Which Hobbies and Interests Should I Include in my MBA Resume?

Malvika Patil
Jul 25
4 min read

The “Hobbies and Interests” section may sit at the bottom of your MBA resume, but it can add a lot of value to your application.

Admissions committees often skim this part with curiosity, looking for what truly makes you you. They don’t want people to just add value in terms of their careers and backgrounds, but also in terms of their social skills. People with real personalities, not an army of consultants and finance bros who love to “travel” to their vacation home and “read” Atomic Habits for the fifth time.

The Hobbies and Interests section is your space to stand out, and show the kind of classmate and community member you'll be.

Why does the hobbies and interests section matter for MBA admissions?

This section matters a lot more than you might think!

Like we said earlier, MBA programs aren’t just looking for corporate overachievers. They’re building a community and want to know who you are outside the 9-to-5. Your hobbies offer a glimpse into:

What drives you personally, not just professionally
How you work with others (especially if your job doesn’t give you much opportunity to collaborate)
Your leadership potential beyond the workplace. This could help fill gaps in your professional profile if you haven’t managed teams formally, etc.
The diversity you bring to the class in terms of interests, culture, and perspective

When done well, this section helps round out your profile and complements your professional achievements by highlighting creativity and character.

What kind of hobbies or volunteer work are “good” to include in an MBA resume?

Not all hobbies are created equal on an MBA resume. The key here is to showcase intentionality and depth.

In our experience, the best hobbies are those that:

Show commitment or achievement

Instead of writing “running,” say “Completed 6 marathons, including Berlin and Boston.”
Instead of “reading”, say “Moderate a monthly book club focused on behavioral economics.”

Leadership through volunteering

Admissions committees love to see you take initiative. If you’ve led a local nonprofit chapter, coordinated fundraising for a cause, or advised a student club post-college, that speaks volumes, even if it wasn’t part of your job.

Experiences that highlight diversity or global exposure

Travel can be valuable, but be specific. “Visited 25 countries across 5 continents” or “Solo hiked the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal” tells a more colorful story than just “love to travel.”

Activities that align with your goals

If you're targeting social impact roles post-MBA, then regular involvement in community projects, mentoring, or policy advocacy adds credibility and depth to your goals.

Unique or creative passions

If you're an underwater photographer, classical musician, drone racer, or practice traditional Indian pottery, own it. These passions show creativity, discipline, and help you stand out from a sea of applicants.

Can I include activities and interests from undergrad in my MBA resume?

Yes, but only if they still reflect who you are today.

Include:

Leadership roles you held during college (especially if they transitioned into alumni involvement)
Long-term commitments (e.g., member of college a cappella group; now serve as alumni mentor)
Honors, achievements, or student initiatives that relate to your current goals or personality

It’s best to avoid listing minor or one-off college activities unless they’re especially relevant or ongoing.

I don’t have many interests outside of work. Is it too late?

You’re not alone; many professionals (especially those in consulting, tech, finance, and other dynamic industries with long working hours) find themselves in this boat.

Avoid the temptation to suddenly join three clubs or do a one-week volunteering trip just for the resume. Admissions officers can tell when something is inauthentic. In addition to the value you add, they’re also looking for consistency and genuine passion for something. A 1 month stint at an NGO that you joined while working on your MBA applications doesn’t seem very genuine.

Instead:

Choose one meaningful activity that you’d enjoy, and stick with it
Look for ways to lead, whether that’s organizing events, mentoring others, or contributing your professional skills to a nonprofit
Start small, but start early. Consistency is key.

How should I format the hobbies section on my MBA resume?

Keep it concise but impactful. Aim for 2–4 bullet points, and make each one specific.

Instead of:

Interests: Travel, Running, Volunteering, Photography

Try something like this:

Interests: Amateur wildlife photographer with work exhibited in local galleries, weekly group marathon organizer in Manila, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2023, parent to 33 healthy houseplants and a rooftop veggie garden.

Each line shows a unique action. It might even be a conversation starter in your interview.

Don’t overstuff this section. Stick to 2–4 strong entries. And naturally, don’t fabricate your interests! Don’t claim to run ultra-marathons if you just jog on weekends. Interviewers often dig deeper, and you don’t want to get caught.

Even one memorable, well-explained hobby is more powerful than a list of buzzwords. Use it to tell the committee who you are beyond the numbers.

Our Resume master guides and downloadable templates can help you get started.

If you're struggling with positioning yourself strongly on your MBA resume, you can also get in touch for a free 20-minute consultation.