university clubs/organizations.

I do agree that each opportunity/activity can be turned into leadership. If you're training people or "in charge" in any way/shape/form, it can be considereed leadership, especially if you have people turning to you for advice or whatever.

 

[Ischemic]

No it doesn't matter. Makes for a good conversational topic during the interview but that's pretty much it. Even if you don't have any you can just talk about other stuff that makes you unique. Everyone does some type of leadership for the sake of putting it on the resume so whatever.

 

[Ringout]

I'm currently a rising junior and I haven't had any solid leadership experiences apart from TAing a class. I have a strong volunteer and research background, and maintained a 4.0 sGPA (3.98 comm). How much will the lack of leadership hurt me?

I think TAing a class is great leadership experience. Its all how you sell it. Much better than being "President" of a club that meets only once/semester to induct new members.

OP, for the record, I've never been president of any club (on the e-board of two, but these were clubs were not very active either) and not once was I questioned on my leadership ability during interviews. I was accepted to several schools.

 

[apumic]

I think TAing a class is great leadership experience. Its all how you sell it. Much better than being "President" of a club that meets only once/semester to induct new members.

OP, for the record, I've never been president of any club (on the e-board of two, but these were clubs were not very active either) and not once was I questioned on my leadership ability during interviews. I was accepted to several schools.

Honestly, I HAVE been in leadership of an active club and made significant and sweeping changes to it and I don't know that I'd want to list that on a med school app. Club leadership positions really aren't all that valuable. The skill-set between them and what you need in a hospital work setting is radically different. Obviously, I cannot speak for a physician's leadership needs, but in my position, the leadership skills I use in the hospital are nothing like the ones I've used in "leadership" positions at school.

 

[Kaustikos]

I'm currently a rising junior and I haven't had any solid leadership experiences apart from TAing a class. I have a strong volunteer and research background, and maintained a 4.0 sGPA (3.98 comm). How much will the lack of leadership hurt me?

Since when is teaching not leading?

 

[LizzyM]

Since when is teaching not leading?

My niece is teaching kindergarten.... that's not leading. The principal of the school is the leader.

A leader in tutoring is the person who coordinates the services of a group of tutors.

Leaders delegate authority to others, act as spokesman when problems arise, acts as a decision maker for a group of peers.

Organizers of group activities are leaders.

As a rising junior you should have more opportunities for leadership roles on campus. Check with the alumni office -- events for alumni often require student assistance and you can rise through the ranks to be a leader among student helpers. The school's development office is another place where you can be of service and grow into a leadership role among student volunteers.